Federation Publications Specialist

Primary Purpose: Under the direction of the Vice President of Communications & Public Relations, manage print publications and electronic communications properties for Oklahoma Farm Bureau while providing technical and creative support in the department to promote the organization’s activities and the image of Oklahoma agriculture. This position will be approximately 60% written/verbal communication and 40% graphic design support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Effectively write clearly and informatively using Associated Press style standards to produce feature stories, news articles, website content, press releases, marketing copy, social media messaging and more
2. Proofread and edit written and designed products to ensure all communications are accurate and free of spelling, grammatical and factual errors
3. Brainstorm, source and develop story ideas from across Farm Bureau, agriculture and beyond to generate feature stories, news stories, updates and other content for the organization’s print publications
4. Design and lay out print publications – including magazines, newsletters – using text, graphics and photos to create informative and eye-catching designs
5. Coordinate the printing of publications and marketing collateral for the organization
6. Manage OKFB’s weekly email newsletter and develop other email newsletters and marketing platforms to share organizational activities and messaging with members and non-members
7. Maintain and build mailing and contact lists for print and electronic communications delivery, including mailing address and email address lists
8. Design and lay out marketing and communications products for print and digital delivery, including brochures, handouts, pamphlets, handbooks, guides and more
9. Assist county Farm Bureaus with print materials and publications support
10. Provide graphic design support for the creating of graphics, logos and graphic treatments.
11. Shoot and edit photos to appear in publications, on websites, on social media and in other mediums
12. Update and assist with management of organizational websites, social media platforms and other electronics communications properties
13. Conduct basic research and share findings on a variety of topics, including agriculture production information, industry best practices and other topics, as directed.
14. Collaborate to develop marketing and communications pieces pertaining to issues and topics current and important to the organization and agriculture industry
15. Work collaboratively and creatively with department staff to conceptualize, develop and produce communications products to accomplish departmental and organizational goals
16. Meet with internal team and, with a positive attitude, adjust work product to fit goals and objectives
17. Ensure adherence to brand standards and guidelines
18. Travel, as needed, to cover stories, events and programs

Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments; Maintains regular and punctual attendance.
Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works well in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree or other four-year degree from accredited university in Agricultural Communications, Journalism, Communications, Design, Marketing or Related Field. Two or more years of work or equivalent experience working with publications, communications, public relations or graphic design is preferred.
Candidates may be requested to provide a portfolio of work samples.
Language/Communication Skills
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of members, customers or employees of organization. Excellent communication skills and proven problem-solving skills are necessary. Must have the ability to collaborate as a team and possess skills to work independently.
Mathematical Skills
Basic ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or visual form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of computers and computer systems, be proficient (creatively and technically) in Adobe Creative Suite including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and possess exceptional writing skills, including feature writing. Knowledge of AP Style is required. All candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Office tools, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee mustregularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
 

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Oklahoma Farm Bureau & Affiliated Companies does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.