Job Description
The Foundation for Food and Agriculture
Research (FFAR), a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization established by bipartisan
Congressional support in the 2014 Farm Bill, builds unique partnerships to support
innovative and actionable science addressing today's food and agriculture challenges.
FFAR leverages public and private resources to increase the scientific and technological
research, innovation, and partnerships critical to enhancing sustainable
production of nutritious food for a growing global population.
FFAR seeks a Communications and
Legislative Affairs Officer to join the Foundation during an exciting time in
the organization’s history. The Communications and Legislative Affairs Officer
works across departments to elevate the FFAR brand by envisioning and executing
new ways of sharing the Foundation’s goals and accomplishments with a variety
of audiences.
Reporting to the Director of
Communications and Legislative Affairs, the Officer plays a key role in
building and strengthening relationships with stakeholders including reporters,
Members of Congress, their staff, and representatives of organizations in the
food and agriculture community, including commodity groups, research
organizations, universities, scientific societies, government officials,
associations and others.
The Communications and Legislative Affairs
department updates the community through press releases, webinars, email
communications, social media, in-person events and meetings, and an annual
report. The Officer serves as the main point of contact for FFAR interviews and
gathers multimedia to convey impact of FFAR grants.
The Officer will lead projects
independently in some cases and support the Director in others.
Location: Washington, DC
Responsibilities
Communications
and Public Relations
·
Collaborate with Director on press
strategy and outreach
·
Pitch stories to the media and
staff executive interviews with some internal and external support
·
Collaborate with Director on press
release writing and distribution
·
Create and execute a digital media
strategy including social media, email communications and website content
·
Participate in development of
speeches, presentations, talking points, blog posts, and guest articles for
executives and board members as needed
·
Manage relationships with design,
media tracking and web design firms including management of marketing materials
development
Legislative
Affairs and Stakeholder Relations
·
Participate in monthly Governance
and Federal Relations Committee calls
·
Proactively educate Members of
Congress and their staff on FFAR-funded projects and impact in their districts
·
Liaise with Senate and House Agriculture
Committee staff as needed
·
Work with Director to plan and
execute events including Congressional staff briefings, research presentations
and receptions
·
Work with Director, other
colleagues and Executive Director to plan and execute quarterly stakeholder
engagement events (virtual and in-person briefings)
Minimum
Qualifications
·
Bachelor’s
degree in journalism, communications, public policy or related degree.
·
Three-six
years of professional experience in a communications or legislative affairs role.
·
Exceptional
writing and presentation skills.
·
Superior
Excel and PowerPoint skills.
·
Professional
social media experience and/or graphic design
·
Self-motivated,
creative problem solver with ability to prioritize under multiple deadlines.
·
Enthusiasm
for/interest in improving the food system through scientific innovation.
Application
Instructions
The
position is open for immediate hire. Interested candidates should send a resume
and thoughtful cover letter describing your specific qualifications, interest
in the position, and salary requirements to communications@foundationfar.