Community & Conservation Outreach Specialist

Responsible for managing the public relations and outreach for our conservation team and for the organization. Builds and sustains the non-profit’s reputation for sustainability and community conservation work. Writes and delivers press releases and handles all communication sent to the public. Supports the President in preparing and developing a consistent message to internal and external customers. Advances the organization’s position with relevant constituents, and drives broader awareness and support for the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Manage and increase the organization’s reputation, assuring a consistent image throughout the organization and ensuring that the public views the organization favorably.
2. Facilitate internal and external communications as well as communications relating to public relations activities.
3. Prepare talking points, speeches, presentations, and other supporting material as needed for the President.
4. Works with Social Media Coordinator on a comprehensive plan
5. Develop publications such as newsletters, releases, email announcements, planned publications, and videos.
6. Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities.
7. Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding Agricenter programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects.
8. Keep a database of news stories about Agricenter.
9. Manage media inquiries, interview requests, and some crisis management.
10. Monitor performance metrics for the Department of Communications.
11. Network with state and local government, property stakeholders, Chambers of Commerce, non-profit partners, corporate partners, and the public.
12. Other duties as assigned by the President.

Qualifications:

1. Demonstrated skills, knowledge, and experience in the design and execution of communications and public relations activities.
2. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
3. Effective people management skills (able to work with staff across departments and promote productivity while creating a supportive work environment).
4. Strong creative, strategic, analytical, and organizational skills
5. Excellent time management and communication skills, including writing, proofreading skills, and speaking.
6. Demonstrated successful experience writing press releases, making presentations, and negotiating with the media.
7. Experience overseeing the design and production of print materials and publications.
8. Computer literacy in word processing, database management, and page layout.
9. Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams.
10. Solid organizational skills (able to work independently, flexibly, and productively, and the ability to manage a multi-faceted workload).
11. Knowledge of agriculture or agri-business is a plus.
12. Strong oral and written communications skills.
13. Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field.
14. Sales skills and ability to build productive business relationships.
15. Minimum of 2 years’ experience in communications or public relations with demonstrated success, preferably in the not-for-profit or association sector
16. Experience in planning, coordinating, and communicating event-based fundraising activities.
17. Marketing experience as it relates to social media and search engine optimization.
18. Must utilize good judgment under a variety of circumstances, recognize the need for confidentiality of information, and foresee the consequences of one’s actions.

Agricenter International is a non-profit 501(c)3 dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of agriculture. It is an education, agribusiness, research, and agricultural hub of the Mid-South, with a $524 million annual economic impact on the region. We host over 1.5 million visitors and educate more than 18,000 students each year. Agricenter International is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Please submit resumes to careers@agricenter.org.