Part-Time
Position Description
Position: Director of Communications; part-time role on contractual basis
Organization: U.S. Canola Association
Location: U.S. based, preferably in canola growing region or Washington, D.C.
Reports To: Executive Director and Board of Directors
Start Date: April 1, 2025
Compensation: Expected range is $36,000-$50,000; proposals outside of this range could be considered
Applicant instructions: Please email a cover letter, resume and/or proposal and compensation requirements to Tom Hance at thance@gordley.com
Overview
The U.S. Canola Association (USCA) is a non-profit commodity organization whose mission is to increase domestic canola production to meet growing demand for healthy oil, meal and protein by promoting policies and conditions favorable to growing, marketing, and processing U.S. canola.
The Director of Communications/Communications firm will work with the leadership, staff, and membership of the USCA to implement a strategic communications plan that accomplishes the objectives outlined below.
Communication Objectives:
1. Member Engagement and Education:
Keep USCA members informed about industry issues, policies, and proposals affecting canola production and trade.
2. Increase U.S. Canola Production:
Promote growth in U.S. canola production in the Northern Plains, Pacific Northwest, Southern Great Plains, and Southeast regions.
3. Expand Producer Base:
Attract new canola producers across all U.S. growing regions.
4. Public Advocacy and Education:
Promote the benefits of canola oil, meal, and biofuels, while countering misinformation about the industry.
Target Audiences:
USCA Members and farmers: Individuals and organizations actively engaged in maintaining and expanding U.S. canola production.
Policymakers: Congressional offices, regulators, and policymakers influencing policy related to agriculture, food, biofuels and the environment.
Agricultural Media: Publications and outlets serving the agricultural sector.
Required Tasks: The Director of Communications/communications firm will perform the following key tasks:
Policy Communications:
Monitor and communicate with target audiences on key issues impacting canola, including agriculture, nutrition and biofuels
Public Relations:
Respond to consumer and media inquiries related to canola, particularly around issues of nutrition and biofuels.
Manage public relations and address media misinformation effectively.
Newsletter Management:
Create and distribute the monthly newsletter, providing timely and relevant updates to members and stakeholders.
Manage advertising inquiries for inclusion in newsletters and on USCA websites.
Social Media Management:
Regularly monitor, post, and engage with followers on social media platforms.
Develop and implement strategies to increase engagement and grow followers and subscribers for the newsletter and social media platforms.
Content Creation & Curation:
Provide updates on state/regional canola organizations; collect and share photos, videos, interviews, and success stories highlighting U.S. canola farmers.
Occasionally prepare and distribute press releases and other content as needed.
Website Maintenance:
Maintain the USCA website with the latest news and information.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Attend biannual USCA meetings
Edit and maintain public-facing documents for USCA and its coalitions
Event Planning and Coordination:
Assist with USCA events, including venues, themes, speakers,
Reporting:
Provide biannual written reports and oral updates during USCA board meetings.
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Experience & Expertise:
Demonstrated experience in agricultural communications
Proven track record in managing communication strategies, including newsletters, public relations and social media.
2. Strategy & Creativity:
Ability to develop innovative strategies for member engagement, expanding the U.S. canola base, and promoting industry benefits.
3. Media and Public Relations Skills:
Proficiency in managing media inquiries and public relations.
4. Alignment with USCA’s Goals:
Understanding of USCA’s mission and ability to communicate it effectively to the target audiences.
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