Communications Specialist -- American Feed Industry Association

Communications Specialist Reports To:Manager of Communications Salary: Open Location: Arlington, Va. Post Closing Date: April 23, 2014 Position Summary: The Communications Specialist serves as the association’s primary lead for social media content and assists the communications team in drafting, editing and the distribution of the American Feed Industry Association’s electronic and print communications materials while upholding the primary mission of the organization and the goals of its membership. Company Summary: AFIA, based in Arlington, Va., is the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the U.S. animal feed industry and its suppliers. Founded in 1909, AFIA also is the recognized leader on international industry developments. Members include more than 575 domestic and international companies and state, regional and national associations. Member-companies are livestock feed and pet food manufacturers, integrators, pharmaceutical companies, ingredient suppliers, equipment manufacturers and companies that supply other products, services and supplies to feed manufacturers. The feed industry makes a major contribution to food safety, nutrition and the environment, and it plays a critical role in the production of healthy, wholesome meat, milk, fish and eggs and pets. More than 75 percent of the feed in the United States is manufactured by AFIA members. Position Responsibilities:  Serves as the primary lead for all social media communications, including, but not limited to, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Wikipedia.  Serves as the primary contact for website updates/maintenance including writing, editing and the posting of content. Collaborates with Graphic Design and Website Specialist on maintenance, modification, redesign and enhancement.  Assists in writing news releases, issue advisories and action advisories, as needed.  Drafts, edits and distributes the association’s email campaigns, including its biweekly newsletter “FeedGram” and event email blasts.  Assists with the content creation of the association’s semiannual publication, “Journal,” including writing, editing and photography.  Serves as primary editor of all organization guidance documents.  Serves as secondary editor for all organization communications.  Maintains media contacts and other communication databases.  Responds to member requests in a timely fashion.  Other tasks as assigned. Knowledge and Experience:  Bachelor’s degree and 1-3 years professional experience desired.  Proficient in Microsoft Office programs including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel.  Demonstrated experience with the use of various social media and digital tools such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Wiki and blogging platforms such as WordPress, etc.  Working knowledge of HTML and online marketing programs such as Constant Contact.  Proven verbal and written communications skills, including proficiency in AP writing style.  Excellent organizational and planning skills.  Ability to maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and members.  Self-motivated and capable of multitasking with minimal supervision.  Detail-oriented.  Superior customer service ethic. AFIA offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Salary will reflect experience. To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, two to three writing samples and salary requirements to Miranda McDaniel, manager of communications, at mmcdaniel@afia.org. Please title the subject line “Communications Specialist Position.” NO PHONE CALLS, please. Due to the high volume of applicants, we will only respond to those chosen to move forward in the application process.