Marketing Specialist Job at Nashville Public Radio in Washington

Overview ACAP (Accelerating Appalachia) is a pioneering organization that created the world's first regenerative agriculture accelerator. ACAP aims to build networks in regenerative agriculture that foster resilient communities and local economies, support commodity supply chains in Central / Southern Appalachia, and create producer pipelines to regenerative commodities. ACAP works with producers across 8-state underserved regions, including those impacted by job losses in mining, forestry, and the textile industry. ACAP launched Building Appalachian Agricultural Resilience (BAAR) in 2023 to incentivize regenerative practices across eight states, offering direct cash payments and training / marketing assistance, funded by the USDA, donors, and foundations.

Position

The Marketing Specialist is responsible for assisting the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) with internal and external communications, shaping ACAP's public image, reputation, and stakeholder relationships by developing and executing comprehensive communication plans aligned with the organization's vision and goals. The Marketing Specialist will support communications related to marketing the BAAR program, regenerative practices, and commodities produced by producer participants. The Marketing Specialist works closely with BAAR program staff to expand market opportunities, improve farmers' access to markets, and increase economic opportunities for farmers. ACAP employees work primarily remote and may travel throughout the 8-state service area to witness innovative farmer support work and peer-to-peer learning networks.

This description reflects the responsibilities and expectations for the Marketing Specialist role.

Responsibilities Building and Expanding Markets

Work alongside BAAR team to expand marketing opportunities for farmer participants, provide technical assistance to producers about go-to-market strategies, and help producers develop business plans.

Assist BAAR team with improving market access by engaging with direct-to-consumer sales platforms and identifying appropriate sales venues for participants' products.

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to explore ways to increase economic competitiveness for producers and work one-on-one with producers to develop sales and market-expansion strategies.

Support data collection and reporting efforts to track commodities marketing and sales.

Produce and maintain market directories, highlighting regenerative producers, distribution chains, and potential markets for regenerative product sales.

Identify and implement strategies to promote regenerative agriculture and regenerative agricultural products.

Strategic Communications

Collaborate with BAAR team to implement comprehensive communication strategies across all channels (traditional and digital) to support ACAP objectives, including brand messaging, crisis management, and reputation management.

Assist CCO with implementing a comprehensive communication strategy that particularly supports BAAR project goals and objectives.

Assist with coordinating project subawardees and partners to ensure cohesive branding, messaging, and communications protocols.

Maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, including project partners, funders, and local media.

Assist senior leadership with communication strategies, crafting key messages, and preparing them for public appearances, media interviews, and presentations.

Content Development

Assist with creation and distribution of project-related content (press releases, social media posts, website content, and other communications materials).

Support program team with communication needs ensuring content aligns with branding, tone, and professional standards.

Work with the CCO to ensure the project's brand and communications align with brand guidelines and messaging.

Create content for the organization’s quarterly / monthly newsletter and assist with newsletter layout.

Internal Communications

Assist with internal channels to keep employees informed about updates, initiatives, and strategic direction; monitor and analyze the effectiveness of communication efforts and propose improvements.

Develop and execute crisis communication plans to manage reputational risks during emergencies or negative situations.

Stakeholder Engagement and External Communications

Support the CCO in communicating with the media, stakeholders, and other audiences; foster and maintain relationships with key stakeholders (investors, customers, community leaders, partners); provide guidance to BAAR team and contractors on communications and marketing strategies; serve as a thought partner to the CCO regarding external communications including social media presence and community partnerships; perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements The ideal candidate will have :

Strong communications skills, including excellent written and verbal abilities to craft compelling messaging for diverse audiences.

3+ years of experience in marketing and communications.

Proven ability to coordinate across multiple project stakeholders and media outlets in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and address their needs.

Experience expanding agricultural commodity markets and / or marketing agricultural commodities (e.g., beef, chickens, corn).

Ability to execute projects within deadlines while delivering high-quality content.

A portfolio of successful website and social media content.

Ability to utilize data to drive and adjust communications strategies.

Demonstrated high levels of personal accountability for remote / flexible work.

Baseline knowledge of Central Appalachian geography and / or regenerative agriculture.

Capacity to schedule social media posts and email newsletters well in advance.

Fluency with Canva, Google Suite, Adobe, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Location, Hours, and Travel ACAP is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. Working hours are flexible, and the TA Specialist should be reasonably available and responsive to the ACAP team, partners, and farmers. Some evening and weekend work may be required, but not extensively. The TA Specialist must be willing and able to travel regularly to meet with farmer participants in the program and attend in-person meetings throughout the project area. The project footprint includes Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, northern Georgia, and southern Ohio.

Benefits Salary range starting at $58,000, commensurate with experience.

Comprehensive benefits package, including flexible time off, health insurance, and retirement.

Collaborative and supportive work environment with passionate colleagues and partners.

Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of farmers, communities, and ecosystems in Central Appalachia and the rural Southeast.

Equal Employment Opportunity Accelerating Appalachia offers equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and / or expression, or marital status. We are committed to a diverse and culturally inclusive workplace.

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