Are you ready to revolutionize the way we communicate about walnuts? Let’s crack the code! We're on the hunt for an innovative and passionate communications professional who thrives on creativity, strategy, and engaging diverse audiences. If you're a visionary with a knack for steering communication pathways and building impactful relationships, read on – this role could be perfect for you!
This isn’t just a job; it’s an opportunity to help transform an industry. You'll be at the forefront of innovation, shaping how we communicate and position walnuts as a coveted consumer choice. As the California Walnut Board and Commission, our mission-driven association is dedicated to enhancing grower prosperity. Our mission is simple: making consumers crave walnuts. Our values guide us in every step we take, focusing on a consumer mindset, urgency, open dialogue, and transparent communications.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, a collaborative leader, and a master of communication tools. Experience/passion for agriculture, food and beverage marketing are a big plus. A love of walnuts would be seen as very favorable! Your creativity and expertise will drive the growth of our communication channels, transforming our vision into reality, helping to increase industry demand, sales, and expansion of walnuts in all channels of trade.
Role Overview:
- As our Director of Integrated Communications, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping and executing our top-notch communications platform. Reporting to the CEO, you'll collaborate extensively with our dynamic and cross functional marketing team, our agencies, and external generational stakeholders, overseeing a multifaceted approach to engage various audiences, from growers and processors to consumers and influencers both domestic and International.
- The successful candidate will spearhead essential communication endeavors, focusing on:
- Coordinating and supporting staff and external agencies in creating and disseminating e-newsletters tailored for diverse audiences.
- Taking the helm in developing and continually managing our website and digital interfaces.
- Leading outreach to trade (nut, produce, ag, retail, foodservice, food manufacturing) media, and crafting press releases.
- Spearheading crisis preparedness and communication strategies and execution (when required).
- Effectively engage industry members through targeted industry communications. Overseeing the creation of annual reports, e-newsletters, planned and ad-hoc industry outreach.
- Expand grower use of the OnSolve notification system and database to process timely and cost-effective dissemination of industry notifications.
- Directly contributing to the development and communication of special events
Key Responsibilities:
- Align strategic plan objectives to craft comprehensive communications strategies for the association, industry, trade, and consumers, working closely with international and domestic marketing teams, industry and government affairs and top-level leadership to ensure the delivery of consistent, accurate messaging across all platforms.
- Coordinate media relations across print, broadcasting, and events, executing targeted outreach campaigns to engage diverse audiences.
- Develop detailed corporate and industry communication plans and compelling media content.
- Drive educational and informative communication efforts for industry members and stakeholders, delivering clear, accessible information programs.
- Lead proactive public relations and digital outreach initiatives.
- Collaborate with agency partners to shape a positive product image across trade, consumer, and public spheres.
- Represent the industry and our organizations at industry trade conferences and conventions.
- Collaborate with the finance controller to manage program budgets and meet administrative requirements.
- Support the development of both traditional and digital platforms, working alongside specific contractors or internal staff.
- Craft engaging communications to encourage industry and volunteer leadership participation in board and committee meetings.
- Develop presentations on specialized topics as needed or specified.
Desired Skill Set:
- Proficiency in crafting annual communication plans, composing impactful headlines and promotional content, creating innovative messaging, drafting press releases and news articles, updating Board of Directors, and delivering compelling presentations.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills coupled with a proven track record of both independent and collaborative work.
- Proficiency in various production skills such as basic graphic design layout, video production, YouTube channel management, WordPress publishing, with an advantage in Adobe Creative Suite experience; prior experience collaborating with graphic design vendors or consultants is a plus.
- Familiarity and expertise in utilizing email marketing platforms like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar CMS, along with proficiency in Survey Monkey and Google Analytics for effective measurement and growth strategies.
- Strong project management abilities, adept at managing multiple programs and projects simultaneously, maintaining discipline, meeting deadlines, and possessing meticulous attention to detail; familiarity with print and digital production processes is advantageous.
- Demonstrated passion for developing digital engagement, evidenced by a history of creating communication strategies that drive audience engagement, conversions, and enthusiasm for various programs, projects, and products.
