Position Title: Communications Associate

Department: Communications

Reports to: Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Growth Energy is seeking a Communications Associate to join our dynamic and dedicated team. As the leading trade association representing producers and supporters of biofuels, we work every day to bring consumers better choices at the fuel pump, grow America's economy, and improve the environment for future generations.

This job description provides a general guideline of the most common duties, responsibilities, and minimum requirements for this position. It is not all inclusive and the position may vary as circumstances indicate or as determined by the organization.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Communications Associate is primarily responsible for supporting the Communications Department’s media relations efforts and key programming initiatives. The ideal candidate shall demonstrate exceptionally strong writing and digital communication skills, as this position will be responsible for assisting in the development of press releases, blog posts, and social media posts, in addition to supporting other Communications Department efforts.

This position reports directly to the Director of Communications & Media Relations and will work closely with other Communications team members. Previous experience on Capitol Hill or in the agriculture and/or energy industry is a plus.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Support the development and execution of plans and projects for media relations, marketing, and communications activities
• Manage the association’s social media platforms, including rapid response across all Growth Energy digital platforms
• Support Director of Communications in responding to media activities including rapid response
• Draft, proof, and distribute finalized press releases, LTEs, op-eds, and statements
• Update and maintain key message materials, issue briefs, media support, website content, and background materials on priority issues
• Develop digital content to compliment Growth Energy’s media activities
• Build and oversee execution of a digital editorial calendar
• Compile daily clips, conduct daily media monitoring, and track related metrics
• Draft weekly member newsletter
• Perform other related duties as assigned

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:

• Training/Certifications
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 2 years of experience working in communications, marketing or digital management
  • Capitol Hill or agency experience is a plus

• Essential Skills & Knowledge
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and demonstrated strong interpersonal skills
  • Excellent writing, communication, and editing skills
  • Experience drafting press releases and talking points
  • Strong aptitude for and skills in digital and social media communications
  • Experience managing digital platforms for clips, newsletters, and webinars
  • Familiarity with the federal political process
  • Background in media relations, public relations, public affairs, or industry communications
  • Background in or familiarity with agriculture, the biofuels industry, and/or liquid transportation fuels a plus
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
  • Experience in WordPress and Adobe Suite preferred

• Essential Competencies & Behaviors
  • Flexibility to attend to an ongoing cycle of news and information outside normal work hours
  • Ability to interact with various levels of professionals, including senior executives
  • Able to manage multiple projects and prioritize work to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, with minimal supervision
  • Enjoy working as a team member, willing to work in a small-team environment and assist as needed
  • Capable of making decisions with maturity, common sense, and good judgment

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The fast-paced nature of this position for Growth Energy requires a consistent office presence. Employees are generally expected to maintain regular and punctual attendance. Employees may also need to work varied extended hours as projects demand and during organization events which can include nights and weekends, as business needs dictate. Some travel is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Sitting/standing/lifting/keyboarding/etc.