Marketing Specialist Job at Nashville Public Radio in New Bremen

Overview ACAP is a regenerative agriculture business accelerator that supports producer pipelines and regenerative commodities across an 8-state Central/Southern Appalachia region. The organization partners with producers impacted by job losses in mining, forestry, and textiles to build resilient communities and local economies. In 2023, ACAP launched Building Appalachian Agricultural Resilience (BAAR), funded by the USDA, donors, and foundations, offering direct cash payments and training/marketing assistance to farmers adopting regenerative practices. Position The Marketing Specialist is responsible for assisting the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) with internal and external communications efforts, shaping ACAP's public image, reputation, and stakeholder relationships by developing and executing comprehensive communication plans aligned with the organization\'s vision and goals. The Marketing Specialist will support communications related to marketing the BAAR program, regenerative practices, and commodities produced by producer participants. The role works closely with BAAR program staff to expand market opportunities, improve farmers\' access to markets, and increase economic opportunities for farmers. ACAP employees work primarily remote and may travel throughout the 8-state service area to witness innovative farmer support work and peer-to-peer learning networks. Responsibilities Building and Expanding Markets: Work with the BAAR team to expand marketing opportunities for farmer participants, provide technical assistance to producers about go-to-market strategies, and help producers develop business plans. Assist BAAR team with improving market access by engaging with direct-to-consumer sales platforms and identifying appropriate sales venues for participants\' products. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to explore ways to increase economic competitiveness for producers and work one-on-one with producers to develop sales and market expansion strategies. Support data collection and reporting efforts to track commodities marketing and sales. Produce and maintain market directories, highlighting regenerative producers, distribution chains, and potential markets for regenerative product sales. Identify and implement strategies to promote regenerative agriculture and regenerative agricultural products. Strategic Communications: Collaborate with BAAR team to implement comprehensive communication strategies across traditional and digital channels, including brand messaging, crisis management, and reputation management. Assist CCO with implementing a comprehensive communication strategy that supports BAAR project goals and objectives. Coordinate project subawardees and partners to ensure cohesive branding, messaging, and communications protocols. Maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, including project partners, funders, and local media. Assist senior leadership with communication strategies, crafting key messages, and preparing them for public appearances, media interviews, and presentations. Content Development: Assist with creation and distribution of project-related content (press releases, social media, website content, and other materials). Support program team with branding, tone, and professional standards compliance in all content. Work with the CCO to ensure project brand consistency with guidelines and messaging. Create content for quarterly/monthly newsletters and assist with newsletter layout. Internal Communications: Support internal channels to keep employees informed about updates, initiatives, and strategic direction; foster engagement and alignment. Monitor and analyze communication effectiveness and recommend improvements. Develop and execute crisis communication plans to manage reputational risks during emergencies or negative situations. Stakeholder Engagement and External Communications: Support the CCO when communicating with media, stakeholders, and other audiences; foster relationships with investors, customers, community leaders, and partners; provide guidance to BAAR team and contractors on communications and marketing strategies; serve as a thought partner on external communications including social media presence and community partnerships; perform other duties as assigned. Requirements Strong written and verbal communications skills to craft compelling messaging for diverse audiences. 3+ years of experience in marketing and communications. Proven ability to coordinate across multiple project stakeholders and media outlets in a fast-paced environment. Ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and address their needs. Experience expanding agricultural commodity markets and/or marketing agricultural commodities (e.g., beef, poultry, corn). Ability to execute projects with deadlines while delivering high-quality content. Portfolio of successful website and social media content. Ability to use data to drive and adjust communications strategies. Accountability for remote/flexible work. Baseline knowledge of Central Appalachian geography and/or regenerative agriculture. Capacity to schedule social media posts and email newsletters in advance. Fluency with Canva, Google Suite, Adobe, and Microsoft Office. Location, Hours, and Travel ACAP is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. Hours are flexible; the TA Specialist should be reasonably available and responsive to the team, partners, and farmers. Some evening and weekend work may be required, but not extensively. The TA Specialist must be willing and able to travel regularly to meet with farmer participants and attend in-person meetings within the project footprint (Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, northern Georgia, and southern Ohio). Benefits Salary range starting at $58,000, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including flexible time off, health insurance, and retirement. Collaborative and supportive work environment with passionate colleagues and partners. Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of farmers, communities, and ecosystems in Central Appalachia and the rural Southeast. Equal Employment Opportunity Accelerating Appalachia offers equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or marital status. We are committed to a diverse and culturally inclusive workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr