The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) is a non-profit membership organization based in Regina, SK that has worked on behalf of Saskatchewan’s cattle ranching families since 1913. Our mission is to advocates through education, communication, and research for an economically and environmentally sustainable cattle industry where cattlemen are free to do business within a free and open market place, free from industry limiting laws and regulation. We work to achieve our mission by representing our members and the policy they set at the Saskatchewan Legislature and in Parliament, with governmental agencies, in the media, ENGO’s and by promoting the work of Saskatchewan’s family ranchers to the public.
General Responsibilities: Manager of Communications and Outreach is responsible for all formal Association communications including public relations, member communications, media relations and outreach programs. Serves as senior editor of all Association publications, electronic and written materials. Develops, writes and disseminates information for Association stakeholders. Facilitates outreach programs for members, industry and public audiences. Monitors and engages with beef industry and ranching issues in the traditional and trade media in print and online. Serves as media contact person. Provides staff support for various SSGA programs, committees, boards and policy development processes.
Specific Responsibilities:
Produces daily, weekly and monthly SSGA publications (print and digital). Develops editorial plans; solicits articles from contributors; creates written and visual content; serves as senior editor; coordinates advertisement design, rates and placements; plans and directs production schedules; coordinates with printing house; publishes online content; and ensures effective and timely delivery to recipients.
Manages SSGA website and online properties to provide effective communication to Association members and public relations efforts. Designs and maintains website on WordPress platform; publishes daily content, program descriptions and event details; publishes daily social media content and engagement.
Serves as senior editor for SSGA publications. Creates, edit, final proofing and distribution of Association communications; includes official policy comments, press releases, event promotion, membership correspondence; manages consistent and accurate branding across all Association publications and materials.
Publish Beef Business. Senior editor on magazine that is printed five times per year; solicits and updates listings, coordinates design and completion of publication; solicits advertisement sales, design and collection; maintains buyer relations and promotion; oversees distribution and promotion of magazine.
Monitors and Responds to industry issues. Compiles industry news and issues information; tracks and reports on key industry issues in the traditional media and appearing online; keeps record of SSGA media mentions to gauge effectiveness of media/public relations efforts; creates and disseminates issues updates and information to staff, Board and membership in a timely manner; engages with industry stakeholders, media and public audiences to provide timely, accurate and credible information; coordinates programming that promotes a positive image for SSGA members and the Saskatchewan Cattle Industry.
Develops and maintains email campaigns. Develops and maintains content for daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, special event and/or timely email campaigns for members, industry stakeholders and media relations.
Produces and disseminates outreach content through social media. Creates and publishes content on social media platforms to maintain visibility and engagement of Association activity and industry relations; includes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, SoundCloud, LinkedIn, Google, etc.
Develops and maintains media relations strategies. Serves as Association media contact for direct media inquiries and issues response, directing calls to other staff, board and membership, or speaking on behalf of the organization as necessary; responds in timely manner to requests with credible and accurate information; provides daily, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly contributions to daily, weekly, local, regional and national media outlets and publications; maintains media distribution for materials including letters-to-the-editor, media talking points, FAQs, reports, social media engagement etc.
Coordinates outreach activities. Facilitates outreach and presence at Association functions, industry meetings and events and affiliate activities; booth set-up and staffing at trade shows; promotion and photography of Association members and Saskatchewan ranching industry; facilitates outreach to general public and beef consumers.
Provides staff support to SSGA policy development process. Serves as staff administrator for Promotions Committee; coordinates and updates Committee policy; facilitates and provides updates for committees at Semi Annual and Annual Convention meetings; maintains Association Policy Book; distributes policy information to membership.
Provides staff support to SSGA programs. Serves as staff support for promotion of scholarship programs; assist with SSGA corporate partner program; assist with youth mentorship and leadership program; coordinates and publicizes selection and recognition of Environmental Stewardship Awards Program.
Provides program reports to SSGA leadership. Prepares and presents program updates and analytics to Association leadership and members.
Coordinates promotion and coverage of SSGA events. Serves as media contact for SSGA programs and events; facilitates promotion and coverage leading up to, during and following events and program announcements; assists with staffing of all SSGA events.
Assists with associated organization publicity when requested. (i.e., SODCAP, SK Prairie Conservation Action Plan, etc.)
Develops media training strategies for SSGA members, board, and staff.
Coordinates with Membership and Marketing Director. Coordinates strategies on member communication, outreach and recruiting activities and execution of event promotion and coverage.
Completes various administrative tasks related to job responsibilities.
Other duties as assigned concerning association programs and public relations efforts.
Qualifications: Successful candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field of study, and/or have relevant experience. A background in livestock or agricultural practices is desired but not required. Successful candidates should have strong organizational skills, writing and communications skills, and the ability to meet deadlines. Experience and knowledge in photography, video production, social media and website management, Microsoft Office suite of software, Adobe Design suite of software, WordPress, email campaign software, Google products, audio editing and HTML is desired.
Additional Information: Salary will be commensurate with experience and association allowances. Please send cover letter and resume to Chad MacPherson at ssga@sasktel.net.
Please apply by submitting your resume and references to ssga@sasktel.net no later than October 6, 2017.
We thank all applicants; however only those candidates shortlisted will be contacted.