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Friday, November 15, 2019

Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research - Communications and Legislative Affairs Officer

Washington, D.C.

 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 and refunded in the 2018 Farm Bill, builds public-private partnerships to support pioneering and actionable science addressing today's food and agriculture challenges. FFAR increases scientific research and partnerships critical to enhancing the sustainable production of nutritious food for a growing global population.
  • FFAR seeks a Communications and Legislative Affairs Officer to join this growing department 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 publicizing Foundation’s accomplishments to 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 reporters, and representatives of organizations in the food and agriculture community, including commodity groups, research organizations, universities, scientific societies, government officials, associations and others. The Officer position is primarily focused on communication with opportunities to engage with Members of Congress and their staff. 
  • The Communications and Legislative Affairs department is responsible for educating Congress about FFAR’s accomplishments as well as communicating funding opportunities, awarded grants and results to the Foundation’s stakeholders. The Officer serves as a 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.
Duties:

  • Communications and Public Relations 
    • Collaborate with Director on communication and outreach strategies
    • Pitch stories to the media
    • Staff executive interviews with some internal and external support
    • Draft press releases, media alerts, advisories, briefing materials, talking points, speeches and other media materials for staff, executives and board members as needed
    • Distributing media announcements through multiple systems
    • Manage multi-stakeholder engagement in coordinating FFAR announcements
    • Create and execute a digital media strategy including social media, email communications and website content
    • Manage relationships with design, media tracking and web design firms including management of marketing materials development
    • Create, plan and execute stakeholder engagement events (virtual and in-person briefings)
  • Legislative Affairs and Stakeholder Relations
    • Assist in proactively educating 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
    • Create and execute a digital media strategy to inform Congressional members and Staff about FFAR’s work
Requirements:
  •  Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public policy or related degree
  • Four-six years of professional experience in a communication role
  • Exceptional writing and presentation skills
  • Superior Excel and PowerPoint skills
  • Experience with WordPress or other website CMS software
  • Digital media experience.
  • Graphic design experience
  • Self-motivated, creative problem solver
  • Exceptional organization skills with ability to prioritize under multiple deadlines
  • Enthusiasm for/interest in improving the food system through scientific innovation
The position is open for immediate hire. Applicants should email both a resume and thoughtful
cover letter describing your specific qualifications and interest in the position to
communications@foundationfar.org by December 13, 2019 using the subject line:
COMMUNICATIONS AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS OFFICER. Incomplete applications will
not be considered. Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted. No phone
calls please.
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