Communications Associate - Lyons w

Position: Communications Associate - Lyons w/flexible work location
# Communications Associate - Lyons w/flexible work location

January 15, 2026

Read on. We might be looking for you! In this role, you’ll shape and lead bold, forward-thinking communications strategies that amplify our impact across rural America. From launching initiatives in climate resilience and food systems to expanding access to capital for small businesses and communities, your work will directly influence how rural stories are told - and heard.

The Center for Rural Affairs is seeking a Communications Associate. This position is based in Lyons, Nebraska, with flexibility in work location. Regular, reliable travel to the Lyons office is required.## Who We Are The Center for Rural Affairs is a dynamic, energetic non-profit organization working to build a better rural future for all. We’ve done this work for more than 50 years and we do it from rural places with a flexible work environment.

Our work creates opportunities for beginning farmers, new business owners, and first-time advocates. We believe that a diversity of people and ideas strengthens our work, our workplace, and our communities. We take equal opportunity seriously and we encourage applicants to see if our  match yours! Additional information can be found at .## What You’ll DoThe Communications Associate reports to the Director of Communications, will work closely with the Communications and Policy teams, and has the following key responsibilities:
* You will act as lead writer for feature and impact stories.
* You will act as editor for communication pieces originating on other teams.
* You will support the development and refinement of core messaging, as well as a Center-specific storytelling approach/lens.
* You will maintain writing style guides & list of usage org-wide conventions for non-comms staff.
* You will schedule and manage content on the Center’s platforms, including website, enews, and social media.## Who You Are & Keys to Success (the must-haves)
To be successful in this job, you will excel in five areas:
* ** Relationship building:
** You know how to talk with people to learn about their lived experiences through conversation and inquiry. People trust you because you’re clear in your intentions and have their best interests in mind. You’re able to collaborate even when there are competing interests on your time. You develop and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders and can reach people from a variety of audiences.
* ** Crafting relatable and accessible content:
** You are energized by taking a concept or an idea and elevating it with words, with an eye towards how narratives shape the world. You care about how sentences are structured and how people are portrayed. You know your own voice, and want to help others use and develop their voices as well.
* ** Drive to achieve results:
** You know how to work to your strengths and create reachable goals, and you anticipate hurdles as merely a momentary inconvenience. You set a high bar and meet it because you think three three steps ahead.
* ** Setting and managing priorities:
** You have experience managing multiple assignments and keeping tasks from slipping through the cracks. You have an ability to hold the “big picture” but also have an affinity for the details.
* ** Commitment to equity and social justice:
** You recognize how your own identities show up in the work, and welcome, reflect on, and act on feedback with an eye toward continuous learning about difference to overcome barriers. You recognize that investment in communities, people, and entrepreneurship are pathways to better outcomes. You’re a leader (or willing to become a leader) in incorporating the Center's  effectively into internal processes, external programming and communications, and work relationships, as well as identifying opportunities to build capacity in centering equity into your work.

If you were here right now, you would be:
* Writing stories that move people - from grassroots supporters to policymakers - to action.
* Shaping content that puts rural communities at the center of national conversations.
* Collaborating with passionate community leaders…