Director, Communications & Public Affairs

Company Description

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest global organization serving the fresh produce and floral supply chain. With a mission to unite the industry, IFPA drives innovation and collaboration to create a vibrant future for all its members. The association provides value through advocacy, connecting members, and offering actionable guidance to support industry prosperity. IFPA is dedicated to empowering businesses and professionals across the supply chain to succeed with confidence and purpose.

The International Produce Association is a global trade organization, recognized for its dynamism and influence, committed to creating a vibrant future for all and advancing the prosperity of the fruit, vegetable, and floral industries. As the foremost industry voice for members worldwide throughout the supply chain, IFPA collaborates with stakeholders, policymakers, and the media to shape policies that foster economic prosperity for our members, promote a fair and competitive global marketplace, and boost the consumption and purchase of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

The association is in search of a dynamic and experienced media leader for the position of Director, Communications & Public Affairs. In this crucial role, the individual will play a key part in shaping and enhancing the organization’s global image and advising leaders on intricate policy and regulatory landscapes. This position demands a combination of acumen and proactive measures to strategically plan, devise, and implement effective communication strategies, particularly focusing on U.S. and global government entities.

The role involves close collaboration with leaders across the association to drive IFPA’s policy positions and establish a compelling brand voice to increase positive awareness of the industry and IFPA members among key stakeholders. This person will directly supervise, coach, and develop the Communications and Media Relations Manager, setting priorities and ensuring high-quality execution. We are seeking a self-starter with curiosity, tenacity, policy expertise, media savviness, creativity, and a drive to achieve success for this exciting opportunity.

• Provide strategic counsel to the corporate communications and marketing teams on the policy issues, implications and recommendations leveraging communications and media
• Work closely with the Government Relations, Food Safety and Regulatory and Science and Technology teams with ongoing issues affecting policy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive public affairs communications and media relations strategy to enhance the association’s awareness, issues and visibility
• Lead the association's global media strategy, with support and strategic guidance from the Vice President, Content & Communications
• Cultivate relationships with journalists, editors and media outlets to secure positive coverage
• Manage external agency resources
• Cultivate relationship to build the IFPA brand within Washington, DC circles

• Manage and measure association’s government and issues communications program
• Create and execute media pitches for government trade and consumer media related to policy issues
• Proactively seek opportunities to drive the association’s positions and narrative
• Ensures appropriate metrics are being measured to capture association’s media and messaging performance
• Monitor policy stories and media landscape for proactive opportunities to leverage company thought leaders and positions
• Ensure media experience and partnership with association is productive and positive

• Collaborat…