Director, Sustainability Communications

Reporting to the SVP, Sustainability Affairs, this communications role will drive strategic and aligned positioning on sustainability issues and opportunities and partner to integrate narrative and core messaging across platforms, channels and audiences, including engaging external stakeholders directly.

Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) is the national dairy checkoff that is funded by U.S. dairy farmers with the primary purpose of dairy product promotion, research and education to consumers and other external audiences. DMI does not engage in policy or lobbying activities.

Dairy is one of the most affordable and accessible ways of getting high-quality protein and three of the four critical nutrients most often lacking in Americans’ diets: calcium, vitamin D and potassium. In addition, dairy farmers invest in research, innovation and practices to make dairy production more sustainable with benefits that extend beyond the farm. Through science-based proof and powerful storytelling, we demonstrate how dairy is both good for you and good for the planet.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take ownership of current and approved key messaging with supporting proof points.
  • Partner with environmental research and stewardship teams in translating science, programs and progress into compelling rationale and proof points.
  • Develop core and tiered messaging to support communication on U.S. dairy’s sustainability efforts and commitments.
  • Master and maintain glossary of sustainability-related terms and advise on their use.

• Create content and materials to support direct engagement and dialogue with external thought leader audiences on sustainable production of dairy.

  • Develop message map, fact sheets, topical briefs, audience bios, overview presentations, updates and progress reports.
  • Manage approved sustainability-related assets on internal site for staff access.

• Lead operational processes that drive strategic communication.

  • Confirm roles and expectations.
  • Guide partners and internal clients to establish objectives, audiences, goals, etc.
• Collaborate with communication colleagues to adapt sustainability messages to diverse audiences (internal and external) via various channels, ensuring consistency of position and appropriate tone.
  • Shepherd content through the Science to Storytelling process, which connects content to media, trade and social/digital comms leads and aids in story mining.
  • Serve as a resource for integrated marketing communications team.
  • Contribute content for newsletters and LinkedIn posts.
  • Partner with executive communications and media relations teams to support lead executive(s) and spokesperson on sustainability (e.g., media trainings, interview opportunities, conference speaking engagements, etc.).
  • Coordinate joint communication with external partners, including corporate brands, NGOs and research institutions, on materials related to shared projects.
• Partner with crisis and issues management team to monitor sustainability related issues and external conversations of interest to dairy and our priorities.
  • Support communication in response, as appropriate.
• Track and report on sustainability-related communication efforts and results, including recaps of media, partner-led communication, speaking opportunities and external events.
• Support strategic engagement with external organizations, including NGOs, thought leaders and advocacy organizations.
  • Develop materials to support conversation.
  • Provide input on setting relationship goals and guiding productive dialogue.
  • Represent U.S. dairy at sponsored events
• Provide communications counsel and selective support for external sustainability events, including the twice-yearly U.S. Dairy Sustainability Alliance meetings and the annual Sustainable Agriculture Summit.
• Consult on development of reports on sustainability programs and initiatives and progress against commitments and goals, including the sustainability report and the goals progress reports.

Requirements

SKILLS REQUIRED

Individuals should have the ability to:

• Develop and execute strategic and tactical plans, including clear objectives and measurement.
• Digest and translate complex and technical issues into succinct, effective communication and compelling messaging.
• Build trusted relationships through genuine engagement.
• Think beyond the immediate situation and connect to bigger picture and future state, driving consistency and alignment.
• Listen with an open and curious mind.
• Provide honest counsel, respectfully and with conviction, in the best interest of the dairy industry.
• Support leadership decisions and direction.
• Take initiative and personal accountability to meet deadlines and deliverables.
• Lead process and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Manage resources, including agency.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communication or another related field. At least seven years’ experience working on teams in a fast-paced business, agency or nonprofit environment. Sustainability, issues management or stakeholder engagement experience preferred.

Successful candidates will have an enthusiasm for environmental sustainability and a knack for distilling complexity through creative writing.

Moderate travel required.

Benefits

We know that in order to meet our goal of growing dairy demand, we need the best people. Our culture is highly collaborative and we appreciate unique perspectives and diversity of style and thought. DMI’s Rosemont office is conveniently located across from O’Hare Airport and is accessible to the CTA Blue Line and Metra transit.

Our comprehensive health and welfare plans offer medical, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability and flexible spending accounts (health care, dependent care, transit and parking). We also offer generous maternity and paid paternal leave plans. Our 401k provides up to a 10% match and includes a Roth account. DMI reserves the right to change or end its benefits plans or programs at any time.

To Apply

Please visit the DMI careers website.