Communications Advisor

We are in search of a Communications Advisor II or Senior Communications Advisor III to join our Marketing and Communications department in Spokane, Washington (Headquarters). This full-time position reports to the VP, Marketing and Public Relations and leads the strategy, planning, creation, and distribution of AgWest's key publications, including the company publication and annual report, to achieve communication and brand objectives. In addition, this position writes and produces content that supports AgWest's business goals, champions agriculture, and enhances stakeholder engagement.

After an initial in-office training period, this position is eligible for workplace flexibility and a one-time home office stipend. Employees are expected to continue working from their office location a minimum of 50% or 60% of the time depending on location.

Compensation Information

The base salary range for this position in Spokane, Washington is:

Level II:
Typical starting range: $66,200 - $88,700
Full base salary range: $66,200 - $113,600
Annual performance-based incentive target is 10% of base.

Level III:
Typical starting range: $80,000 - $110,100
Full base salary range: $80,000 - $125,200
Annual performance-based incentive target is 12% of base.

Job Requirements

• Champion the AgWest brand through the development of high quality, compelling content for multiple channels, conveying the core values and purpose of our cooperative, and elevating the stories of our customers.
• Lead the strategy, planning, creation, production, and distribution of AgWest's quarterly company publication through effective collaboration as a member of the AgWest Storytelling Team and the Marketing Team.
• Lead coordination of the strategy, planning, creation, production, and distribution of AgWest's annual report through collaboration as a member of the AgWest Storytelling Team and the Marketing Team.
• Research, interview, and write AgWest stories that help accomplish AgWest Farm Credit's business goals and help to champion agriculture.
• Lead the development and implementation of AgWest's print and radio advertising, based on the advertising strategy identified in the marketing plan. Coordinate management of the creative agency, serving as the primary contact, and leading advertising program development.
• Serve as a member of the Crisis Communications Team. Collaborate with other team members and across business units to receive, assess, formulate action plans and implement crisis communication responses.
• Manage media inquiries utilizing AgWest's established internal media protocol process. Work directly with staff and senior leadership to make strategic decisions about media engagement. Build relationships with ag-friendly media members.
• Support planning and execution of deliverables to support patronage communications.
• Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in English, business communications, journalism, public relations, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Generally, requires five to seven years' experience in business communications, public relations, advertising, publications or corporate communications
• Excellent verbal and written communication with an ability synthesize and share complex concepts with variety of audiences/stakeholders at all levels within the organization
• Proven experience in coordinating and executing the development, production, and distribution of publications, ensuring adherence to timelines, quality standards, and organizational goals
• Demonstrated ability to gain trust and confidence among key stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize, think strategically, and work proactively in a fast-paced, high-volume, creative, and deadline-oriented environment
• Excellent organization, time, and project management skills
• Excellent collaborative approach to work
• Understanding of AP Style and ability to implement internal writing guidelines and brand voice
• Experience developing strategic, multi-channel communications strategies
• Experience working with executive-level teams to develop communications
• Experience with intranet platforms
• Willingness to travel at least once per quarter

Preferred Requirements

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software with a working knowledge of SharePoint or similar intranet content management system
• Experience working in the finance or banking industry

Application Requirements

Provide 2-5 samples of your work to help us evaluate your informative writing, creative writing and storytelling skills.These samples should demonstrate your ability to craft engaging narratives, evoke emotion, and adapt your writing style to different audiences and purposes. Examples of relevant materials include:

• Process or procedure change communication
• Blog posts with a narrative focus
• Scripts for videos or podcasts
• Creative essays or articles
• Brand storytelling pieces
• Short stories
• Fiction or non-fiction excerpts

For each sample, please include a brief explanation (1-2 sentences) describing your role in the project and the creative approach you took. If you are unable to share published work due to confidentiality, feel free to create a short sample or provide anonymous examples that showcase your storytelling abilities.

Benefits Offered by AgWest

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic term life and AD&D insurance (fully paid for by the company)
• Paid days off annually: 15 vacation*, 15 sick, 12 holidays and 3 volunteer
• 401(k) plan (6% match plus 3% employer contribution)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Jeans are welcome at work every day at AgWest!

*Vacation accrual rates increase with tenure.

Details about insurance and retirement benefits are available at: https://www.farmcreditfoundations.com/fcfbenefits

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