Director of Communications

About the Role

This position is responsible for leading the operations for the Midwest Dairy Communication’s department. It includes planning, development, coordination, and evaluation as well as budget oversight. Collaborates and provides counsel, strategy and support with internal and external stakeholders. The Director of Communications serves as a hands‑on copywriter while leading the organization’s communications strategy, ensuring clear, compelling, and effective messaging across farmer and consumer‑facing audiences.

As the Director of Communications, you will lead both the strategy and execution of communications initiatives, ensuring alignment with Midwest Dairy’s mission and strategic priorities. This is a highly visible leadership role that blends strategic thinking, content development, and team leadership in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment.

We know our people are what make our work meaningful. When you join Midwest Dairy, you’re part of a purpose‑driven organization that supports dairy farmers across our region while building strong connections with consumers.

We offer a collaborative, team‑oriented environment where your work has real impact — and we back that up with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both professionally and personally.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Generous paid time off
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development opportunities
• A mission‑driven, collaborative culture

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with organizational priorities
• Lead annual planning, evaluation, and budget management for the Communications function
• Drive crisis and issues management planning and response
• Build and execute reputation management strategies to elevate Midwest Dairy leadership across the industry
• Shape messaging for diverse audiences, ensuring strong and differentiated farmer and consumer positioning
• Leads the organization’s Crisis and Issues Management effort, which drives crisis preparation and responds strategically per an issues management or crisis response plan.

• Lead day‑to‑day communications operations, ensuring high‑quality, timely deliverables
• Serve as a hands‑on content leader — writing and editing executive communications, media materials, and stakeholder messaging
• Ensure messaging is accurate, consistent, and aligned with strategic priorities
• Partner cross‑functionally to support reports, campaigns, and organizational communications
• Evaluate campaign performance, measure ROI, and recommend optimizations
• Manage external agencies and vendors, balancing strategic oversight with execution

• Lead, coach, and develop Communications Managers
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high‑performing team culture
• Provide both strategic direction and hands‑on support in a small, agile team
• Partner across departments to ensure alignment and brand consistency
• Support media training and development of internal spokespeople

• 7–10 years of experience in communications, public relations, or related field
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, or similar area
• Proven experience developing and executing communication strategies
• Strong crisis and issues management expertise
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills across multiple audiences and formats
• Experience managing teams, agencies, and cross‑functional initiatives
• Ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messaging
• Strong analytical mindset with experience evaluating campaign performance and ROI
• Experience in agriculture or the dairy industry is a plus

• Must reside within Midwest Dairy’s 10‑state region
• Occasional evening or weekend events may be required
• Travel up to 10% for partner and consumer events

Midwest Dairy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.