Job Description—Director of Communications

The Rodale Institute®, located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, is seeking qualified candidates for the full-time position of Director of Communications. Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Communications will manage all communications activities, including press, online strategies and publications. In addition, the director will serve as part of the senior management team that helps develop strategic direction and marketing.

About The Rodale Institute

Founded by J. I. Rodale and continuing under the leadership of the Rodale family, The Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization as defined by the IRS. It is committed to helping people worldwide to achieve a regenerative food system that renews environmental and human health with the philosophy that "Healthy Soil = Healthy Food = Healthy People.” Weaving resilient connections between soil, farming, food, personal health and community vitality has been the central thrust of The Rodale Institute for more than three generations. To achieve its goals of finding solutions to major health and environmental problems, The Rodale Institute carries out a uniquely integrated program of agricultural research, on-farm demonstration, on- and off-site training, and global communication through print and web-based media.

Duties

• Oversee and develop responsive and versatile communications, marketing and representation materials as well as services including website, online marketing tools, brochures and the annual report.
• Oversee all media strategies and contacts, including preparation of talking points for interviews and identifying key target audiences.
• Oversee all aspects of the website, and all other online strategies.
• Collaborate with development efforts to better position The Rodale Institute (TRI) among potential donors.
• Develop and manage brand identity, including name, tag line and graphics, assuring consistency throughout the organization.
• Prepare or edit speeches, articles, testimony and other communications pieces for the CEO, and review of same for other senior managers, as requested by the CEO. This would include preparing op-eds and other editorial products to position TRI as a center of excellence and leadership in its field.
• Advise the CEO and senior staff on communications and other issues as appropriate.
• Oversee the production of all video, audio and multimedia efforts in coordination with program staff.
• Manage outside consultants.

Qualifications Requirements

• Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze complicated issues and act on tight deadlines.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• 5-7 years of public relations or media experience.
• Knowledge of government affairs.
• Management experience.
• Experience in writing speeches, statements and talking points under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of new media, including familiarity with online strategies, website design, software development and video/audio production.
• Experience in the business end of publishing, including budgeting, design, layout, printing, marketing and distribution—both online and offline.

Send resume, cover letter and salary
requirements before September 21 to:

Human Resources
The Rodale Institute
611 Siegfriedale Road
Kutztown, PA 19530
employment@rodaleinst.org
Fax: 610-683-1431

EOE.