Communications Specialist Land O'Lakes International Development

Applicants should go to landolakes.jobs\careers to apply and search for requisition number 3228.

For more information on the International Development Division of Land O'Lakes Inc. please go to www.idd.landolakes.com.

Position Purpose:
The Communications Specialist will assist the Communications and Publications Manager with writing, editing, designing and promoting materials about international development efforts at organizational and project-specific levels, including for the quarterly magazine International Outlook. S/he will play the lead role in maintaining and updating the divisional website on a regular basis, and helping to populate the Intranet with relevant and timely communications materials. This individual will help with desktop publishing and graphic design of print and online materials, including fact sheets, brochures, e-newsletters and social media sites. S/he will also occasionally assist with coordinating external presentations and facilitating effective representation at public events.

Responsibilities will include:

* Print Communications Support: Writing and editing text for brochures, fact sheets, success stories and news items that help advance the division's technical expertise in agricultural and food systems development with core audiences. * Support the integration of communications efforts into field-based programs throughout the project lifecycle, including assisting with conceptualizing and writing branding and marking plans, and providing direct communications assistance to projects as needed. * Website Management and Graphic Design: Ensuring that the external website and departmental portal are regularly updated with comprehensive information about global and project-specific efforts; desktop publish and design materials as needed; help develop multimedia content and regularly update social media sites such as Facebook. * Presentations and Events: On a periodic basis, provide assistance in supporting external events, including coordinating logistics and staffing company booth and developing relevant PowerPoint presentations. * New Business Development Support: Support the New Business Development team in an overflow capacity when needed, including assistance with editing, formatting, compiling and creating graphics for International Development proposals.

Required (Basic) Experience & Education:
* Bachelor's degree required * The ideal candidate will have at least five years of communications experience of increasing responsibility, and at least one year of website management experience.

Required Competencies & Other Skills:
* Superior writing and editing skills; ability to succinctly write and edit compelling copy on a tight deadline. * Comfort with social media tools and new media technology - Proven experience with graphic design and desktop publishing. * Strong understanding of international development issues required. * Excellent computer skills, including MS Word, PowerPoint, Photoshop and desktop publishing software (e.g. InDesign). * Ability and willingness to travel occasionally to remote locations.

Preferred Experience & Education:
* Master's degree preferred. * Three years of experience with an international development organization and understanding of agricultural development/value chains preferred.

Preferred Competencies & Other Skills:
* Stress Tolerance: Maintaining stable performance under pressure or opposition (such as time pressure, or job ambiguity); handling stress in a manner that is acceptable to others and to the organization.* Contributing to Team Success: Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals. * Innovation: Generating innovative solutions in work situations; trying different and novel ways to deal with work problems and opportunities. * Planning & Organizing: Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed efficiently. * Work Standards: Setting high standards of performance for self and others' assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence rather than having high standards imposed. * Time Management: Effectively managing one's time and resources to organize and prioritize workload activities and deliver on-time results.

Percentage of Travel: 10%

Land O'Lakes, Inc. offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical and dental insurance, retirement savings account, tuition reimbursement, PTO, paid holidays, and employee development opportunities. Land O’Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Land O’Lakes, Inc. enforces a policy of maintaining a drug-free workforce, including pre-employment substance abuse testing.