Communications Specialist

Contributes to communications strategies for the Dairy Business Association, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and Dairy Strong Sustainability Alliance through content creation and media relations that enhance the organizations’ brands and the image of members and the greater dairy community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Enhances and expands the organizations’ social media profiles and presence on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and other platforms. 
• Creates written, photo and video content and adapts the content as appropriate for print, online and social media platforms. 
• Curates relevant content from outside sources, including news media, agricultural organizations, customer groups and members for use on social media and in e-newsletters. 
• Serves as a resource for members in building social media platforms, brands and skills. 
• Fosters relationships with news media outlets and helps maintain a database of media contacts. 
• Pitches story ideas to news media to promote conservation activities and other positive work of members. 
• Writes and distributes press releases and assists in arranging press conferences and media tours. 
• Handles media requests for information. 
• Directs freelance writers and edits stories. 
• Helps coordinate print and e-newsletter content and helps design pages. 
• Populates web pages for the organizations and associated farmer-led watershed conservation groups. 
• Develops creative content approaches to educate and entertain members, the public and lawmakers. 
• Assists in developing and executing public relations campaigns that promote the organizations, members and partners. 
• Uses analytics tools to measure audience reach, engagement and growth through social and news media, and contributes to assessments for managers and boards of directors. 
• Monitors news on social media and other platforms and works with managers to respond when necessary to correct misinformation or defend the organizations, members, dairy farming and dairy foods. 
• Collaborates with communications specialists at other agricultural organizations to learn best practices, share ideas and leverage content and campaigns. 
• Participates in crisis communications, including controlling access to social platforms, monitoring activity and strategically engaging audiences. 
• Performs other duties that may be assigned.

• Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related course of study. 
• A minimum of two years of professional experience in writing and editing for all media platforms is also required.

Compensation is negotiable depending on skills and experience. In addition to salary, we offer:

• Health insurance 
• Health Reimbursement Account 
• Short-term disability 
• Life insurance 
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• 401 (k) plan 
• Paid holidays