Communications and Policy Manager

Marbleseed is a farmer-led nonprofit organization that emerged out of the Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference, an event we've been putting on annually for over 35 years. The conference is known as the first and the largest organic farming conference in the United States. Throughout the year, Marbleseed also works with a community of 20,000 small and mid-scale organic and sustainable farmers across the upper Midwest, to provide free and affordable, farmer-led and -informed educational events, programs, and print and digital resources.

Job Summary: The Communications and Policy Manager develops and implements communications and marketing materials that consistently articulate and advance Marbleseed’s mission, values, and goals. This position is responsible for digital communication strategy, managing web presence, event marketing and public relations, and overseeing print and digital publications. The Communications and Policy Manager works closely with staff as the communications partner on all projects, events, and strategic initiatives, including Marbleseed’s annual Organic Farming Conference and federal/state level policy initiatives. A self-directed and independent work style with the ability to work collaboratively is critical. Within Communications and Policy work, representation of diverse perspectives strengthens our ability to tell stories that are accurate, holistic, and representative of the many and varied paths that lead to farming and food systems work.

Qualifications: Applicants must have at least five years of professional communications experience OR three years of experience and a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, public policy, or a related discipline; including two years of experience with copywriting (AP style) and social media management; comfort using communications technologies and managing digital content. Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is a plus but is not required. Supervisory experience of staff and contractors is also required. Must own vehicle and valid driver's license for travel needs.

Preference for candidates who: have experience with organic farming, food systems, and a passion to address systemic barriers to land, capital, and food access as well as the desire to tell the stories of their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities.

Key Responsibilities:

Storytelling & Content Creation: Write and edit copy for various platforms

• Align tone across all digital platforms and print publications with the overall Marbleseed brand
• Translate Marbleseed program and mission-based work into compelling stories that can inspire a broader audience, including farmers, consumers, and funders
• Use written and verbal communication skills to communicate to diverse audiences, specifically communities that are diverse racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically
• Collaborate with Communications Specialist and other staff to create content for the Organic Broadcaster, a quarterly publication published by Marbleseed that reaches over 15,000 readers and edit closely following A.P. Style.
• Manage press relations, develop and maintain relationships with media contacts, and monitor media coverage. Be prepared to engage with media requests by developing talking points and providing interviews via radio, television, and other online platforms.

Digital and Print Media Management: Provide strategic guidance to the Communications Specialist for updating website, eNews, social media platforms, and digital content and communications consistent with Marbleseed’s brand and organizational goals.

• Work with Communications Specialist to maintain these public-facing platforms with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Lead on maintaining the CRM with assistance from the Communications Specialist

Policy Research and Identification-Innovative Approaches: Provide policy analysis to support policy document development including but not limited to position letters, white papers, policy papers, Broadcaster articles, Marbleseed blogs and communications, talking points, testimony, training materials, reports, presentations, and other related documents.

• Review and analyze reports, articles, data sets, policy proposals, and other materials and communicate information and recommendations to Executive Director, Marbleseed Board, and partners as appropriate.
• Track emerging issues, model and promising practices, and approaches that have the potential to be replicated in farming communities and local food systems. Recommend policy positions and strategies to support Marbleseed priorities and strategic vision.
• As part of a team, work to develop and advocate for administrative, regulatory, legislative and systems policies and/or reforms based on identified issues and needs to include farmer engagement on local boards and advisories.

Movement Building and Communications: As a farmer facing organization, our approach to policy work is grounded in farmer experience, education, and mobilization.

• Knowledge of the Farm Bill and USDA policy activity relevant to Marbleseed policy priorities at the federal and local levels
• In coordination with the Executive Director and staff, assist in coordinating policy communication activities and develop materials as necessary, including action alerts, policy articles, public statements, and website content.