What are the responsibilities and job description for the DIRECTOR, BRAND STRATEGY AND ENGAGEMENT position at National Corn Growers Association?
Summary
NCGA is looking for a Director of Brand Strategy and Engagement to support and elevate brand communications to farmers, policymakers and external stakeholders. The position will be responsible for content strategy and development, as well as distribution channel strategy and engagement tracking. The selected candidate will serve as the lead staff for the Communications and Education Action Team.
Reports to: NCGA Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Duties and Responsibilities
External Brand Strategy Communications
- Develop and implement a unified brand strategy that positions NCGA as the trusted voice of U.S. corn growers with policymakers, state and industry partners, corn farmers and members, and external stakeholders.
- Lead integrated communications campaigns across channels that support NCGA's policy priorities, market development and membership goals.
- Work with market development and membership teams to turn complex technical topics into clear, engaging stories.
- Partner with state corn organizations on message development and implementation.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to manage creative development needs, including the website, video, publications, and campaign assets.
- Support issue- and reputation-management communications on topics that affect corn growers.
- Keep brand standards and messaging frameworks consistent across the organization.
Engagement Tracking Analysis
- Define key performance indicators and set up tracking across digital, email, media and grassroots advocacy channels.
- Keep dashboards current and report regularly to leadership and the board, with clear insights and recommendations.
- Use analytics tools such as Google Analytics, Sprout Social, social listening, media monitoring and CRM or email platforms to measure reach, sentiment and audience behavior.
- Measure how well campaigns work and how much value they return, and use the results to adjust strategy, messaging and budget.
- Monitor public and media sentiment on agriculture and corn-related issues to spot emerging risks and opportunities.
Action Team Staff Leadership
- Serve as lead staff for the Communications and Education Action Team, managing grower communications, agenda development, securing appropriate speakers, evaluating projects and budget reporting.
- Manage programs within the Action Team portfolio and any associated outside contractors, developing reports back to the Action Team as necessary.
- Develop and monitor budgets for areas of responsibility.
Qualifications and Skills
- Experience designing, implementing and tracking marketing and communications campaigns from start to finish.
- Hands-on experience with analytics and reporting tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills with the diverse writing abilities, including the ability to write formal reports as well as write social media posts, news releases, etc. Command of AP Style a plus.
- Ability and willingness to build relationships with and become a resource for state corn partners, corn board members and other external stakeholders.
- Strong collaboration skills across teams and stakeholders.
- Strong preference for knowledge about U.S. agriculture, agribusinesses, the corn industry and associated issues.
- Ability and willingness to travel.
Education/Experience
- A bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, agricultural communications, or a related field.
- 8 or more years of experience in communications or brand strategy. Experience at an association or in agriculture is preferred.
Travel
Requires travel. Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Location/Position Type
St. Louis, MO. Hybrid work arrangement available
NCGA is an equal opportunity employer
The National Corn Growers Association is committed to cultivating a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Our goal is to attract qualified candidates and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.