Hybrid Senior Director, Membership, Communications, Industry Relations

at U.S. Dairy Export Council

• Job title: Senior Director, Membership, Communications, Industry Relations
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Arlington, United States

About the role

• Senior Director supporting integrated communication strategies for US Dairy Export Council. Overseeing communications operations and supervising consultants across departments.

Responsibilities

• **Key Responsibilities:**
• - Support the SVP of Membership in developing, refining, and implementing a multi-channel communications strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• - Execute high-level strategic priorities into actionable communication plans, timelines, and deliverables for staff and consultants.
• - Conduct ongoing environmental scanning and proactively identify communication opportunities that advance organizational initiatives.
• - Serve as a secondary spokesperson for the organization, providing backup for the SVP of Membership and Executive Office as needed.
• - Manage incoming media inquiries and coordinate press engagement, ensuring timely, accurate responses.
• - Build and maintain relationships with journalists and trade media contacts to increase understanding and visibility of the organization’s work.
• - Draft press statements, talking points, and media briefings; prepare leaders for interviews and public appearances.
• - Oversee the development and execution of content across platforms, including newsletters, reports, email communications, and website updates.
• - Manage the work of communications and publications consultants, ensuring quality control, alignment with messaging priorities, and adherence to timelines.
• - Ensure editorial accuracy, brand consistency, and professional presentation across all written and digital materials.
• - Support the planning and execution of communication materials for legislative priorities, events, and industry initiatives.
• - Draft and package communications for policy updates, organizational statements, and issue briefs.
• - Develop and manage internal communication processes to keep staff informed of organizational initiatives, priorities, and updates.
• - Collaborate with department leads to gather content and ensure consistent messaging throughout the organization.
• - Oversee day-to-day management of digital content, including website updates, email marketing, and social media scheduling.
• - Ensure digital channels reflect current organizational priorities and engage members and stakeholders effectively.
• - Coordinate analytics tracking and provide regular performance insights to inform strategy adjustments.
• - Support the development and maintenance of crisis communication protocols.
• - Draft holding statements, FAQs, and internal guidance during sensitive or urgent situations, in coordination with the SVP and Executive Office.

Requirements

• **Education & Experience:**
• - University degree – BS/BA required
• - Minimum of 10 years of experience in communications or public relations, with at least 1-3 years in a leadership role. Experience in agriculture and/or food sector or a related industry is highly desirable.
• **Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:**
• - Experience in creating and managing communication plans.
• - Strong media relations skills with an established network of media contacts in the agriculture or trade press.
• - Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively.
• - Proven ability to develop and implement successful communications strategies and campaigns.
• - Experience managing crisis communications and navigating sensitive issues.
• - Demonstrated leadership abilities, with a history of mentoring and developing teams.
• - Knowledge of digital communications strategies and platforms.
• - Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners and stakeholders
• - Growth mindset

Benefits

• **Competitive medical, dental, and life insurance benefits as well as ample paid time away (vacation, personal, sick, and company holidays). Generous 401(k), and collaborative culture.**