Director, Communications & Public Affairs

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.

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.

The association is in search of a dynamic and experienced media leader for the position of Director, Communications & Public Affairs. In this crucial role, the individual will play a key part in shaping and enhancing the organization's global image and advising leaders on intricate policy and regulatory landscapes. This position demands a combination of acumen and proactive measures to strategically plan, devise, and implement effective communication strategies, particularly focusing on U.S. and global government entities. The role involves close collaboration with leaders across the association to drive IFPA’s policy positions and establish a compelling brand voice to increase positive awareness of the industry and IFPA members among key stakeholders. This person will directly supervise, coach, and develop the Communications and Media Relations Manager, setting priorities and ensuring high-quality execution. We are seeking a self-starter with curiosity, tenacity, policy expertise, media savviness, creativity, and a drive to achieve success for this exciting opportunity.

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.

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