Director, Communications & Public Affairs

International Fresh Produce Association Australia New Zealand

Washington (District of Columbia)

Hybrid

USD 120,000 - 180,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is seeking a seasoned communications and policy leader to guide public affairs in Washington, DC. The role shapes policy messaging, media strategy, and engagement with stakeholders.

Based in the DC metro area with a hybrid schedule, you will supervise the Communications and Media Relations Manager, craft press materials, and drive visibility for IFPA's policy priorities.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism or related field.
Masters Degree preferred

Responsibilities

Provide strategic counsel to corporate communications and marketing on policy issues, leveraging media.
Lead the association's global media strategy and cultivate relationships with journalists and outlets.
Create and execute media pitches for government affairs and policy issues.
Manage and measure the government and issues communications program.
Supervise the Communications and Media Relations Manager and support professional development.
Drive communications strategy to amplify IFPA policy priorities and advocacy efforts.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Policy advocacy

Team leadership

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Company Description

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest global organization serving the fresh produce and floral supply chain. With a mission to unite the industry, IFPA drives innovation and collaboration to create a vibrant future for all its members. The association provides value through advocacy, connecting members, and offering actionable guidance to support industry prosperity. IFPA is dedicated to empowering businesses and professionals across the supply chain to succeed with confidence and purpose. The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest global organization serving the fresh produce and floral supply chain. With a mission to unite the industry, IFPA drives innovation and collaboration to create a vibrant future for all its members. The association provides value through advocacy, connecting members, and offering actionable guidance to support industry prosperity. IFPA is dedicated to empowering businesses and professionals across the supply chain to succeed with confidence and purpose.

Position Summary

The International Produce Association is a global trade organization, recognized for its dynamism and influence, committed to creating a vibrant future for all and advancing the prosperity of the fruit, vegetable, and floral industries. As the foremost industry voice for members worldwide throughout the supply chain, IFPA collaborates with stakeholders, policymakers, and the media to shape policies that foster economic prosperity for our members, promote a fair and competitive global marketplace, and boost the consumption and purchase of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Position Responsibilities

Strategic Policy Leadership (20%)

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

Media and Policy Relations (20%)

Develop and implement a comprehensive public affairs communications and media relations strategy to enhance the association’s awareness, issues and visibility
Lead the association's global media strategy, with support and strategic guidance from the Vice President, Content & Communications
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

Pitching and Writing (30%)

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

Stakeholder Management and Execution (20%)

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

Team Leadership & Supervision (10%)

Directly supervise the Communications and Media Relations Manager, providing day-to-day direction, coaching, and professional development
Set goals, priorities and performance expectations; conduct regular check-ins and performance reviews
Delegate and oversee media relations and communications work to ensure quality, consistency and timely execution
Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture aligned with IFPA’s brand voice and policy priorities

Miscellaneous Position Information

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Bachelors degree required in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism or related field.
Masters Degree preferred
6+ 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

Measures for Success

Increase association influence in the Washington DC political landscape to champion the voice of the membership
Deliver on organizational communications metrics
Collaborate and contribute with internal team especially government relations and subject matter experience on execution of planning tactics

Travel

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

Location

This is a hybrid position based in Washington DC. Incumbent would be required to report to Washington DC intermittingly.