Job Summary Summary

This position reports to the Senior Manager, Media and Content Strategy. The Communications Manager will oversee the implementation of internal and external communication strategies and manage special projects in public affairs, public relations, and digital media. This position collaborates with key internal stakeholders to write clear, concise, and compelling copy for various Western Growers Family of Companies (WGFC) audiences, including staff, members, clients, vendors, media, and consumers. The Communications Manager ensures a consistent WGFC voice – aligned with organizational objectives, positioning strategy and brand guidelines – across multiple mediums, including websites, email newsletters, membership magazine, advertisements, and social media. This position will also manage various strategic initiatives and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree and five (5) years of experience as a journalist, writer, producer or communications specialist in public affairs, media, trade association, nonprofit, government or political campaign, or in the healthcare, health benefits, or health insurance industry, preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong writing and editing abilities; proficient in Associated Press (AP) style; experience as a copywriter, a plus.
• Knowledge of best writing and messaging practices for business correspondence, public relations, advertising, marketing and sales copy, and social media.
• Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and online content strategy and creation.
• Experience in developing multimedia content, including videos, photos, and infographics, a plus.
• Proficiency in driving multiple cross-functional projects and working with various departments.
• Highly adaptable and can meet, prioritize, and manage competing demands.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain quality relationships with external members, clients and vendors, and internal staff.
• Advanced-level proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of public policy issues affecting farming, ag, and fresh produce industry, a plus.
• Internet access provided by a cable or fiber provider with 40 MB download and 10 MB upload speeds.
• Home router with wired Ethernet (wireless connections and hotspots are not permitted).
• A designated room for your office or steps taken to protect company information.
• A functioning smoke detector, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit on site.
• Verifiable, clean DMV record and the ability to travel to various locations throughout the U.S. (mainly California and Arizona) up to 20% of the time.

Duties And Responsibilities

Writing and Content Development

• Under the direction of the Senior Manager, Media and Content Strategy, develop and drive implementation of internal and external communications strategies.
• Write clear, concise, and compelling copy with consistent messaging, voice, and style that reflects WGFC organizational objectives, positioning strategy, and brand guidelines.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders on audience, scope, and messaging for all writing assignments.
• Conduct all necessary research and interviews to inform writing assignments.
• Utilize SEO to maximize the reach of all digital writing assignments.
• Meet deliverables and writing requirements and timelines established by the Senior Manager, Media and Content Strategy.
• Edit and proofread copy as needed.
• Plan and develop multimedia content in collaboration with the Marketing Department and other internal stakeholders as assigned.

Project Management and Strategic Initiatives

• Work with leadership teams to facilitate projects in various areas, including communications planning, digital communications, material development, event coordination, and project evaluation on projects.
• Provide internal stakeholders with communications support to promote various WGFC brands, products, and services and retain/build member or client relationships.
• Under the direction of the Assistant Vice President, Public Affairs, support the development and implementation of strategic public affairs and organizational initiatives.
• Support execution of WG Political Action Committee (WGPAC) initiatives, including planning and managing events and other actions to raise funds for WGPACs and candidates, independent expenditure committees, and ballot measures as needed.
• Support the management of all activities related to the WG Women, Careers in Ag, and Future Volunteer Leaders programs, in addition to other programs and projects as established; build working relationships with key internal staff and program partners and participants.
• Develop and maintain a calendar of activities, support the development of program activities and content, facilitate virtual and in-person program activities, and perform other duties as assigned.

Other

• Utilize all capabilities to satisfy one mission — to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of our members. Do everything possible to help members succeed by being curious and striving to understand what others are trying to achieve, planning, and executing work helpfully and collaboratively. Be willing to adjust efforts to ensure that work and attitude are helpful to others, be self-accountable, create a positive impact, and be diligent in delivering results.
• Maintain internet speed of 40 MB download and 10 MB upload and router with wired Ethernet.
• Maintain a HIPAA-compliant workstation and utilize appropriate security techniques to ensure HIPAA-required protection of all confidential/protected client data.
• Maintain and service safety equipment (e.g., smoke detector, fire extinguisher, first aid kit).
• Maintain a clean DMV record and the ability to travel to locations throughout the U.S. (mainly California and Arizona) up to 20% of the time.
• All other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here represent those that an employee must meet to successfully perform this job’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others. The employee frequently is required to travel to both indoor and outdoor areas that can vary in exposure and temperature. The employee is frequently required to operate a motor vehicle, use objects, tools, or controls, and/or required to lift up to 50lbs. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.