CropLife America (CLA), a trade association located in Arlington, VA, is seeking a full-time Senior Director, Strategic Communications. This position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategic communications plan that enhances the association's external visibility and influence, understanding of its priorities and positions, and engagement with its members, stakeholders, and the public. The Senior Director will lead a team of communications professionals and work closely with senior leadership to drive organizational objectives through effective and proactive communication strategies, maintaining member alignment. This position oversees three direct reports and reports to the President and CEO of CropLife America.

Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement with clear metrics a phased strategic communications plan aligned with the association’s goals and objectives.
• Identify key messaging and communication channels to effectively reach and engage target audiences.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the communications team, ensuring high performance and professional development.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of content, including press releases, newsletters, reports, and digital media.
• Oversee the production of high-quality content for various channels, including websites, social media, and print materials.
• Ensure content is relevant, accurate, and aligned with strategic goals.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with media, industry influencers, and key stakeholders.
• Proactively create opportunities for senior members of the CLA staff (CEO, legal, government relations, and science and regulatory affairs), and CLA member leaders as desired, to have their work, research, and perspectives represented and profiled in the media and public forums.
• Develop and execute communication strategies to enhance member engagement and retention through leadership and expansion of the Communications Committee, as well as implementation of the Communications Committee budget and identified projects.
• Assess the Communications Committee's existing activities and resources and determine priorities moving forward.
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure consistent and effective messaging across all platforms.
• Ensure that all communications uphold and enhance the association’s brand and reputation.
• Monitor and analyze public perception and media coverage to adjust strategies as needed.
• Analyze and report on communication outcomes and adjust strategies based on data and feedback.
• Lead implementation of CLA’s Strategic Plan in coordination with the CEO to ensure goals are met; and prepare for future iterations.
• Utilize consultants and designers to amplify the quality of CLA’s communications materials, including LinkedIn, and oversee the launch of a redesigned website and member portal.
• Lead and manage the Annual Report's development with other communications team members.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in strategic communications, with at least 5 years in a senior management role. Experience within a trade association or similar organization is highly desirable but not required.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Proven experience in media relations.
• Proficiency in digital communication platforms and content management systems.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to execute complex communication plans, as well as proven budget development and management skills.
• Strategic and innovative thinker.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
• Strong problem-solving skills and resilience under pressure.
• High level of integrity and professionalism as well as accountability for deliverables on explicit timelines.
• Ability to receive feedback and correct when necessary. 
• Strong mentor of team members.