Job purpose

The Public Affairs & Communications Manager works to increase agricultural industry visibility in Illinois, specifically with key stakeholders and decision-makers. The position communicates legislative priorities and activities as reported from executive staff and board to farmer members, media, and other stakeholders. Additionally, the position represents Illinois corn interests in meetings and conversations with influential people in Illinois and Washington, DC.

Duties and responsibilities

• Contribute written, video, or audio content regarding legislative priorities, activity on priority bills, and other updates to IL Corn’s website and weekly member communications
• Develop white papers and fact sheets on priority issues
• Draft legislative calls to action as directed by the Director of Communications and Marketing
• Create quarterly Political Action Committee newsletters
• Attend meetings as assigned, building relationships between IL Corn and influential stakeholders
• Plan meetings and other events that connect key stakeholders, including Political Action Committee fundraisers at the direction of the Membership and Grassroots Advocacy Manager
• Assist in the planning and creation of content for IL Corn’s media outreach based on attendance at key events and awareness of policy initiatives, including photography, video production, and more
• Monitors media coverage of key events or initiatives
• Report to the IL Corn Marketing Board and IL Corn Growers Association as directed regarding events, progress, and opportunities
• Support the Director of Communications and Marketing, Director of Public Policy, and the entire IL Corn team as requested or directed

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field such as communications, journalism, or marketing
• 1-3 years’ experience in communications or public affairs in agriculture
• 1-3 years’ experience in program management or event planning
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong content creation skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of the Illinois ag industry
• Understanding of the U.S. and Illinois political process
• Professional and confident public speaker
• Ability to work in varying environments such as with executive staff, elected officials, and colleagues in other organizations

Physical requirements

This position is in an office/desk environment and requires long periods of time in a sitting position.

This position requires frequent domestic travel and occasional international travel.