Director, Communications and Public Affairs

Role Overview

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

Requirements

• Bachelors degree required in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism or related field.
• Masters Degree preferred
• 8 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

Benefits

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