The Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit organization.  CADE's mission is to increase the number and diversity of successful farm enterprises and related businesses in New York. CADE works to build a vibrant food system, in which locally owned agricultural businesses thrive and consumers are nourished by healthy sustainably produced food.

The Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship (CADE) seeks a full time Communications Manager to support all aspects of the organization’s communications needs. This is a mid-level position responsible for enhancing the organization’s visibility, marketing needs, and communicating its vision and impact to the public.   

CADE is a non-profit organization founded in 1991, whose mission is to increase the number and diversity of successful farm enterprises. Our goal is for farm and food businesses to compete and thrive, contributing to a sustainable regional food system and strong local economy. The position is based at CADE’s office in Oneonta, NY / Otsego County (www.cadefarms.org). Given that many communications responsibilities could be conducted remotely, CADE will consider remote applicants as long as a candidate can be physically present at the office 1-2 days a week on average. 

Responsibilities

1) Organizational Communications

• Oversee the development and implementation of a CADE communications/digital strategy that identifies communications goals and desired impacts, target audience/outlets, target reach, strategies and tactics, and plan for implementation
• Maintain and regularly update the organization’s communications assets and resources (including the website, social media handles, etc.) to serve existing and attract new clients, promote organizational successes, and support organizational positioning as a thought leader for agricultural development
• Curate content for and draft/edit/design/manage organizational collateral, including annual report, newsletters, brochures, website, videos, distance learning assets, etc.
• Maintain social media handles and develop new handles that reach target audiences, including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter 
• Conduct press engagement and media outreach, draft press releases, create press tracking system, maintain press list, etc.
• Strengthen CADE branding, articulating the “story” of CADE through partner/client storytelling, articulating impact, uplifting thought leadership, using branding guidelines
• Maintain email management system (Mailchimp) and client/donor database (Salesforce)
• Integrate and synchronize CADE’s digital assets including the website, social media platforms, client management software, Survey Monkey software, online event calendars, etc.
• Work with development/fundraising team to support donor communications, including for year end fundraising campaigns, message training for fundraising event supporters, etc.
• Monitor and analyze CADE’s digital metrics and analytics to assess impact and develop online presence through CADE’s SEO via Google AdWords
• Liaise with communications related consultants, designers, developers, programmers, videographers, etc. as appropriate
• Manage crisis communications when appropriate

2) Program / Client Services Communications

• Implement communications plans for CADE’s programs in coordination with CADE program staff 
• Provide direct communications and marketing support and related technical assistance to clients as determined in coordination with CADE program staff, including website and social media account development, marketing material design, social media strategy development, etc.
• Develop client surveys to solicit input on and strengthen CADE services, and “listen” to online/social media conversations (hashtags) among farmers, food businesses, buyers, and consumers to analyze trends, attitudes, needs to inform CADE’s services / assets

Qualifications

• 3-7 years professional experience in communications 
• Outstanding (creative) writing, editing, and management skills
• Experience in or strong instincts for storytelling 
• Experience in creating digital / social media content for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

• Graphic design skills (Photoshop, InDesign, and/or Canva)
• Working knowledge of Wordpress or basic HTML, email management systems (MailChimp), and client database management (Salesforce) 
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field a plus. Masters degree a plus.
• Self-starter, entrepreneurial, highly motivated, attentive to detail 
• Able to work well independently as well as part of a team
• Excellent people and interpersonal skills
• Experience in agriculture or food systems a plus

Salary

This is a full-time position with a salary of $45,000. It includes health and dental insurance, 3 weeks paid vacation, 10 paid holidays, and soon contributions to a retirement fund. 

CADE is an equal opportunity employer committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws. CADE prohibits discrimination against any employee and considers applications for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, military status, height and weight, religion, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest record, or any other legally protected status.