Header

Communications Specialist, International Development Division

Description
Since 1981, Land O’Lakes International Development division has applied an integrated approach to international economic development that capitalizes on our company’s 90 years as a leading farm-to-market agribusiness. We use our practical experience and in-depth knowledge to facilitate market-driven business solutions that generate economic growth, improve health and nutrition, and alleviate poverty.
Position Purpose:
This individual will support the growing cross-departmental organizational demand for materials that are well written in engaging, concise English. This includes regular communications support for the organization at-large, and those that support specific programs, strategic partnerships, thought leadership initiatives, technical tool development/enhancement, and the development of high-profile quarterly and annual reports. This position will also provide the communications department with the needed manpower to ensure the Communications Director’s broader role in Cause-based Marketing, advocacy and corporate engagement can be meaningful. An additional focus will be on improving the quality and readability of Program Operations reports for high value/high profile programs, so that Program Operations specialists can focus their attention on other critical management issues, in addition to ensuring that the success stories, lessons learned and other key milestones are effectively recorded, retained and packaged for internal and external audiences, in support of our evolution as a learning organization. In addition, approximately 10 percent of this individual’s time will be spent providing editing surge support for New Business Development proposals.
Percent of Total Job Duty or Area of Responsibility:
40% Print Communications Support
Write and edit 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.
40% Website Management, Graphic Design and Social Media
Ensure 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 and Twitter.
10% 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.
10% 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.
Qualifications
Experience-Education (Required):
  • Bachelor’s degree required
Competencies-Skills (Required):
  • Superior writing and editing skills; ability to succinctly write and edit compelling copy on a tight deadline.
  • The ideal candidate will have at least five years of communications experience of increasing responsibility, including at least three years with an international development organization.
  • At least one year of website management experience; 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.
Experience-Education (Preferred):
  • Master's Degree Preferred
Competencies-Skills (Preferred):
  • Understanding of agricultural development/value chains preferred.
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.
Primary Location
US-District Of Columbia-Washington
How to apply: