Director of Communications

Position Purpose

 

The Director of Communications is responsible for the strategic planning, development and implementation of integrated corporate communications programs so that our core values and value proposition will be effectively communicated to internal and external stakeholders.  The communication programs will also support and advance the Naturipe Farms business objectives – including the achievement of sale goals, enhance the company's reputation and support brand development.

 Organizational Relationships

 

· Supervisor:   Vice President, Marketing

· Peers: Director of IT Operations, Director of Operations, Director of Retail Sales, Director of
Foodservice Sales, Director of Human Resources

 Accountabilities and Responsibilities

 

·  Develop and implement public/media relations and advertising programs

·  Manage relationships with international, national, regional and local media including produce trade, broader agricultural industry and select consumer press.  Serve as company spokesperson with the media and at public/trade events

·  Create a “media crisis planâ€� that will effectively protect and defend our core vision statement, mission statement and the value statement of Naturipe Farms.  Key member of crisis management team. Assist in the media training of internal constituencies.

·  Work with senior management on corporate communications; define elements of internal communication and corporate messaging to ensure consistency, accuracy and alignment with long term branding and corporate mission

·  Develop speeches and white papers as needed and oversight of ad hoc communications

·  Manage development of photograph/video/graphic assets; build a database management system to store, share and retrieve assets

·  Develop ideas and opportunities for feature articles, interviews, presentations, and appropriate activities that promote awareness of the company and its products or services.  Draft position statements on key issues.

·  Work collaboratively with strategic partners, government affairs, media and promotional opportunities to enhance the Naturipe Farms image as a good corporate citizen, active industry leader and reliable source for accurate, factual information

·  Direct and/or assist in the development of various sales, marketing, informational and educational materials, assist in the brand management and brand marketing activities

·  Develop and implement online/electronic media strategies, including our website redesign, e-newsletters for targeted audiences

·  Monitor company and industry news – including tracking of industry trends, media opportunities, collection of news coverage

·  Manage Consumer Complaint & Response system – enhance existing protocols in responding to consumer complaints and inquiries.  Engage other departments to quickly and effectively reply to consumer issues.  Develop monitoring and reporting tools to enable companywide transparency of issues and corrective measures.

 

 

Qualifications and Skills Required

 

·  BS/BA in public relations, journalism, mass communications, marketing or related field of study is required

·  5 -7  years experience in a similar position

·  Produce, perishable or food industry experience highly desirable

·  Experience in building an “aspirationalâ€� platform, to support health and wellness oriented products a plus

·  Knowledge of news media industry, corporate communications for internal and external entities

·  Strong knowledge of public relations standards and practices

·  Demonstrated experience as spokesperson (media training), comfortable “in front of the cameraâ€� as well as in preparing executives for media and public appearances

·  Advanced computer skills required.  Extensive experience with Microsoft products, web applications, graphic design software (desirable) 

·  Excellent proven verbal and written communications skills; understanding and comfort with online and electronic media

·  Ability to establish and maintain credibility with company executives

·  Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours and travel (domestic and international)

·  Ability to  manage/supervise outside agencies and service suppliers as well as trade events and consumer media

·  Excellent organization skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail