Communications Specialist at CropLife America & RISE – Arlington, Virginia

CropLife America (CLA), a trade association located in the Washington, D.C. area, is seeking a full-time Specialist, Communications. This role supports the development and execution of modern, integrated advocacy and communications initiatives. This position enhances the CLA’s public image and ensures clear, consistent messaging across all platforms. The ideal candidate will bring a strong communications background, excellent organizational skills, and strong digital acumen, along with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Success in this role requires a collaborative, team-oriented professional who enjoys working across departments to get things done. The Communications Specialist reports directly to the Senior Director of Strategic Communications.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing and implementing communications strategies and content that align with organizational objectives, are accurate, and consistently on brand.
• Oversee the association’s editorial calendar, coordinating content planning, collection, and deadlines to keep communications timely and aligned with priorities.
• Draft, edit, proof, and deploy content for newsletters, websites, social media, email marketing, and video.
• Demonstrate strong digital acumen, using analytics to guide strategy and improve performance.
• Develop presentations, fact sheets, and other collateral, translating policy and technical information into clear, accessible language for multiple audiences.
• Maintain communications tools, lists, assets, and templates.
• Assist with media monitoring and tracking coverage.
• Perform administrative and operational tasks and other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Strategic Communications.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public affairs, marketing, or related field.
• Clear interest in public policy and advocacy communications.
• Experience or strong interest in agriculture and food systems is a plus.
• A minimum of three years of professional communications experience (association, PR agency, Hill office, nonprofit, corporate communications, etc.).
• Proven ability to manage content in CMS platforms, develop and deploy email campaigns, and produce basic digital and social graphics using tools such as Canva, WordPress, Adobe Premier Pro, and Constant Contact/Mailchimp.
• Demonstrated experience writing and editing for multiple platforms.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.