Director of Communications

About Our Opportunity

Our Director of Communications is primarily responsible for leading the corporate communications, media relations, crisis communications and internal communications functions across the Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st brands.  
 

How You Will Spend Your Time

• Actively collaborates and partners with Association business unit leaders in identifying and developing appropriate communication strategies to support the business. 
• Leads and coaches others, setting team's direction and deploying resources, evaluating performance, reviewing pay and recommending employment decisions.
• Establishes a positive work environment that promotes continuous learning, development, recruiting and retention of highly effective team members.
• Partners with Brand Experience leadership to plan and execute corporate communications and public relations strategies. 
• Oversees the effective deployment of enterprise corporate communications in alignment with the broader communications strategy.
• Oversees the creation and deployment of strategic content, including on-time delivery of the annual report. 
• Oversees the planning and execution of media relations.
• Establishes and oversees relationships with outside agencies, including proper management of expectations and results.
• Develops metrics to measure effectiveness of initiatives and providing quarterly reporting on activities and updates.
• Identifyies and cultivates a roster of thought leadership experts in areas including agriculture, finance, economics and technology to share insights and analysis through high-profile media outlets.
• Partners with marketing team to amplify messages across channels.
• Serves on the crisis response team and leading crisis communications in a timely and effective manner.
• Models organizational values, inspiring a shared vision and holding their team accountable for culture preservation and growth.

Minimum Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications or a related field. Minimum six (6) years of experience in leading marketing communications initiatives in a corporate environment as well as experience with brand and agency management.

Mental & Physical Requirements

Stationary Position - Occasionally; Move/Traverse - Occasionally; Stationary Position/Seated - Constantly; Transport/Lifting - Rarely; Transport/Carrying - Rarely; Exerting Force/Pushing - Rarely; Exerting Force/Pulling - Rarely; Ascend/Descend - Rarely; Balancing - Rarely; Position Self/Stooping - Rarely; Position Self/Kneeling - Rarely; Position Self/Crouching - Rarely; Position Self/Crawling - Rarely; Reaching - Rarely; Handling - Occasionally; Grasping - Occasionally; Feeling - Rarely; Communicate/Talking - Constantly; Communicate/Hearing - Constantly; Repetitive Motions - Frequently; Coordination - Frequently