Sr. Director, Communications & Public Affairs

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) Overview:

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) represents the corn wet-milling industry in the United States. Wet milling produces sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, and feed products from corn components such as oil, protein, and fiber. CRA also administers the Plant Based Products Council (PBPC), an organization launched by CRA in 2019 that represents companies manufacturing or using non-food products and materials made from renewable, plant-based inputs.

Senior Director, Communications & Public Affairs Responsibilities:

Strategy:

Lead the media relations, positioning, and branding of CRA and PBPC, including strategic communications plans for both associations.

Campaigns & Project Management:

Collaborate with Policy and External Affairs team members to advance the CRA and PBPC advocacy priorities, including message development, advocacy materials, educational programs, research, grasstops/grassroots campaigns, awards programs, and press and social media campaigns.

Messaging:

Directly and in collaboration with consultants, craft the language and images that represent CRA and PBPC.

Writing & Editing:

Hands-on publisher of a range of documents and resources — both print and digital — for a broad range of audiences and goals, including public education, member engagement, membership recruitment, and lobbying, including annual reports, social media, newsletters, advocacy campaigns, and event communications.

Supervisory:

Manage budgets, vendors, and consultants. Staff lead for CRA and PBPC Communications committees, including regular committee meetings. Direct, manage, and supportively mentor Communications Interns.

Internal Communications & Administrative Tasks:

Create and maintain resources and protocols that strengthen organization communications, such as style and brand guides.

Qualifications:

• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience and demonstrated success in communications or a related field, preferably in the association and/or government sector.
• Writing and editing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage consultants and vendors; function with fast-changing media markets and platforms; and cultivate strong media relationships.
• Project management and time management skills.
• Commitment to the CRA and PBPC missions.
• Ability to work independently and stay organized in a fast-paced environment, while managing several projects simultaneously and adjusting to frequently shifting, immediate demands.
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in journalism, public relations, marketing, or English, or comparable experience.
• Preferred: previous campaign and/or Hill experience, event experience.

Benefits:

Salary commensurate with experience up to $175,000 annually. Best in class benefits offered, including health insurance, life insurance, short and long-term disability insurance; 401(k); sick, vacation, and holiday leave; public transit assistance; parking; and more. We embrace continuous learning and support our team in efforts to grow and develop professionally and personally.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples to [email protected]. Please include “Sr. Director, Communications & Public Affairs” in the subject line.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.