Communications Director - National Sorghum Producers (NSP)

Full-Time • Lubbock, TX

Job Summary

The Communications Director is responsible for overseeing all National Sorghum Producers (NSP) communications activities in order to ensure the organization is releasing accurate, consistent, informative, and pertinent communications to growers, lawmakers, media, industry partners, and stakeholders, while providing communications expertise for the organization. The Communications Director oversees staff and contractors who carry out NSP communications and member-related support. This role is currently hands-on, with the opportunity to grow into a more strategic leadership position as the communications team expands. The Communications Director reports to the Executive Director. The Executive Director performs personnel reviews and salary administration for this position.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Communication Management

• Manage all communications plan activities and build external relationships with the organization's communications-focused constituencies, including but not limited to policymakers, membership and the media.

• Develop and implement integrated strategic communications plans to influence policy decisions and advance NSP’s brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences.

• Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization. Work with the leadership team, staff and member states to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.

• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including, budgeting, planning, and staff development.

• Monitor and report on communications performance across all platforms; use data to inform and refine strategies.

• Streamline content creation processes and implement systems that improve efficiency, consistency, and cross-platform integration across the communications department.

• Serve as a strategic communications counselor to NSP leadership, staff, board of directors, and members by providing guidance on messaging, media interactions, public speaking, and effective communication practices that align with the organization’s voice, values, and policy goals.

Media and Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as a spokesperson and lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the organization and its policy priorities.

• Serve as a point of contact, as well as maintain and develop relationships with the media.

• Develop and pitch story ideas to relevant media outlets; build media kits, write talking points, and press materials that align with organizational goals.

• Plan and execute NSP’s presence at key media events by coordinating interviews, preparing briefing materials, and strengthening relationships with reporters to secure earned media coverage and support advocacy goals.

• Provide communications support to all NSP subsidiaries.

Publication and Content Management

• Oversee development of all NSP print communications, including Sorghum Grower magazine, annual report, marketing collateral materials and electronic communications, including NSP’s website, Sorghum Notes newsletter, Sorghum Smart Talk: Policy Edition podcast, social media channels and new media.

• Serve as executive editor for Sorghum Grower magazine and coordinate with NSP Industry Relations Director to increase ad sales and revenue.

• Manage editorial calendar, contributor communication, and production timelines for publications, including Sorghum Grower magazine and the Sorghum Notes newsletter.

• Lead or support production of the organization’s podcast(s), including editorial planning, guest coordination, recording, editing, and distribution strategy.

• Coordinate and/or produce original visual content—including photography and video—to support digital and print storytelling, social media campaigns, and media outreach.

• Capture and publish live content at key events; develop post-event wrap-ups and visual highlights for use across platforms.

• Plan, produce, and manage webinars, including content development, speaker coordination, promotion, technical setup, live moderation, and post-event follow-up to extend audience engagement and message reach.

• Manage and contribute to the design and layout of print and digital materials—including magazines, reports, advertisements, infographics, slide decks, and event collateral—ensuring high-quality visuals that align with NSP’s brand and communication goals.

Policy Support and Crisis Management

• Work in conjunction with the government affairs and membership teams on public policy issues, broadening grassroots legislative, regulatory, and legal reach, and deepening the impact of NSP member benefits.

• Lead the organization's crisis communication efforts, preparing strategies and responses for potential public relations crises.

• Ensure internal stakeholders are informed and aligned with the organization's public policy positions and advocacy efforts.

• Coordinate with media contacts during policy pushes or crisis events to ensure timely, accurate, and aligned messaging that supports NSP’s public policy objectives and maintains organizational credibility.

Fundraising and Event Support

• Collaborate closely with the fundraising team and the Sorghum PAC to develop and execute communications strategies that enhance fundraising efforts and meet the PAC's goals.

• Collaborate closely with the Membership Director to develop and execute communications strategies that enhance and grow individual and E-membership.

• Craft compelling narratives and messaging that resonate with potential donors and stakeholders, effectively communicating the impact of policy initiatives and the importance of financial support.

• Promote fundraising events, leveraging media channels and digital platforms to maximize attendance and contributions.

• Ensure consistent and persuasive communication across all fundraising materials, including proposals, newsletters, and marketing materials.

• Lead comprehensive communications efforts for the annual Commodity Classic, Sorghum Improvement Conference of North America, and other events as assigned, including pre-event promotion, media coordination, on-site content creation, branding and signage, speaker support, and post-event coverage across print, digital, and social platforms.

• Coordinate with Industry Relations Director, Membership Director, and other team members for communications materials that support revenue-generating efforts for NSP, including direct mail campaigns, support materials for events, and online fundraising.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field

• Minimum of three (3) years of progressive communications experience, with a strong blend of advocacy, public relations, and content strategy

• Prior experience in agriculture or agribusiness is preferred

• Experience working in Washington, D.C., or in policy communications is preferred but not required

• Proven ability to manage multi-channel campaigns from concept through execution and evaluation

• Demonstrated success in collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, legal, sales) to ensure alignment in messaging

Technical & Content Skills:

• Strong writing and editing skills, with proficiency in AP Style

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)

• Familiarity with website management systems (e.g., WordPress), email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp), and social media scheduling tools

• Experience managing organizational social media presence, including Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube

• Photo and video production experience and SEO knowledge is a plus

Strategic & Leadership Abilities:

• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with media, industry stakeholders, and policymakers

• Demonstrated success coaching senior leaders and stakeholders on media interviews, messaging, and public speaking

• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities independently

• Self-starter with strategic thinking capabilities and a hands-on mindset

• Collaborative team player with maturity, judgment, and leadership presence

• Experience managing staff, freelancers, interns, or vendors is a plus

• Ability to develop and streamline processes to increase efficiency within a communications department

NSP is an equal employment opportunity employer and strives to comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, medical condition, or sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state, or local laws. All such discrimination is unlawful and all persons involved in the operations of NSP are prohibited from engaging in this type of conduct.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Michelle Howard, NSP Human Resources Director at michelle@sorghumgrowers.com.

Learn more and apply here.