Director, Communications & Public Affairs

Company Description
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest global organization serving the fresh produce and floral supply chain. With a mission to unite the industry, IFPA drives innovation and collaboration to create a vibrant future for all its members. The association provides value through advocacy, connecting members, and offering actionable guidance to support industry prosperity. IFPA is dedicated to empowering businesses and professionals across the supply chain to succeed with confidence and purpose. The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest global organization serving the fresh produce and floral supply chain. With a mission to unite the industry, IFPA drives innovation and collaboration to create a vibrant future for all its members. The association provides value through advocacy, connecting members, and offering actionable guidance to support industry prosperity. IFPA is dedicated to empowering businesses and professionals across the supply chain to succeed with confidence and purpose.

Position Summary
The International Produce Association is a global trade organization, recognized for its dynamism and influence, committed to creating a vibrant future for all and advancing the prosperity of the fruit, vegetable, and floral industries. As the foremost industry voice for members worldwide throughout the supply chain, IFPA collaborates with stakeholders, policymakers, and the media to shape policies that foster economic prosperity for our members, promote a fair and competitive global marketplace, and boost the consumption and purchase of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Position Responsibilities
Strategic Policy Leadership (20%)

Provide strategic counsel to the corporate communications and marketing teams on the policy issues, implications and recommendations leveraging communications and media

Work closely with the Government Relations, Food Safety and Regulatory and Science and Technology teams with ongoing issues affecting policy

Media and Policy Relations (20%)

Develop and implement a comprehensive public affairs communications and media relations strategy to enhance the association’s awareness, issues and visibility

Lead the association's global media strategy, with support and strategic guidance from the Vice President, Content & Communications

Cultivate relationships with journalists, editors and media outlets to secure positive coverage

Manage external agency resources

Cultivate relationship to build the IFPA brand within Washington, DC circles

Pitching and Writing (30%)

Manage and measure association’s government and issues communications program

Create and execute media pitches for government trade and consumer media related to policy issues

Proactively seek opportunities to drive the association’s positions and narrative

Ensures appropriate metrics are being measured to capture association’s media and messaging performance

Monitor policy stories and media landscape for proactive opportunities to leverage company thought leaders and positions

Ensure media experience and partnership with association is productive and positive

Stakeholder Management and Execution (20%)

Collaborate with internal teams to develop and refine key policy messages

Craft compelling and clear communications including press releases, statements, quotes and talking points

Serve as lead press handler for IFPA members and Senior management during appearances, including testimony

Drive communications strategy to amplify the association’s policy priorities and government relations advocacy efforts

Partner and align with marketing and communications functions to ensure a seamless and cohesive brand narrative; leverage IFPA research and experts to solidify expertise and value

Team Leadership & Supervision (10%)

Directly supervise the Communications and Media Relations Manager, providing day-to-day direction, coaching, and professional development

Set goals, priorities and performance expectations; conduct regular check-ins and performance reviews

Delegate and oversee media relations and communications work to ensure quality, consistency and timely execution

Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture aligned with IFPA’s brand voice and policy priorities

Miscellaneous Position Information
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Bachelors degree required in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism or related field.

Masters Degree preferred

6+ years of progressive experience with communications, media relations and leading a team

Experience working for a political office, agency or organization in Washington, DC strongly preferred

Experience working with Washington DC media strongly preferred

Strong Understanding of industry issues, US trade policy; basic understanding of the global trade landscape desired

Interest and understanding of government policy and political science strongly preferred

Familiarity with EU Government institutions, processes and policy landscape a plus

Proven track record of effective communications on policy issues and initiatives

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills, media relationships and stakeholder engagement

Proactive, hands-off execution and innovative angles to stories and visibility

Drive for results and relentless pursuit to win

Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including senior executives, association members and government offices

Effective agency management experience requires

Ability to learn quickly and prioritize information

Proven results with successful campaigns or policy victories

Knowledge and ability to deliver on standard and innovative PR tactics and best practices.

Ability to work in face-paced environment, under pressure and balance multiple priorities effectively

Located in the Washington DC metro area strongly preferred.

MS Office suite

Measures for Success

Increase association influence in the Washington DC political landscape to champion the voice of the membership

Deliver on organizational communications metrics

Collaborate and contribute with internal team especially government relations and subject matter experience on execution of planning tactics

Travel
Business related travel required on average 3-5 times per year.

Location
This is a hybrid position based in Washington DC. Incumbent would be required to report to Washington DC intermittingly.

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