Director of Communications and Marketing

Position Summary

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The Director of Communications and Marketing leads the South Dakota Beef Industry Council’s communications, marketing, public relations, outreach, and promotional efforts. This position works to promote beef and the Beef Checkoff, build consumer trust, engage beef producers, and strengthen industry relationships through effective communications, events, and partnerships.

This position will also plan and manage outreach events throughout South Dakota and serve as the lead staff person for the South Dakota Junior Beef Ambassador Program.

The ideal candidate is a creative, organized, and motivated professional who understands agriculture, enjoys working with people, and can successfully manage multiple projects, programs, and events.

Key Responsibilities

Communications & Marketing

• Develop and manage SDBIC’s communications and marketing efforts.
• Manage SDBIC’s website, social media, newsletters, digital advertising, and other communication platforms.
• Create and coordinate written, graphic, video, advertising, and promotional content.
• Maintain consistent SDBIC branding and messaging.
• Coordinate marketing campaigns, sponsorships, promotions, and partnerships.
• Monitor and evaluate communication and marketing efforts.

Outreach & Events

• Plan, organize, and manage SDBIC outreach activities and events throughout South Dakota.
• Coordinate event logistics, budgets, schedules, materials, displays, and staffing.
• Represent SDBIC at consumer and producer events, trade shows, educational programs, and industry functions.
• Collaborate with staff, board members, contractors, volunteers, and industry partners to successfully execute programs and events.

South Dakota Junior Beef Ambassador Program

• Serve as the lead staff person for the South Dakota Junior Beef Ambassador Program.
• Manage recruitment, selection, training, scheduling, and communication with ambassadors.
• Coordinate ambassador participation in SDBIC events, educational programs, and industry activities.
• Provide ambassadors with the resources and support needed to successfully represent SDBIC and the beef industry.
• Find opportunities to grow and strengthen the program.

Media, Producer & Industry Relations

• Prepare press releases and other media communications and coordinate media inquiries.
• Build and support relationships with producers, media, industry organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Develop resources that help producers understand the Beef Checkoff and share the beef story.
• Professionally represent SDBIC with producers, consumers, industry partners, media, and the public.

Program & Administrative Responsibilities

• Coordinate assigned vendors, contractors, interns, and service providers.
• Aid with program reporting, evaluation, and Beef Checkoff compliance requirements.
• Provide program updates and reports to the Executive Director and Board of Directors as requested.
• Work collaboratively with SDBIC staff and partners to carry out organizational goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Agricultural Communications, Agriculture, or a related field preferred.
• Relevant professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, event management, or a related field preferred.
• Agriculture or beef industry experience strongly preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strong project and event management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

· Experience with social media, digital marketing, and content development, with proficiency in Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design and content creation tools preferred.

Working Conditions

This position is primarily performed in a standard office environment and requires regular travel throughout South Dakota for events, meetings, and outreach activities. Some overnight and national travel, as well as occasional evening and weekend work, will be needed. The position also requires the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and to stand for extended periods of time as needed during events and outreach activities.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is commensurate with education, qualifications, and experience. Benefits include health insurance, retirement eligibility after one year of employment, PTO.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter, samples of work, and three professional references to Jon Dilworth, Executive Director, at [email protected].

For questions, please contact the SDBIC office at 605-227-4722 or email [email protected].

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Cell phone reimbursement
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person