Director of Communications

Position Summary

The Director of Communications is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of strategic communications for the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER). This position drives visibility, thought leadership and brand integrity through media relations, digital and print content, campaign execution and cross-departmental collaboration. As part of the AFIA management team, the director ensures alignment of communications and marketing efforts with overarching organizational goals, contributes innovative ideas to solve communications challenges and oversees a three-person team in delivering consistent, high-quality content across multimedia platforms.

Position Responsibilities

AFIA Communications Duties

• Assist in developing and executing strategic communications goals and tracking key performance indicators. Work with the AFIA Marketing and Communications Committee to guide development of strategies and tactics.
• Serve as a media contact and back-up spokesperson; support media outreach, talking point development and media training for staff.
• Write, edit and manage the final distribution of AFIA’s broadcast marketing and member emails, newsletters, press releases, blogs and advisories.
• Contribute to the design and execution of integrated marketing campaigns that promote AFIA’s events, policy initiatives and member programs.
• Oversee and contribute content to AFIA’s blog (Feed Bites) and weekly member newsletter (FeedGram).
• Support the management of crisis communications and rapid-response planning.
• Assist with the production and layout of AFIA’s annual printed State of the Industry Report.
• Back-up for AFIA’s social media and website content.
• Oversee AFIA’s video production and digital storytelling efforts.
• Coordinate with events and marketing staff on development of promotional materials for conferences and member outreach.
• Track performance and suggest improvements for all communication platforms. Report communications outcomes to the AFIA senior leadership team.

IFEEDER Communications Duties

• Serve as primary media contact and backup spokesperson for IFEEDER; develop media materials and talking points for the executive director.
• Collaborate with the IFEEDER executive director and marketing and program development specialist, along with various IFEEDER donor committees, on fundraising and stewardship campaigns.
• Manage writing, editing and the final distribution of IFEEDER’s newsletters, blogs (IFEEDER Fodder), press releases and other print and electronic materials.
• Lead content strategy to elevate awareness of IFEEDER’s research, sustainability and education initiatives.
• Manage the production of IFEEDER’s Annual Update.
• Support IFEEDER’s digital presence through content creation for social media and website maintenance.
• Contribute to IFEEDER video projects by writing scripts and collaborating on production, as needed.
• Track performance and suggest improvements for all communication platforms. Report communications outcomes to the AFIA vice president of member experience, IFEEDER executive director and the IFEEDER Board of Trustees.

Note: This job description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support the needs of the organization.

Tools/Software Used

• Office Productivity: Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams
• Media Relations Tools: Substack, Signal
• Email Marketing: Informz (Higher Logic) or similar
• Social Media Management: Hootsuite, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram
• Web Content Management: Mura CMS or similar
• Analytics and Monitoring: Meltwater, native social analytics, Google Analytics
• Design/Media Tools: Adobe Creative Suite (in collaboration with graphic design support)
• Video Management: Canva, YouTube, Vimeo

Qualifications

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; attention to detail a must!
• Strong planning and project management abilities.
• Adaptability and calm under pressure; experience in crisis or rapid response.
• Collaborative, team-first mindset with ability to work across departments.
• Innovative thinker with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities for junior staff.
• Ability to work with peer communications professionals across the food and agriculture space.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, P.R., marketing or related field.
• 6–8 years of experience in communications, preferably in the agriculture or nonprofit sector.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate earned media opportunities through strategic pitching, relationship building and storytelling.
• Demonstrated experience managing editorial content and digital communications.
• Solid track record of crafting and executing strategic communications plans.
• Knowledge of integrated marketing principles and best practices.
• Comfortable with public speaking and representing an organization externally.

Work Structure

• Reports to Vice President, Membership Experience.
• Position based in DC Metro, with the ability to work a hybrid schedule.
• Some domestic travel (10%) is required for meetings, conferences and outreach.
• Works closely with AFIA staff across policy, regulatory, communications and committee functions.

Support Resources Available

• Supervision of and collaboration with: senior manager of graphic and web design; policy communications specialist; marketing and program development specialist.
• Access to AFIA and IFEEDER staff, management team and senior leadership team.
• Engagement with AFIA’s Marketing and Communications Committee and IFEEDER’s Research and Education and Engagement Committees.
• Professional development and cross-training opportunities within the AFIA.

About AFIA and IFEEDER

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is the recognized voice for the U.S. animal food industry, representing more than 650 domestic and international companies. AFIA advocates for sound public policy, science-based regulation and continuous innovation in feed and pet food manufacturing.

The Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) is a 501(c)(3) public charity created to advance understanding and trust in a sustainable animal food system through education and research. IFEEDER works on behalf of the entire animal food value chain, from ingredient suppliers to end-users.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume and 3–5 work samples to Sarah Novak, AFIA’s COO, at [email protected] by June 20, 2025.

Suggested work samples could include: writing – newsletter, news release, blog, op-ed; multimedia – video blog, radio/podcast interview, social media post; or communications/marketing campaign strategy.