Senior Manager, Public Relations
The Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) is the first and only trade association in the U.S. representing the nation’s leading plant-based foods companies. PBFA’s mission is to champion, strengthen, and elevate our members and the plant-based foods industry. Our sister organization, Plant Based Foods Institute (PBFI) works to create a plant-based food system that benefits people, the planet, and animals.
By serving members’ interests through the Plant Based Foods Association, and by identifying and disseminating impactful solutions through the Plant Based Foods Institute, we empower the plant-based foods industry to drive food system transformation. The two organizations convene and collaborate with our membership, partners, and stakeholder groups to increase the availability and accessibility of plant-based foods, and promote a transition in agricultural practices.
Summary
The Senior Manager, Public Relations (PR) is responsible for enhancing the public image and visibility of PBFA/PBFI through strategic public relations initiatives. This role involves developing and executing comprehensive PR strategies, managing media relations, crafting compelling press releases, and coordinating public appearances and events. The Senior Manager, PR will work closely with PBFA/PBFI program leads to align PR efforts with organizational goals, build our influence, and advance plant-based food industry and member interests. This position reports directly to the Director, Communications and collaborates closely with other departments to ensure cohesive and effective public messaging.
Job Responsibilities
Public Relations Strategy
- Work with the Director, Communications to develop and implement comprehensive PR strategies that align with the organization's goals to advance the plant-based foods industry with stakeholder groups including policymakers, marketplace partners, funders, and agricultural partners.
- Monitor and analyze PR campaign effectiveness, adjusting strategies as needed to maximize impact and reach.
Media Relations
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and influencers.
- Serve as the primary contact for media inquiries, coordinating with in-house experts to provide timely and accurate information.
- Proactively pitch stories to media outlets to secure coverage that highlights priority PBFA/PBFI initiatives.
- Support development and placement of Op-Eds.
- Serve as the point person for crisis communications, coordinating with internal teams to ensure a unified response.
Content Creation
- Craft compelling media briefs, press releases, media kits, and other PR materials that advance organizational messaging around marketplace research, policy updates, membership value proposition, benefits, and resources.
- Collaborate with the communications manager to develop and maintain a content calendar to ensure a steady stream of newsworthy updates with an eye toward thought-leadership.
- Support development of media best practice guides for internal staff and members.
Event Strategy
- Collaborate with the Director, Communications to identify and pursue strategic thought-leadership opportunities, including speaking engagements, panel discussions, and industry conferences that position the PBFA/PBFI and its leaders as industry experts.
- Collaborate with team members to develop impactful presentations and materials for public appearances, ensuring content aligns with organizational messaging and goals.
- Ensure all promotional materials, including staff bios, headshots, and organizational profiles, talking points, are up-to-date and readily available for events and media opportunities.
- Coordinate event logistics, manage press invitations, and ensure successful execution, including on-site management and post-event follow-up.
Internal Collaboration
- Work closely with the PBFA/PBFI teams to align PR efforts with broader organizational strategies and member interests.
- Develop and manage key narrative/talking point databases to ensure cohesion and consistency.
- Collaborate with other departments to identify PR opportunities and support cross-functional initiatives.
Reporting and Analysis
- Track and report on PR activities, providing insights and recommendations based on data analysis. Prepare regular reports on PR outcomes and metrics to validate strategy.
The ideal candidate is:
- Strategic and analytical. Capable of developing and executing effective PR strategies based on thorough analysis.
- Experienced in building and maintaining media relationships and securing high-quality coverage.
- Responsible, organized, and self-driven. Skilled at time management and assessing priorities based on organizational objectives.
- Collaborative and adaptable. Works well with cross-functional teams and adapts to changing priorities and environments.
- A strong written and verbal communicator able to effectively distill complex issues and concepts for a variety of audiences.
- Very detail-oriented, conscientious, and reliable.
- An effective problem-solver and enthusiastic learner.
- Interested in and passionate about championing the interests of plant-based foods and brands, and the role they play in driving food system transformation.
Experience and skills:
- Minimum of 5 years in a public relations role with a proven track record of successful PR campaigns and media relations.
- Proficient in using PR software and tools (Muck Rack or Meltwater), media monitoring platforms, and content management systems.
- Experienced and effective in developing and executing inclusive and/or DEIJA-minded messaging.
- Established knowledge of industry trends and experience serving as an external facing organizational representative.
- Proven project management skills.
- Preferred: Demonstrated experience in crisis communication and/or experienced in planning and executing public events and media briefings.
Salary and Summary of Benefits:
This position is full-time, exempt, and remote.
Salary: $83,000 - $93,000 depending on experience.
Applications will be accepted through October 21, 2024. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
At PBFA/I we take pride in investing in a supportive remote culture that empowers our team to achieve their best. To ensure our team members are happy and healthy, in addition to a competitive salary we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions up to 5% of gross salary each eligible benefits year
- Generous paid time off policies including 12 paid holidays (plus your birthday!), 15 sick days annually, personal/vacation time without a numerical cap, paid parental and medical leaves, and a one-week winter break to recharge for the New Year
- $100 monthly phone/internet stipend, $500 annual allowance to support remote work, as well as a generous professional development allowance.
Please note: Studies show that potential applicants from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to a job unless they meet every single qualification. If you are enthusiastic about the opportunity and meet many qualifications and/or have experience you feel would translate well, please submit an application! Our hiring teams are trained to evaluate all candidates holistically.
PBFA/I is actively committed to creating a diverse environment, and culture of inclusion where all team members feel valued and can contribute their experiences and perspectives. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, PBFA/I does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.