Position Description Summary: The Senior Director of Strategic Communications plays an integral role in implementing the association’s goals for advocacy, outreach to member companies, the agriculture industry, and media. The individual must work well in a team environment, manage multiple projects, and be a self-starter. Knowledge of agriculture is required and understanding of the seed industry is a plus. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in public and private sectors.

Responsibilities:
• Develop and implement annual communications plans
• Work to solidify ASTA as the voice of the seed industry and go-to source for media
• Prepare and distribute official press releases and statements
• Manage all media and interview requests
• Lead ASTA’s Communications Committee and plan meetings/bi-annual summits.
• Educate target audiences about the association’s work and the American seed industry
• Provide support drafting speeches, columns and talking points for officers and senior management
• Collaborate with Vice Presidents of Domestic and International Policy and Government and Regulatory Affairs to draft policy papers, federal comments, talking points and other communications resources in support of ASTA’s policy priorities
• Represent ASTA on the International Seed Federation Communications Working Group and other relevant industry/agriculture coalitions
• Oversee ASTA’s Director of Communications

Qualifications:
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent oral and written communications
• Ability to manage multiple projects
• Responsible for meeting deadlines
• Must be highly driven and results oriented
• Flexibility to respond quickly to changing priorities

Education and Experience Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in communications,
journalism or marketing
• Minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in communications, marketing or public relations
• Strong writing and grammar skills
• Knowledge of and experience in agriculture is required and understanding of the seed industry
and related policies is a plus