AVP, Communications

Role Overview

The National Pork Board is hiring an experienced communications executive to lead its communications function as Assistant Vice President, Communications. This position is responsible for shaping integrated communication approaches that protect and enhance the organization’s reputation, strengthen trust among stakeholders, and support strategic goals through engaging storytelling and audience connection.

As part of the communications leadership group, you will guide public relations, reputation work, strategic messaging, and multi-channel communications. You will also lead a strong team of communication professionals and partner with industry leaders, subject matter experts, state pork associations, and internal teams to create communications that inform, influence, and motivate action.

Reputation, Media Relations, and Public Engagement

• Oversee proactive and reactive public relations programs, including image, reputation, and issue response efforts.
• Shape thought leadership plans in collaboration with industry experts and key voices.
• Work with state pork association leaders and communicators on matters affecting industry reputation.
• Turn technical, scientific, research, and agricultural subjects into clear messages for varied audiences.
• Act as a dependable advisor on communications planning and media interaction.

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Collaborate with business leaders to create and execute communications plans that align with organizational priorities.
• Direct integrated campaigns across owned, earned, and paid channels.
• Build messaging structures, editorial direction, and content strategies that reinforce the strategic plan.
• Develop communications that guide audiences from awareness to understanding and action.
• Set performance indicators and use analytics and insights to improve results over time.

Team Leadership and Operational Oversight

• Lead and grow an integrated communications team covering public relations, content, social media, and stakeholder communications.
• Encourage close collaboration across Communications, Creative, Digital, and Operations functions.
• Set priorities, processes, and accountability standards that support business objectives.
• Manage communications budgets and resources with leadership and finance partners.
• Oversee agency and vendor partnerships to ensure strong delivery and measurable outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Agricultural Business, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience in strategic communications, corporate communications, public relations, or similar areas.
• Proven track record leading communications for major food, agriculture, or consumer brands.
• Experience managing and developing high-performing communications teams.
• Strong knowledge of media relations, reputation management, crisis and issues communications, and thought leadership.
• Ability to simplify complex information and craft compelling stories for multiple channels and audience groups.
• Experience building integrated communications plans across paid, owned, and earned media.
• Strong interpersonal influence skills with executives, board members, industry leaders, and subject matter experts.
• Analytical approach with experience using performance data and audience insights to strengthen communications effectiveness.
• Preferred: experience with trade associations, membership organizations, or distributed stakeholder networks.
• Preferred: familiarity with agriculture, food systems, animal agriculture, or related sectors.
• Preferred: experience using audience insights and business intelligence to guide communications strategy.

Additional Details

National Pork Board’s headquarters are in Clive, Iowa. Preference will be given to candidates who can work a hybrid schedule with at least 3 days per week in the Clive office, though remote candidates may also be considered. The position includes approximately 15–20% travel for industry meetings, stakeholder engagement, media opportunities, conferences, and events throughout the year. A valid driver’s license and/or passport is required. The application deadline is 6/29, although qualified candidates may be contacted before the closing date.

This is a full-time role with a starting salary range of $160,000 to $190,000. Final compensation is based on several factors, including business and local market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate’s skills, education, and experience.

The National Pork Board carries out Checkoff-funded research, promotion, and consumer information projects, and communicates with pork producers and the public. The Pork Checkoff supports national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety, and environmental management. Applicants should be enthusiastic about supporting the organization’s mission on behalf of U.S. pork producers.

The organization is an equal opportunity employer and offers a strong benefits package and work environment.