Description:

At Fairtrade America you will work on behalf of one of the most cutting-edge models for change. Fairtrade America’s mission is to connect disadvantaged producers and consumers, promote fairer trading conditions and support producers to combat poverty, strengthen their position and take more control over their lives. We certify U.S. companies to use the Fairtrade Mark, the most trusted ethical product label that stands for better prices for farmers and is backed by strict standards to protect the environment and worker’s rights. And we build public and civil society support for policies and practices that create conditions where farmers can build economic and political power and challenge the way trade is conducted.

The Director of External Relations will oversee marketing, public relations and advocacy to support the organization’s mission. The position reports to the Executive Director and serves as a member of the senior management team in charting the direction of the organization, assuring its accountability to all constituencies, and ensuring its effective operation. The Director of External Relations leads a team and will work closely with staff, volunteers and consultant partners to effectively communicate the impact of Fairtrade with broad audiences in order to advance social change, drive broader awareness, and increase support of the organization and its goals.

Specific Responsibilities

Marketing, public relations and advocacy

Responsible for creating, implementing and measuring the success of a comprehensive marketing, communications, public relations and advocacy program that will enhance the organization’s image and position, drive greater awareness of the Fairtrade Mark and advance the organization’s mission

Ensure and expand articulation of organization’s desired image and position, ensure consistent communication of image and position throughout the organization to all internal and external constituencies

Create and oversee implementation of marketing campaigns with commercial partners, and public advocacy campaigns in collaboration with NGO partners

Responsible for editorial direction, design, production and distribution of all organization publications and digital content

Build media interest in the organization and ensure regular contact with target media and appropriate response to media requests; act as the organization’s representative with the media

Ensure that the organization regularly conducts relevant market research and coordinate and oversee this activity; monitor trends

Oversee outreach, collaboration and partnership strategy that builds greater support among key influencers and the public for policies and practices that make trade fair for smallholder farmers and workers

Perform other duties as assigned

Planning and Budgeting

Responsible for the achievement of the external relations goals and budget objectives. Ensure that evaluation systems are in place related to these goals and objectives and report progress to the Executive Director.

Develop short- and long-term plans and budgets for the external relations program and its activities, monitor progress, assure adherence and evaluate performance

Develop, implement and monitor systems and procedures necessary to the smooth operation of the external relations functions.

Qualifications Required:

Minimum of 10 years of marketing experience with demonstrated success in the design and execution of public-facing campaigns and cause marketing as well as ensuring brand alignment while engaging different constituencies

Experience in commercial engagement and working with consumer packaged goods

Proven ability to oversee public relations including media relations, strategic partnerships and events

Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills

Experience developing and managing budgets, and hiring, training, developing, supervising and appraising staff

Demonstrated successful experience developing messages; writing press materials and speeches; making presentations and working with the media

Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams.

Strong oral and written communications skills

Ability to manage multiple projects at a time

Desired skills:

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, public relations preferred. Graduate degree in a related field is desirable

Experience working with volunteers and Spanish language proficiency is desirable.

How to apply

To apply send salary expectations, resume and cover letter to abrown@fairtradeamerica.org. Only suitable candidates will be contacted for aninterview. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.