Communications Manager or Director

Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance; Cameron (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance in Texas seeks a Communications Manager or Director to lead external communications for FARFA and CHFS. You will shape strategy, craft stories, and coordinate content across newsletters, websites, and social media to engage supporters and advance our mission.

The role blends strategic planning with hands-on implementation, including branding, media outreach, and audience growth. A small team environment requires adaptability and collaboration.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years in communications or related field.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling across channels.
• Experience with social media strategies and email campaigns.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills to balance priorities.
• Familiarity with branding and visual design principles; nonprofit advocacy experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop coordinated communications plans and editorial calendars for both organizations.
• Proactively craft stories about FARFA, CHFS, farmers, and advocates; document impact.
• Write, edit, and produce content for newsletters, websites, email, social media, and campaigns.
• Manage digital engagement, audience growth, and performance tracking across channels.
• Oversee branding and visual identity; coordinate graphics, newsletters, and publications.
• Seek media coverage and develop press materials to raise visibility and support.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Storytelling

Project management

Branding

Social media

Audience engagement

Tools

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

CRM systems

Job description

Help us tell the stories that matter — and inspire people to take action.

The Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA) and Council for Healthy Food Systems (CHFS) are seeking a creative, organized, and strategic communications professional to help expand our reach, strengthen our relationships with supporters, and elevate the important work being done by farmers, ranchers, and advocates for a healthier food and agricultural system.

We are open to hiring at either the Communications Manager or Director level depending on skills and experience. The core duties are the same; a Director would take greater responsibility for independently setting strategic direction.

About the Organizations

FARFA and CHFS are sister Texas-based nonprofit organizations working to strengthen a healthy, sustainable, and resilient food and agricultural system. FARFA focuses on advocacy and public policy, while CHFS provides education and technical support to farmers and ranchers. Together, the organizations serve farmers, ranchers, advocates, policymakers, and the broader public.

About the Position

The Communications Manager or Director will lead and coordinate external communications for both organizations, working closely with the Executive Director and staff. This role will move us toward proactive, coordinated communications that build awareness, engage supporters, and advance our missions. It combines strategy, storytelling, content creation, digital engagement, brand management, and project coordination. As a small team, we need someone equally comfortable with both planning and day-to-day implementation.

Key Responsibilities

Communications Strategy and Coordination

• Develop and implement coordinated communications plans and an editorial calendar supporting both organizations’ programs, advocacy, fundraising, and public education goals.
• Collaborate with staff to set priorities, gather content, coordinate deadlines, and establish clear systems for planning, review, approval, and organization of communications.
• Identify opportunities to increase visibility, reach new audiences, engage existing supporters, and align communications around shared goals.

Storytelling and Content Creation

• Proactively develop stories about our organizations, farmers and ranchers, program and advocacy impact, and the broader importance of our work.
• Write, edit, and produce content for newsletters, websites, email, social media, campaigns, and outreach;
• Translate complex agriculture, food-system, and policy issues into accessible, persuasive messaging for different audiences.
• Collaborate with staff, farmers, ranchers, and partners to gather stories, video, and testimonials; attend selected events, farm visits, and conferences to document our work.
• Develop or support graphics, short videos, and other engaging multimedia content.

Digital Communications and Audience Engagement

• Develop digital and social media strategies to grow audiences, deepen engagement, and motivate participation;
• Manage website, email, and social media content, including updates, newsletters, and action alerts.
• Track and report social, email, website, and campaign performance, including audience growth, engagement, open and click rates, and traffic.
• Use data, feedback, and trends to refine strategy and recommend improvements to tools, processes, and campaigns.

Branding and Design

• Create polished graphics and visual communications using Canva, Adobe, or similar tools; formal graphic design training is not required.
• Refresh and strengthen both organizations’ visual identities and messaging.
• Create or coordinate promotional graphics, newsletters, reports, and publications; organize accessible libraries of approved graphics, photos, and templates, and ensure staff and contractor materials are consistent and professional.

Media Relations and Public Visibility

• Seek media coverage for our organizations, programs, advocacy, and leadership; build relationships with journalists, editors, podcast hosts, and other media contacts.
• Draft or coordinate press releases, advisories, opinion pieces, and talking points; position leadership and staff as trusted voices through interviews, podcasts, articles, videos, op-eds, and other public opportunities.

Qualifications and Skills

At least 5 years of relevant work experience is required.

We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate:

• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills; ability to create compelling content across channels.
• Strong organization and project management, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience developing and implementing social media strategies, managing website content, and using email marketing platforms.
• Familiarity with graphic design tools and principles and an eye for clear, attractive, consistent visuals.
• Understanding of how communications build relationships, increase engagement, and inspire action.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills across different areas of expertise.
• Initiative, creativity, sound judgment, independence, and commitment to FARFA’s and CHFS’s missions.
• The ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences are essential.

Additional qualifications that would be especially valuable include:

• Nonprofit, advocacy, public education, or fundraising communications experience; experience developing and evaluating campaigns.
• Media relations experience, including securing coverage and relationships with journalists.
• Photography, video production, and editing skills.
• Experience with databases, audience segmentation, and constituent relationship management (CRM) systems.
• Experience guiding branding or website improvement projects and developing or managing organization-wide communications strategies.
• Direct experience in agriculture or food systems is a plus, but not required.

Manager-Level Versus Director-Level

We are intentionally keeping the position flexible.

A Communications Manager candidate would bring strong writing, digital communications, design, and project management skills, along with the ability and enthusiasm to grow into broader strategic responsibilities. This person would work closely with the Executive Director to develop priorities and communications strategy while taking primary responsibility for implementation.

A Communications Director candidate would bring demonstrated experience developing and leading comprehensive communications strategies, managing organizational branding, building media relationships, and using communications to advance organizational goals. This person would be expected to provide greater independent strategic leadership – while remaining actively involved in content development and hands‑on implementation.

In either case, we are seeking someone who takes ownership of their work, brings new ideas to the table, and follows through to achieve results.

What It's Like to Work With Us

We are a small team deeply committed to our work. Collaboration, initiative, flexibility, and a willingness to pitch in are central to our culture. You will work directly with leadership and knowledgeable colleagues, bring your own ideas and creativity, and shape how two established nonprofits communicate their work. We value thoughtful, reliable, resourceful people who are willing to learn, have a sense of humor, and navigate many priorities together.

Application deadline: Open until filled. Priority review begins November 9, 2026.

CHFS and FARFA are equal opportunity employers. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.