New York Farm Bureau is seeking an experienced, agile, collaborative and driven Director of Communications to join its team in Albany, N.Y.

POSITION PURPOSE: Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Communications is responsible for the overall management of the external, internal and executive communications functions of New York Farm Bureau. They will play an active role in public policy, membership advocacy, marketing communications, and workers compensation concerns. They will lead significant change initiatives within their department that align with New York Farm Bureau goals and strategic priorities as it readies for an exciting new phase of organizational growth.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Work directly with the CEO and directors of public policy, events, member advocacy and county relations to ascertain communications needs, relevant news announcements, event promotions and internal messaging that build external awareness of New York Farm Bureau’s mission and activities and maintain consistent messaging across all teams.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of New York Farm Bureau’s policies and programs and develop media plans, press releases, talking points, opinion pieces, executive communications, metrics reports, event materials and other items in a timely manner to support these efforts.
• Serve as spokesperson for the organization as needed.
• Oversee the organization’s strategic communications efforts including public policy messaging and social media strategy.
• Liaise with the marketing department to create unified messaging for marketing initiatives.
• Manage a communications team with oversight provided to adjacent personnel.
• Update and administer New York Farm Bureau’s website and social media pages.
• Create and execute editorial calendars.
• Maintain strong connections with important media contacts and serve as the front line in receiving and pitching news opportunities.
• Oversee branding opportunities for key personnel.
• Edit and write marketing and communications materials, including our bi-monthly newspaper and annual reports.
• Provide support for county Farm Bureaus and their leaders, including newsletter copy, letters to the editor, talking points and press releases.
• Collaborate with other team members on the New York Farm Bureau podcast and other new media projects.
• Manage technical communications platforms (like Cision, Mailchimp, Basecamp, Adobe products and more).
• Conduct New York Farm Bureau public events and press conferences.
• Represent New York Farm Bureau among agricultural and association partners, serving on boards as needed.
• Serve as a registered lobbyist within the organization and file relevant reporting materials.
• Find creative ways to rethink monetization opportunities within your department.
• Work closely with outside groups to develop co-branded or industry-specific communications products.

ABOUT NEW YORK FARM BUREAU: New York Farm Bureau is the premier agricultural service organization serving as the voice of agriculture in New York State. Our mission is ,“supporting today’s agricultural needs and creating member opportunities for tomorrow through advocacy and education.” New York Farm Bureau is at the center of moving our local food systems forward, whose members help to feed their neighbors, our state and the world. We strive to open doors and remove hurdles so family farms and agribusinesses can be successful today and for future generations. And we have a seat at the table for every major policy decision that impacts New York agriculture and our greater economy. This influence is noticed. City and State has named both our CEO and President as among the most influential people in upstate New York and in agriculture. Our members, made up of the state’s diverse farmers, agri-professionals and supporters, are at the heart of the organization. New York Farm Bureau advocates member-approved public policies that start with our 52 county Farm Bureaus. We help the state’s farms navigate challenges at the local, state and federal levels while also working to create new opportunities that will help them thrive. This includes providing members with the latest news, educational programs, networking events and leadership development. New York Farm Bureau also manages the Workers Compensation Safety Group 486 for members. Our vision is to be the voice of New York agriculture that unites a diverse farm community and builds a stronger food system and rural economy.

WHO YOU ARE:

• You employ a proactive approach to current situations and future issues.
• You are collaborative and creative, willing to work cross-functionally with other teams and departments.
• You desire success while understanding the nuances of the organization as a whole.
• You are mission driven with a passion for supporting our farm members and New York agriculture.
• You are a strategic thinker who has a proven track record of implementing plans.
• You have leadership experience and understand the importance of motivating and nurturing your team.
• You are nimble, adaptable and able to switch between projects at a moment’s notice.
• You can take direction from multiple sources, including board executives and the CEO.
• You can thrive in a hybrid work environment with travel as needed.
• You are familiar with how local, state and federal government works and the lobbying process.
• You are adept at the latest social media platforms and how to maximize social content for optimal reach.
• You are a keen editor and writer with experience in copy development.
• You have a track record of success in building, leading and transforming communications functions and delivering impactful approaches that captivate diverse audiences, ideally within a mission-driven organization.
• You demonstrate proven results in the efficacy of your communications practices and believe in developing metrics and tracking KPIs as related to your work. 
• You are proficient in communications technology systems, including CRM, CMS, SEO/SEM and believe in leveraging the power of these systems to optimize impact.
• You believe in accountability and hold your team to a high standard, pushing others to be creative and strategic in their thinking.
• You can move beyond planning and can implement strategies with successful outcomes.
• You possess an outstanding history of relationship building and keen understanding of the power of partnerships and message amplification.
• You have experience in successfully managing budgets and resources related to your work.
• You are authentic, inclusive and values-minded and instill these virtues in others.
• You are receptive to feedback and can transform it into new approaches to your work.
• You can maintain brand standards and push for New York Farm Bureau’s mission to remain present and visible when working with other cooperatives and collaboratives.
• You are energized by New York Farm Bureau’s mission.
• You hold a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, business, journalism or other applicable fields of study.
• You have at least 12 years of experience in the communications field, with a significant amount of that experience focused on team leadership, corporate communications, public affairs and media relations.
• You live within driving distance of Albany, N.Y. (or are willing to relocate) with the ability to work in-house as part of a hybrid work structure.
• You have a clean driving record and can transport yourself for work-related events.

WHAT WE OFFER New York Farm Bureau is proud to be an inclusive, thoughtful and friendly employer with strong relationships between our staff. The culture is one where all positions are given voice to increase employee acceptance of our mission and have a say in the future success of our organization.

• The hiring range for this role is $90,000 to $105,000 annually, paired with a competitive benefits package that includes:
• 401(k) and generous employer matching programs
• Comprehensive, low-cost health insurance which includes access to and flex spending accounts.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Generous vacation time and accrued sick time, as well as dedicated personal days and paid time oƯ for your birthday.
• Extensive paid holiday time
• A hybrid work environment with summer hours and continuous flexibility
• Life insurance coverage of up to 1.5 times annual salary
• Tuition reimbursement programs
• Voluntary benefits, including dental, vision and pet insurance.
• A growing roster of employee discounts
• Employee assistance and wellness programs for holistic health benefits
• The opportunity to lead a team that is at the heart of the New York Farm Bureau’s mission and communications strategy.
• A supportive environment where your skills are nurtured and contributions valued, which includes access to ongoing education and training opportunities.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to Deb Remy at dremy@nyfb.org.