Marketing and Communications Director

Practical Farmers of Iowa•Ames, IA

3d•$86,000 - $105,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The communications and marketing department brings the stories of PFI members to life and shares them widely. Authentic stories have the power to create human connection, build understanding and inspire people to envision and move toward a more resilient agricultural future. The eight-person communications and marketing team manages a diverse portfolio of work that includes a quarterly magazine; award-winning videos and advertising campaigns; graphic design and visual branding services for the organization; numerous print publications; multiple email newsletters; a website – and more. Collaborating with staff and departments across PFI, this team shepherds an array of integrated marketing campaigns from planning through completion to support PFI programs and goals. As both a strategic leader and vision champion, the communications and marketing director will guide PFI’s communications and marketing efforts to strengthen relationships, amplify our mission and inspire engagement across our community and beyond. This person will oversee the department’s team while leading the development and execution of Practical Farmers’ marketing and visioning strategy. They’ll provide strategic leadership for internal and external communications, including rapid-response messaging, while fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity and adaptability to evolving communications trends and member needs. Through our many platforms, our aim is to strengthen community engagement, elevate farmer voices and expand awareness of PFI’s programs and impact. To track our success and spur innovation, the communications and marketing director will steer evaluation of our marketing efforts. When relevant, they’ll lead change management to successfully embrace new ideas. They will also lead contractors, budgets and cross-department collaboration; support sustainable funding efforts; and build relationships with partners, funders and influencers to advance PFI’s mission and goals. If you’re a creative, agile communications leader who enjoys guiding complex campaigns and cares about building a more resilient agricultural landscape, this position may be for you. You’ll join a collaborative, curious and mission-driven team working to elevate PFI’s voice and support programs across the organization.

Requirements

Understanding of public relations principles and media relations
Knowledge of reputational risk assessment and strategies to handle sticky organizational issues
Digital proficiency in social media strategy, content marketing and analytics
Bachelor's degree (or four additional years of industry experience) in communications, marketing, journalism or a related field
Knowledge of Midwestern agriculture
At least five years of experience leading and inspiring a team of staff to meet goals
At least three years of experience leading interdepartmental collaborations
Strong written and verbal skills
At least seven years of professional experience in a communications, public relations or marketing role
At least five years of project management experience
Experience with media relations
Experience with marketing campaigns
The ability to multitask and prioritize projects in a fast-paced environment
Curiosity to learn new industry trends as communications best practices evolve

Nice To Haves

At least five years of editing and copywriting experience
Crisis communication experience
Creativity to develop innovative communication strategies

Responsibilities

Develop and oversee implementation of PFI’s communications and marketing vision and strategy that builds our community, elevates farmers’ voices and increases visibility of PFI’s programs and presence.
Oversee the process for measuring the success of PFI outreach and marketing campaigns.
Facilitate change management for the communications and marketing team.
Ensure sustainable funding for PFI programs and strategic objectives with support from the development team.
Oversee communications and marketing staff and contractors.
Manage department capacity and budget efficiently to complete work.
Facilitate collaboration between departments and teams to achieve marketing and communications project deliverables.
Network and outreach with funders, partners and influencers to generate public awareness and opportunities for PFI.
Serve on PFI’s director’s team to ensure alignment across organizational departments.
Other duties as assigned or volunteered to support department or team projects.