Senior Manager, Organizational Communications - Institute of Food Technologists

Summary/Objective
The Senior Manager, Organizational Communications sits at the center of all things IFT. This role is responsible for bringing the IFT strategy to life, both internally and externally, through direct development of communication approaches and by working cross-functionally to ensure integration in other Integrated Communications team work. This person should have their finger on the pulse of what’s happening within the organization. They are a dot connector and relationship builder. The Senior Manager is responsible for change management communications inside IFT, working directly with the Senior Director, Marketing and Communications Strategy, and the Chief Operating Officer. This role will provide ongoing, personalized executive communications support to the IFT CEO, OOP and Board of Directors through both proactive placements and responses to external requests for executive communications.

Essential Responsibilities
• Support the achievement of IFT’s business goals through the strategic leadership, development, execution, and assessment of marketing and communications programs
• Responsible for designing and executing communications strategies tied to change management, strategy, executive communications, and other organizational communication efforts
• Plans, creates, and executes timely strategic organizational communications plans
• Directs, cultivates, and curates compelling marketing and communications, crafting high-quality collateral that aligns with identified goals, budgets and timelines
• Develops standards, systems, and best practices for content creation, distribution, and repurposing online and offline—and works across functional areas to ensure adherence to standards and consistency of messaging for audience segmentation
• Responsible for developing and sharing current IFT key messaging points as well as maintaining current organizational fact sheets
• Uses data analytics and insights to drive meaningful content and approaches to shape how IFT is positioned to key stakeholders
• Responsible for executing multiple content project types including, but not limited to: emails, member case studies/profiles, blog posts, PowerPoint presentations, web content, organic and paid social content, infographics, videos, video scripts, etc.
• Stays up-to-date on industry food science and technology news and trends, identifying key marketing, social media, communications, and engagement opportunities accordingly
• Oversees the development of IFT’s Annual Report, from strategic direction to content management to design
• Proactively seeks opportunities for IFT leadership (CEO, OOP, BOD members) to engage externally in dialogue about the good work IFT is doing around the world – including speaking engagements, social media posts, article placements, etc.
• Creates a variety of speeches, talking points, PowerPoint decks, and related communications for use by IFT leadership at the IFT Annual Event, Section meetings, or other events as required
• Ensures consistency and integration of IFT’s Mission, Vision, and Values across all corporate communications and provide support and guidance to other IFT staff members in the development of key communications to broad segments of the IFT community
• Through effective management, cultivates an environment that allows for a strong and productive employee experience

Management Responsibilities
• One dotted line direct report
• May manage external vendor relationships

Required Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication or equivalent
• 5+ years in a complex organization managing multiple types of communications efforts
• 5+ years demonstrated experience in executive support, speechwriting, storytelling and coaching
• 3+ years of familiarity with video and podcast script writing and production

Preferred Experience
• Experience with a food, health, or scientific organization or content

Other Duties
This position, and all others at IFT, may be modified at any time. To ensure operational efficiency and meet the changing needs of our customers and our Business, other duties may be assigned as needed.