The Communications Director is responsible for partnering with the business to manage information delivery.  This includes managing all internal and external communications channels, reaching employees and member-owners, the Board of Directors, dairy industry publications, the media and the public.  In their role, they will also consult for the business on public relations issues and crisis management, as well as executive and deliver labor relations communications.  This role will play a critical part in supporting short- and long-term business objectives by implementing a cohesive strategic communications strategy including the cooperative's charitable giving.

Key Accountabilities

Communications Strategy & Channels

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies aligned with the organization’s mission and goals, ensuring that the most effective communication channels are leveraged.

• Collaborate with other departments to align Communications strategy with overall business objectives.

• Develop and coordinate all messaging, promotional materials and advertising to ensure a consistent approach to the marketplace, including the coordination, design and activities related to industry trade shows.

• Develop ongoing promotional communications and programs for key customers, potential customers and emerging markets, including marketing activities related to the Foremost Farms USA website.

• Oversee the planning and execution of cyclical and special information meetings for member-owners and employees.

• Develop and execute internal communication strategies to keep employees and members informed and engaged.

• Lead the direction, development and content of the internal and external websites.

• Manage electronic and social media communications and associated policies.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Communications professionals responsible for working with the business, creating content, and implementing the overall communications strategy.

• Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture that promotes collaboration, accountability, and respect among all employees. 

• Drive continuous improvement in Communications strategies and effective delivery of communications across the organization and externally.

• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team for the co-op.

• Lead and support employees through change management, specifically in support of the communication of the co-op’s key initiatives.

• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership in handling complex organizational change communications.

Content Creation

• Partner with the business to write and edit communications materials, including website content, newsletters, and presentations, ensuring professional and consistent branding and messaging.

• Writing and/or managing content and communication plans, such as organizational announcements, member communications, member and company meetings, press releases, and social media posts.

• Collaborating with key business leaders to produce the cooperative’s annual report and sustainability report.

Crisis Management & Media Relations

• Develop and implement plans to manage crises and protect the organization’s reputation.

• Responsible for coordinating responses to incidents.

• Key consultant to business on media and public relations impacts

• Maintain contacts with the media, dairy industry and professional organizations, groups, etc.

• Act as the media spokesperson for Foremost Farms USA

Budgeting

• Administer the donation, sponsorship and cooperative giving policy and budget.

• Partner with Finance to complete the annual operating plan budget process for Communications department.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, business administration or related field.

• 10 years of corporate leadership experience.

• Strong communication skills, strategic thinking, leadership skills, project management skills, knowledge of communication technologies, media relations experience and crisis communication experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, business administration or related field.

Physical Setting - Hybrid, corporate-office role, with up to 30% travel.

Because you and your family matter, Foremost Farms offers some of the best benefits in the area! Our comprehensive medical plan includes health, vision, dental, and prescription insurance. You can choose to enroll in a single or family plan with low monthly premiums and low annual deductibles ($250/$500). Other benefits include:

• 401(k) with a generous company contribution (100% match on up to 8% deferral)

• Paid time off, starting at 200 hours (25 days)

• 10 Paid holidays

• Paid parental leave (6 weeks paid at 100%)

• Flexible spending accounts – for medical and dependent care (childcare) expenses

• Life and disability insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Referral program

• Advancement opportunities!

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Foremost Farms we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.