Sr. Director, Membership, Communications, and Industry Relations
U.S. Dairy Export Council, Arlington, VA, United States
The Senior Director of Media and Stakeholder Engagement supports the SVP of Membership, Communications, and Industry Relations in developing and executing integrated communication strategies that advance the organization’s mission, strengthen member engagement, and elevate the organization’s reputation. This role oversees day‑to‑day communications operations, manages content development across platforms, and ensures consistent, high‑quality messaging internally and externally. The Senior Director supervises communication consultants and works collaboratively across departments to support strategic initiatives and organizational priorities.
Requirements Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that meets or exceeds the standards established by the
USDEC Way :
Works as a team member, recognizing that USDEC wins and loses together
Respects and values colleagues. This includes considering roles, responsibilities, work styles, perspectives, and experience.
Trusts others as professionals working towards the same objectives & goals.
Communicates respectfully, inclusively, clearly, and in a timely manner
Acknowledges, celebrates, and rewards good work and contributions.
Supports and creates opportunities for individual learning, growth, and mentorship
Fosters an environment of trust where people can share new ideas, innovate, take risks, and learn from failure
Creates a safe environment that will empower and encourage the voicing of concerns and viewpoints
Key Responsibilities
Support the SVP of Membership in developing, refining, and implementing a multi‑channel communications strategy aligned with organizational goals
Execute high‑level strategic priorities into actionable communication plans, timelines, and deliverables for staff and consultants
Conduct ongoing environmental scanning and proactively identify communication opportunities that advance organizational initiatives
Serve as a secondary spokesperson for the organization, providing backup for the SVP of Membership and Executive Office as needed
Manage incoming media inquiries and coordinate press engagement, ensuring timely, accurate responses
Build and maintain relationships with journalists and trade media contacts to increase understanding and visibility of the organization’s work
Draft press statements, talking points, and media briefings; prepare leaders for interviews and public appearances
Oversee the development and execution of content across platforms, including newsletters, reports, email communications, and website updates
Manage the work of communications and publications consultants, ensuring quality control, alignment with messaging priorities, and adherence to timelines
Ensure editorial accuracy, brand consistency, and professional presentation across all written and digital materials
Support the planning and execution of communication materials for legislative priorities, events, and industry initiatives
Draft and package communications for policy updates, organizational statements, and issue briefs
Develop and manage internal communication processes to keep staff informed of organizational initiatives, priorities, and updates
Collaborate with department leads to gather content and ensure consistent messaging throughout the organization
Oversee day‑to‑day management of digital content, including website updates, email marketing, and social media scheduling
Ensure digital channels reflect current organizational priorities and engage members and stakeholders effectively
Coordinate analytics tracking and provide regular performance insights to inform strategy adjustments
Support the development and maintenance of crisis communication protocols
Draft holding statements, FAQs, and internal guidance during sensitive or urgent situations, in coordination with the SVP and Executive Office
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Experience in creating and managing communication plans
Strong media relations skills with an established network of media contacts in the agriculture or trade press
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively
Proven ability to develop and implement successful communications strategies and campaigns
Experience managing crisis communications and navigating sensitive issues
Demonstrated leadership abilities, with a history of mentoring and developing teams
Knowledge of digital communications strategies and platforms
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners and stakeholders
Growth mindset
Education & Experience
University degree – BS/BA required
Minimum of 10 years of experience in communications or public relations, with at least 1‑3 years in a leadership role. Experience in agriculture and/or food sector or a related industry is highly desirable
We regret it is not possible to communicate with candidates except those who most closely match our current business needs. Thank you.
U.S. Dairy Export Council is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Benefits Competitive medical, dental, and life insurance benefits as well as ample paid time away (vacation, personal, sick, and company holidays). Generous 401(k), and collaborative culture.
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Requirements Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that meets or exceeds the standards established by the
USDEC Way :
Works as a team member, recognizing that USDEC wins and loses together
Respects and values colleagues. This includes considering roles, responsibilities, work styles, perspectives, and experience.
Trusts others as professionals working towards the same objectives & goals.
Communicates respectfully, inclusively, clearly, and in a timely manner
Acknowledges, celebrates, and rewards good work and contributions.
Supports and creates opportunities for individual learning, growth, and mentorship
Fosters an environment of trust where people can share new ideas, innovate, take risks, and learn from failure
Creates a safe environment that will empower and encourage the voicing of concerns and viewpoints
Key Responsibilities
Support the SVP of Membership in developing, refining, and implementing a multi‑channel communications strategy aligned with organizational goals
Execute high‑level strategic priorities into actionable communication plans, timelines, and deliverables for staff and consultants
Conduct ongoing environmental scanning and proactively identify communication opportunities that advance organizational initiatives
Serve as a secondary spokesperson for the organization, providing backup for the SVP of Membership and Executive Office as needed
Manage incoming media inquiries and coordinate press engagement, ensuring timely, accurate responses
Build and maintain relationships with journalists and trade media contacts to increase understanding and visibility of the organization’s work
Draft press statements, talking points, and media briefings; prepare leaders for interviews and public appearances
Oversee the development and execution of content across platforms, including newsletters, reports, email communications, and website updates
Manage the work of communications and publications consultants, ensuring quality control, alignment with messaging priorities, and adherence to timelines
Ensure editorial accuracy, brand consistency, and professional presentation across all written and digital materials
Support the planning and execution of communication materials for legislative priorities, events, and industry initiatives
Draft and package communications for policy updates, organizational statements, and issue briefs
Develop and manage internal communication processes to keep staff informed of organizational initiatives, priorities, and updates
Collaborate with department leads to gather content and ensure consistent messaging throughout the organization
Oversee day‑to‑day management of digital content, including website updates, email marketing, and social media scheduling
Ensure digital channels reflect current organizational priorities and engage members and stakeholders effectively
Coordinate analytics tracking and provide regular performance insights to inform strategy adjustments
Support the development and maintenance of crisis communication protocols
Draft holding statements, FAQs, and internal guidance during sensitive or urgent situations, in coordination with the SVP and Executive Office
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Experience in creating and managing communication plans
Strong media relations skills with an established network of media contacts in the agriculture or trade press
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively
Proven ability to develop and implement successful communications strategies and campaigns
Experience managing crisis communications and navigating sensitive issues
Demonstrated leadership abilities, with a history of mentoring and developing teams
Knowledge of digital communications strategies and platforms
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners and stakeholders
Growth mindset
Education & Experience
University degree – BS/BA required
Minimum of 10 years of experience in communications or public relations, with at least 1‑3 years in a leadership role. Experience in agriculture and/or food sector or a related industry is highly desirable
We regret it is not possible to communicate with candidates except those who most closely match our current business needs. Thank you.
U.S. Dairy Export Council is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Benefits Competitive medical, dental, and life insurance benefits as well as ample paid time away (vacation, personal, sick, and company holidays). Generous 401(k), and collaborative culture.
#J-18808-Ljbffr