OBJECTIVE: Improve the lives of Iowa soybean farmers by increasing awareness, understanding and trust of modern agriculture among key constituents including food-minded consumers, brand leaders and influencers. This position reports to the Sr. Dir., Information & Education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Monitor and communicate issues pertaining to the soybean industry and their relationship to consumers’ quality of life; identify and act on opportunities to make these topics relevant to non-farm audiences and communicate them using high-value, consumer-facing channels.
  • Oversee Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) ag awareness portfolio that includes:
    • Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP)
    • CommonGround
    • Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation
  • Develop and implement the strategies and activities of the Iowa FFP in partnership with allied partners and stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with an external team of communications professionals to execute priority activities that drive greater trust in modern agriculture among key publics.
  • Establish and oversee ISA’s ag awareness budget; network with allied partners to leverage soybean checkoff investment in support of external funding.
  • Collect and apply quantitative and qualitative consumer research, including annual Consumer Pulse survey.
  • Serve as editor of Fresh Pickings Magazine, a publication of the Iowa FFP; oversee its editorial schedule, distribution and finances including the procurement of advertising.
  • Lead content development for owned channels including social media, email newsletter and magazine.
  • Coordinate with ISA team members for content development across owned, earned and paid media channels.
  • Coordinate activities and tactics including community events, farm tours, keynote speakers and partner events.
  • Represent the organization with external partners, sponsors, media and Iowa FFP consumer audience.
  • Author quarterly reports, present updates to ISA board and external partners.
  • Provide timely feedback and input to the Sr. Dir., Information & Education, for the betterment of the team and ISA’s service to soybean farmers and industry stakeholders.

COMPETENCIES

  • Acting Decisively
  • Communicating Effectively
  • Coordinating Project Activities
  • Creating and Maintaining Networks
  • Displaying Creativity
  • Evaluating and Implementing Ideas
  • Presenting and Public Speaking
  • Setting a Strategic Vision
  • Utilizing Feedback

TRAVEL

  • This position requires occasional travel, within Iowa. Some travel is outside Iowa and overnight.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

  • This position has no supervisory responsibility

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications or related field.
  • 2 – 5 years of experience in related field such as public relations, communications, industry relations.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Passion for working with farmers and understanding of agriculture is strongly preferred.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account available
  • Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Dress for your Day Dress Code 
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources 

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

 

View Company Information

To see other positions, click here.