The Senior Communications Manager leads the development and execution of communications & marketing strategies for Land O’Lakes Venture37.
This position is a critical member of the organization, working closely with headquarters teams, field program leaders, implementing partners, and customers to tell the stories of our innovative impact in international agricultural development and produce the content to promote Venture37 brand and growth objectives. The Senior Communications Manager leads the development and promotion of thought leadership pieces and creates opportunities to highlight Venture37 global programs, initiatives, leaders, and results through featured industry articles, program reports, web & social media, and global conferences and events.
The ideal candidate will proactively build relationships with the communications/marketing leads of current and prospective customers (and platforms that influence these customers) to position V37 for growth. They will have exceptional writing and story-telling experience, an ability to produce compelling graphics and data visualization pieces, and the personal qualities necessary to develop strong relationships across Venture37 departmental and field program leaders, and Land O’Lakes Corporate Communications team. The candidate will support development of new approaches and tools to improve communications effectiveness. The ideal candidate will work with local staff to bring out the very best in program innovation and impact.
The Senior Communication Manager reports to the Executive Director and serves on the Venture Leadership Team. The position can be based in either Arden Hills, MN or Washington DC.
Key Responsibilities
Manage relationships with diverse stakeholders, including partnering effectively with senior leadership, field teams, and Land O’Lakes Corporate Communications to promote Venture37’s work externally.
Lead the orchestration of Venture37’s marketing & communications efforts through developing and implementing communications strategies and plans that advance and support the organization’s strategic priorities and programmatic goals.
Proactively identify effective platforms for promoting the Venture37 brand and collaborate with technical leaders to develop, present, and publish thought pieces that build the brand of Venture37 as an innovative, effective agricultural development organization in the minds of current and future customers and partners.
Create and foster relationships with relevant international development media partners and technical platforms to promote Venture37.
Ensure that the Venture37 website is regularly updated with comprehensive information about global and project-specific efforts, develop multimedia content, and regularly update Venture37 social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Serve as the Communications/Marketing Lead on new business proposals, including targeted customer marketing and communications planning. Support (directly or through outside firms) efforts to win new business from a variety of governmental, corporate and foundation customers through editing, formatting, compiling, and creating graphics for proposals.
Develop and establish effective metrics, in line with industry best practice, to measure communications effectiveness and adjust approaches as needed.
Required Experience/Knowledge
Masters’ Degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, or related field.
Five (5) years of relevant communications experience with an international development organization and a strong understanding of global agricultural development/value chains issues.
Excellent networking and relationship building skills and confidence interacting with diverse work styles, levels, and functions.
Thorough understanding of different social and digital tools and channels and demonstrated experience of producing such content.
Experience leveraging analytics and paid digital media to drive digital growth and engagement with key audiences. Must be proficient in relevant platforms, including Devex, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
Outstanding verbal, written communication, and presentation skills; able to clearly articulate complex issues and formulate recommendations to a wide variety of audiences.
Strong organizational and project management skills that support delivering multiple priorities.
Superior writing and editing skills with the ability to write and edit compelling stories succinctly and persuasively.
Ability and willingness to travel frequently, nationally, and internationally as needed.
Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including pre- and post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.
