Monday, November 13, 2017

Pesticide Action Network

PAN Communications Director

Pesticide Action Network (PAN) is seeking a passionate, pragmatic and innovative Communications Director. The ideal candidate is deeply rooted in the discipline of strategic communications for social change, has a flair for crafting compelling narratives to mobilize target audiences, and is well-versed in online organizing best practices. The Communications Director leads — and collaborates closely with — a small and mighty team that includes the Communications Associate and Digital Production Manager.


S/he is responsible for cultivating the organizational “voice,” developing message platforms, and ensuring consistency across all branded materials and channels. Additionally, the Communication Director oversees the creation and implementation of digital engagement and online fundraising strategies, and collaborates with staff across the organization as part of the program leadership team.
We’re looking for an experienced professional with exceptional writing skills and a deep understanding of and commitment to PAN’s mission to transform the food and farming system. Personal or professional knowledge of relevant social and environmental justice issues like pesticide policy, genetic engineering and sustainable agriculture are highly desirable. Self-direction, flexibility and a collaborative approach are also key, as is a sense of humor.

This is an 80% position — 4 days/week —  located in either PAN’s Berkeley or Minneapolis office.

The Organization

Pesticide Action Network (PAN) North America works to create a just, thriving food system, working with those on the frontlines — farmers, farmworkers, families with young children, Native people and rural communities — to tackle the health, economic and environmental problems created by our industrialized system of food and farming. We are part of a global network that works to reclaim the future of food and farming from corporate interests. Our organizational values are here: http://www.panna.org/about-us/mission-values.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

The Communications Director collaborates closely with other members of the Communications Team and staff across the organization. Primary areas of responsibility for this role include:  
  • Leading the Communications Team, including setting team meetings and agendas, supervising staff and interns, and managing the department budget.
  • Driving the creation, implementation and evaluation of the annual strategic communications plan to maximize the organization’s impact and reach.
  • Supervising the creation and implementation of digital engagement strategies through PAN’s online channels, including our advocacy email list, social media and websites. 
  • Crafting values-based, audience-specific message memos & talking points in support of specific advocacy campaigns.
  • Drafting compelling action alerts, fundraising appeals, blogs, website content and campaign resources.
  • Ensuring that quality, branding and messaging are consistent in all internal and external communications. This includes being an expert “vetter,” copy editor and writing coach for others on staff.
  • Driving online fundraising strategies, implementation and evaluation.
  • With other members of the program leadership team, supporting strategic planning, fundraising, board engagement and capacity building across the organization.
  • Collaborating with partners to strengthen shared campaigns and build the larger food and agricultural justice movements.

Required qualifications include:

  • 3+ years of demonstrated success as a results-driven communications leader, including deep understanding of the role strategic communications plays in achieving policy changes and political wins.
  • Proven experience with audience research and message development to mobilize civic engagement.
  • Exceptional writing, editing, verbal and analytical skills.
  • Experience supervising staff, leading a team and managing a department budget.
  • Knowledge of online analytical tools, including Google Analytics.
  • Experience with website platforms like Drupal or Wordpress, as well as advocacy tools like Action Network or Salsa. Familiarity with Salesforce and Smartsheet is a plus, as is familiarity with Google Apps and HTML.
A "can-do" attitude, flexibility, grace under pressure and a sense of humor are key to success in this position. Ability to prioritize tasks, make sound decisions, and meet deadlines are also critical. Top candidates will have a deep commitment to social justice, environmental health and food system reform, with political savvy and passion around these issues.

Compensation

Competitive salary, depending on qualifications, experience and location. PAN offers an extensive benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan, vacation and sick leave, and flexible scheduling.

Application Process

Submit a letter of application describing your specific interest in and qualifications for this position, your resume and salary requirements, and three brief writing samples intended for different audiences to jobpost@panna.org (link sends e-mail), including “Communications Director Application” in the subject line. The position is open until filled. Ideally, the new Communications Director will begin on February 1, 2018. Selection of candidates for interview is ongoing. If you have questions about this position, please email jobpost@panna.org (link sends e-mail).


PAN embraces diversity and is actively committed to increasing diversity among our staff, board and volunteers. We are seeking individuals from a wide variety of ethnic, racial and social backgrounds for this position. We strongly encourage people of color or with roots in other countries or cultures to apply. PAN does not discriminate against applicants or employees for reasons of race, color, disability, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, prior convictions, incarceration or age.