Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is a statewide organization that strives to enable Illinois soybean producers to be the most knowledgeable and profitable soybean producers in the world.

The Media Relations Manager will manage the day-to-day media relations needs of the organization such as preparing written press materials, managing interview requests, and preparing talking points for spokespeople. This position would also provide content support for ISA’s in-house publication, Illinois Field & Bean. This role would also support a variety of internal and external communications efforts, including, but not limited to, blog writing, event planning and communications project management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as media relations manager for the organization, which includes:
  • Writing and sending press releases
  • Managing content calendars
  • Developing and updating talking points
  • Responding to reporter requests
  • Scheduling and coordinating of both earned and paid media opportunities
  • Providing media support needs at ISA events
  • Media training needs as needed
• Acts as staff writer on Illinois Field & Bean & SoyInnovator blog
• Leads content development for ISA’s in-house trade blog, Bean There
• Helps develop additional content needs for internal and external audiences as they arise
• Assists with development and execution of ISA campaigns
• Assists with photography needs as needed
• Supports internal communications projects and organization events as assigned

Competencies

• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively with others on a team
• Ability to analyze problems, develop a path toward problem solving, and manage the process to completion
• Capacity to make decisions and communicate with tact and professionalism
• Strong written and oral communications with internal and external audiences
• Strong relationship-building skills, and ability to thrive within a rapidly changing environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects with varying timelines and specific deliverables needed for each

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English/Writing, communication, or marketing
• A diverse communications skillset with an emphasis on writing, proofreading, and editing
• Extensive experience using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 8-10 years of relevant work experience
• Experience as a reporter
• Experience working with Cision, Mailchimp, WordPress, Box, Slack, and/or similar applications

Physical Requirements

• Must be available to travel offsite for meetings/events when necessary.
• Must be available after hours and weekends to trouble shoot problems that may arise.
• Some physical demands – may need to lift between 35-50 lbs.