Communications Advisor

AgWest Farm Credit•Spokane, WA

2h•$66,200 - $125,200•Hybrid

About The Position

AgWest Farm Credit is a member-owned financial cooperative that provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers in a seven-state territory in the Western United States. AgWest is part of the 100+ year-old Farm Credit System – the leading provider of credit to American agriculture. AgWest champions the growth and advancement of agriculture, the value of rural communities, and the vital contribution our customers make to the economy and society. We serve customers in 59 locations throughout the West. We are in search of a Communications Advisor II or Senior Communications Advisor III to join our Marketing and Communications department in Spokane, Washington (Headquarters). This full-time position reports to the VP, Marketing and Public Relations and leads the strategy, planning, creation, and distribution of AgWest’s key publications, including the company publication and annual report, to achieve communication and brand objectives. In addition, this position writes and produces content that supports AgWest’s business goals, champions agriculture, and enhances stakeholder engagement. After an initial in-office training period, this position is eligible for workplace flexibility and a one-time home office stipend. Employees are expected to continue working from their office location a minimum of 50% or 60% of the time depending on location.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in English, business communications, journalism, public relations, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Generally, requires five to seven years' experience in business communications, public relations, advertising, publications or corporate communications
Excellent verbal and written communication with an ability synthesize and share complex concepts with variety of audiences/stakeholders at all levels within the organization
Proven experience in coordinating and executing the development, production, and distribution of publications, ensuring adherence to timelines, quality standards, and organizational goals
Demonstrated ability to gain trust and confidence among key stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize, think strategically, and work proactively in a fast-paced, high-volume, creative, and deadline-oriented environment
Excellent organization, time, and project management skills
Excellent collaborative approach to work
Understanding of AP Style and ability to implement internal writing guidelines and brand voice
Experience developing strategic, multi-channel communications strategies
Experience working with executive-level teams to develop communications
Experience with intranet platforms
Willingness to travel at least once per quarter

Nice To Haves

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software with a working knowledge of SharePoint or similar intranet content management system
Experience working in the finance or banking industry

Responsibilities

Champion the AgWest brand through the development of high quality, compelling content for multiple channels, conveying the core values and purpose of our cooperative, and elevating the stories of our customers.
Lead the strategy, planning, creation, production, and distribution of AgWest’s quarterly company publication through effective collaboration as a member of the AgWest Storytelling Team and the Marketing Team.
Lead coordination of the strategy, planning, creation, production, and distribution of AgWest’s annual report through collaboration as a member of the AgWest Storytelling Team and the Marketing Team.
Research, interview, and write AgWest stories that help accomplish AgWest Farm Credit's business goals and help to champion agriculture.
Lead the development and implementation of AgWest’s print and radio advertising, based on the advertising strategy identified in the marketing plan. Coordinate management of the creative agency, serving as the primary contact, and leading advertising program development.
Serve as a member of the Crisis Communications Team. Collaborate with other team members and across business units to receive, assess, formulate action plans and implement crisis communication responses.
Manage media inquiries utilizing AgWest's established internal media protocol process. Work directly with staff and senior leadership to make strategic decisions about media engagement. Build relationships with ag-friendly media members.
Support planning and execution of deliverables to support patronage communications.
Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Other duties as assigned.