Job Announcement: Manager of Communications
Position overview
The Washington Grain Commission (WGC) is seeking a dynamic and skilled Manager of Communications to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in highlighting the incredible work Washington grain farmers do to feed the world!
As the Manager of Communications, you will oversee the development and execution of communication strategies, ensuring that messages are clear, consistent, and effective. The ideal candidate will be an experienced writer with a strong ability to meet deadlines, is social media savvy, and someone who can manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Location: Spokane, WA. Not considered a teleworking position, although some remote work is allowed.
Job Function: Communications, Agricultural Communications, Agricultural Marketing
Class: Salary, Overtime-exempt
Compensation: Starting at $70,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Benefits: https://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html
Key responsibilities
- Content Creation & Management: Write, edit, and produce content for WGC’s communications channels, including Wheat Life magazine, e-newsletter, social media, website, promotional materials, and annual reports.
- Social Media Strategy: Manage and grow the WGC’s presence on key social media platforms, creating engaging content and analyzing results to ensure maximum impact.
- Project Management: Handle multiple projects at once, adhering to strict timelines while ensuring all communications align with WGC’s objectives.
- Digital Media Production: Capture and produce photos and video for promotional materials and digital content. to highlight the work and impact of the organization.
- Industry Relations: Work closely with partner organizations to present a unified message that supports WGC’s strategic goals. Serve as WGC representative to select committees/organizations.
- Media Relations: Build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, and key industry influencers to secure positive media coverage for WGC initiatives.
- Travel: Participate in field visits, trade teams, conferences, and other industry functions, as needed.
Qualifications
- Proven ability to write clearly, concisely, and compellingly for a variety of audiences using AP style, as demonstrated through a portfolio of work.
- Strong organizational skills, strict adherence to deadlines, commitment to accuracy, and ability to juggle multiple assignments simultaneously.
- Expertise in social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc.) and content management tools.
- Experience with photography, video editing, and/or graphic design or a willingness to develop these skills for the role.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, capable of diplomacy and tact, and the ability to work well with diverse stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; and Adobe Creative Suite or similar.
Preferred experience
- 3+ years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or journalism.
- Background in agriculture or familiarity with the agricultural industry, particularly grains.
- Experience serving a board of directors.
- Foreign language abilities.
Special requirements
- Frequent work outside of normal business hours.
- Domestic and international travel, and ability to maintain required documents.
- Valid driver’s license.
Application process: Submit your resume, a cover letter, and writing samples (articles, social media posts, press releases, etc.) to casey@wagrains.org.
Application deadline: Application review will begin on March 17, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.
About the WGC
The Washington Grain Commission (WGC) is a state agency under the Washington State Department of Agriculture working to enhance the long-term profitability and competitiveness of Washington small grains and small grain producers through research, marketing, and education. Funded through the farmers we represent, the WGC advances the wheat and barley industries through public education, market development, and small grains research activities that a single farm would not be able to do on its own.
WGC does not discriminate on the basis race, religion, color, age, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.