Remote Communications Manager

POSITION TITLE: Communications Manager

REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer

POSITION WORKS WITH:

CEO, All NMF&LB Departments, Media, Advertisers, Ag Groups, Membership, County Leadership, State Leadership, and National AFBF Leadership.

BASIC FUNCTION:

As Communications Manager, you oversee and manage New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau’s internal and external communications in a manner consistent with the organization’s mission and vision. You are responsible for providing information and communication to members, media, and staff through the various means of communication as adopted by the organization. The organization’s reputation and brand management are central to your role. This role requires exceptional communication skills, experience in public relations, a strong command of digital engagement, and the ability to foster strong relationships with media outlets and member stakeholders. You work with the Marketing & Events Manager to enhance organization’s public image, promotion of programs, and events.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work with Marketing & Events Manager to develop a cohesive marketing and communication strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission and goals. This includes help plan, organize and coordinate activities and programs within budget of the department.

Represent Farm Bureau at state functions and events as media personnel capturing photos and videos and conducting interviews for print and digital platforms

Track, analyze, and report on marketing and communication metrics. Provide actionable insights to improve marketing and communication strategies. Analyze cost-effectiveness of publications and advertising sales. Track success of communications and marketing campaigns and report results to CEO and State Board of Directors.

Serve as editor for NM Farm and Ranch newsletter which includes producing and editing content that is grammatically and factually correct and aligned with message priorities

Create and deliver timely and engaging content to promote the organization’s mission across Farm Bureau’s social media and broadcast communication channels

Forge relationships with media and manage media distribution lists. Maintain and develop advertising partnerships and income for the organization. Field and answer queries from media

Write press releases and pitches for distribution to media outlets, Board of Directors, county Farm Bureaus, and other recipients. Assist in the preparation of speeches and talking points for the president and CEO

Assist in proofreading items for grammar, spelling, punctuation, tone, and consistency with organizational communication

Train and counsel NMF&LB staff and volunteer leaders as spokespeople who can effectively and consistently communicate on behalf of the membership. Collaborate and effectively communicate with all departments and team members to ensure transparency and clarity.

Update organizational website in a timely manner and optimize for user experience

Maintain online digital photo and video library and organize archive of creative deliverables. Manage quality of printed, digital and photo/visual materials consistent with brand guide and industry trends

Develop and update a crisis communications and management plan and create an environment of readiness and alertness

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must possess a bachelor’s degree (agricultural communications or journalism degree preferred)

Demonstrate leadership ability to promote NMF&LB while working to strengthen and serve New Mexico agriculture

Understanding of branding guidelines, layouts, fonts, photography, print design, website design, mobile design

Demonstrated experience and knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign. Familiarity with Microsoft programs including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint

Must have demonstrated excellent writing, editing, and project experience

High achiever, with demonstrated ability to work independently to set priorities and exercise initiative while meeting deadlines

Time management, multitasking, and organizational skills

Work experience in agriculture or related field is a plus

Maintain predictable attendance by consistently showing up on time to ensure work commitments are reliably met.

Salary: $60,000+ depending on experience.

Employment includes full benefits: health, vision and dental insurance; paid vacation and sick leave; 401k retirement

Preferred location: Las Cruces, NM, remote work negotiable but must be within state of New Mexico.

Relocation expenses negotiable.