Public Relations Specialist

Florida Farm Bureau Federation is seeking a passionate, motivated, and highly engaged Public Relations Specialist that will play a vital role in overseeing the organization’s external media relations. This position will develop and distribute media releases, determine newsworthy stories, coordinate media opportunities and public outreach programs and assists with crisis communications.

The listed pay range is the starting salary for the position.

At Florida Farm Bureau Federation, you will be part of the state’s oldest and largest agricultural organization representing 132,000 member families. You will be inspired to share in one voice focused on the future of what we eat, wear, and use every day so that agriculture thrives for future generations.

Why Florida Farm Bureau Federation?

• You’ll be advocating on behalf of Florida’s farmers and ranchers.
• Your efforts will help ensure locally grown, healthy food options are available for families.
• You get to work with a passionate team of professionals and advocates.
• You’ll have a positive work environment with supportive managers and teammates.
• You will experience the reward of assisting in the healthy future of what we eat.
• You will be part of a company that invests in you!

At Florida Farm Bureau Federation, we understand that attracting the best talent requires more than just a challenging role. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to enrich your life both in and out of the office. We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 401k Retirement Plan: You will be able to participate in a 401k retirement program with a company match of up to 4% of your annual, eligible gross wages. An annual employer contribution will also be added for all eligible employees each year.
• Company Vehicle: You will be provided a company vehicle that can be utilized for personal use.
• Professional Development: You will have the opportunity to obtain special training and enjoy an annual staff retreat paid for by the company.
• Paid Time Off: As a new employee, you will receive 19 PTO days per year.
• Paid Holidays: You will receive at least 9 paid holidays per year.
• Health Insurance: You will have the opportunity to enroll in health insurance with several options to choose from.
• Other Insurance: You will be able to enroll in other group insurance benefits such as dental, vision, life, disability, other supplemental benefits.
• Flexible Spending Account! You will have the option to have a Flexible Spending Account.
• And there’s more! Your insurance benefits become effective the first of the month following your employment start date!

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Develop and maintain a good working relationship with Florida media, ag media and statewide daily newspapers to help position FFB as the trusted resource for media stories
• Coordinate staff media interviews for leadership and Farm Bureau members on related topics/issues
• Pitch topics/content as needed to pertinent media
• Write, edit and distribute press releases through online media platform, Meltwater.
• Monitor and track earned media and reports on voice metrics
• Develop original communication/media plans as needed in support of the organization’s mission
• Develop and manage editorial calendar based upon the organization’s strategic plan
• Draft, edit and collaborate with media materials, including press release, executive talking points, messaging, briefing materials and FAQs
• Support brand and company initiatives, including campaigns, events and cross-functional communications
• Assist with crisis communications and help maintain image and identity of organization
• Conduct public relations related workshops (ie. Media relations, social media, branding, messaging), as needed for County Farm Bureaus
• Serve as staff photographer
• Post events: edit photos and upload to online album
• Assist in event planning, as needed
• Assist in proofreading items for the organization
• Provide research assistance on assigned topics

CARES Responsibilities

• Coordinate the statewide recognition program for sustainability (County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship)
• Responsible for CARES budget planning and accountability
• Manage application period and selection of recipients, annually
• Write award recipient profiles and uploads to ThisFarmCARES.org
• Update ThisFarmCARES.org, as needed
• Order CARES signs for recipients
• Manage the sign replacement program
• Assist County Farm Bureaus with CARES recognitions on the county level
• Responsible for the management and execution of the Annual Suwannee CARES Celebration
• Foster ongoing relationship with the Suwannee River Partnership for the execution of the annual Suwannee CARES recognition event
• Schedule, set agenda, and attend Suwannee CARES planning meetings with the Partnership, as needed
• Work with Partnership to select recipients
• Notify recipients and schedule interviews for website profiles and event program script
• Write recipient profiles and upload to ThisFarmCARES.org
• Coordinate sponsorships in conjunction with Suwannee County Farm Bureau
• Order CARES hats and signs
• Onboard Suwannee CARES intern
• Write event script and provide to emcee, as well as any other speakers
• Communicate event design needs to appropriate public relations staff
• Coordinate social media promotions through Social Media Coordinator
• Coordinate printing of postcard invites with the Partnership and Suwannee County Farm Bureau
• Review and proof mailing list for invites
• Review vendor list and conduct outreach prior to annual event to determine interest and day-of needs for participating
• Coordinate the logistical needs of the event with the Partnership Coordinator and Suwannee County Farm Bureau. (i.e.. tents, tables, chairs, port-o-lets)
• Serve as day-of-event point of contact

Award Responsibilities

• Responsible for soliciting applications for the Florida Farm Bureau Newsperson of the Year award
• Write the script for the award presentation
• Responsible for compiling information for the American Farm Bureau Federation Communication Award applications, annually
• Coordinate the development and content of the organization’s Annual Report
• Serve as media personnel at local, state, and national Farm Bureau events, as needed
• Assist in organization’s Strategic Plan Committee meetings
• Assist with website updates as needed
• Perform other duties, as assigned

To thrive in this role, you’ll need:

• Four-year college degree (major study in journalism, public relations or related discipline preferred)
• 2-5 years’ experience
• Proficiency in MS Office, Adobe, Canva, Asana, and AP Style is essential
• Must have foundational understanding of media relations and reporter needs
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and media outlets
• Media pitching and outreach
• Responding to media inquiries
• Monitoring media coverage and trends (Meltwater, Cision, etc.)
• Must possess the ability to draft, edit and proofread clear, compelling communications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Press release writing and editing
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Proofreading and attention to detail

Florida Farm Bureau Federation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $47,128.00 – $70,675.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Is your four-year college degree major in journalism, public relations, or related discipline?

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Required)

Experience:

• Public Relations: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Florida Driver’s License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Gainesville, FL 32608 (Required)

Work Location: In person