International Fresh Produce Association

Director, Communications and Public Affairs

International Fresh Produce Association

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Washington • District of Columbia • Washington • United States

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Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • Provide strategic counsel to the corporate communications and marketing teams on the policy issues, implications and recommendations leveraging communications and media
  • Work closely with the Government Relations, Food Safety and Regulatory and Science and Technology teams with ongoing issues affecting policy
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive public affairs communications and media relations strategy to enhance the association’s awareness, issues and visibility
  • Cultivate relationships with journalists, editors and media outlets to secure positive coverage
  • Manage external agency resources
  • Cultivate relationship to build the IFPA brand within Washington, DC circles
  • Manage and measure association’s government and issues communications program
  • Create and execute media pitches for government trade and consumer media related to policy issues
  • Proactively seek opportunities to drive the association’s positions and narrative
  • Ensures appropriate metrics are being measured to capture association’s media and messaging performance
  • Monitor policy stories and media landscape for proactive opportunities to leverage company thought leaders and positions
  • Ensure media experience and partnership with association is productive and positive
  • Collaborate with internal teams to develop and refine key policy messages
  • Craft compelling and clear communications including press releases, statements, quotes and talking points
  • Serve as lead press handler for IFPA members and Senior management during appearances, including testimony
  • Drive communications strategy to amplify the association’s policy priorities and government relations advocacy efforts
  • Partner and align with marketing and communications functions to ensure a seamless and cohesive brand narrative; leverage IFPA research and experts to solidify expertise and value

Requirements

  • Bachelors degree required in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism or related field.
  • Masters Degree preferred
  • 8 years of progressive experience with communications, media relations and leading a team
  • Experience working for a political office, agency or organization in Washington, DC strongly preferred
  • Experience working with Washington DC media strongly preferred
  • Strong Understanding of industry issues, US trade policy; basic understanding of the global trade landscape desired
  • Interest and understanding of government policy and political science strongly preferred
  • Familiarity with EU Government institutions, processes and policy landscape a plus
  • Proven track record of effective communications on policy issues and initiatives
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills, media relationships and stakeholder engagement
  • Proactive, hands-off execution and innovative angles to stories and visibility
  • Drive for results and relentless pursuit to win
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including senior executives, association members and government offices
  • Effective agency management experience requires
  • Ability to learn quickly and prioritize information
  • Proven results with successful campaigns or policy victories
  • Knowledge and ability to deliver on standard and innovative PR tactics and best practices.
  • Ability to work in face-paced environment, under pressure and balance multiple priorities effectively
  • Located in the Washington DC metro area strongly preferred.
  • MS Office suite
Benefits
  • Business related travel required on average 3-5 times per year
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
communicationsmedia relationspublic affairs strategypolicy communicationspress release writingstakeholder engagementgovernment relationstrade policycampaign managementPR tactics
Soft Skills
written communicationverbal communicationinterpersonal skillsproactive executioninnovative thinkingresults-drivenability to prioritizeagency managementcollaborationadaptability
Certifications
Bachelor's degree in CommunicationsMaster's degree in related field