Communications Coordinator

The Communications Coordinator supports the strategic alignment of SSMC’s core business initiatives with the organization’s communication channels and programs. This role is primarily responsible for executing integrated communication strategies that increase market awareness and visibility of SSMC’s products, services, and overall value proposition. 

Working collaboratively across teams and platforms, this position helps expand SSMC’s reach in the marketplace through cohesive print and digital communications. The position plays a key role in introducing and engaging external audiences by effectively communicating SSMC’s value through compelling messaging, content, and multi-channel outreach. 

Select Sires Member Cooperative (SSMC) was established as the independent artificial Insemination (A.I.) cooperative representing the Select Sires federation in 27 U.S. states and the country of Mexico. SSMC delivers excellence in personalized service, quality products, animal monitoring systems, and its core product, beef and dairy genetics. Select Sires Member Cooperative operates as a true cooperative while striving to inspire the excellence of producers, herds, and our communities. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Develop, design, and organize social media campaigns for SSMC specifically within the dairy sector. Review channel activity and contribute accordingly. Follow market trends and keep abreast of new technology to ensure timely and relevant use of the content. 

• Maintenance of SSMC’s website as a central hub for supporting the cooperatives interaction with customers, community, and other constituents. 

• Plan and manage tradeshows and industry events. Participate in the designing or redesigning of company artwork and signage as needed for event promotion, maintain schedules, handle registration details, and organize supplies for the events. 

• Within communication budgets, develop and place advertisements in trade publications, write and edit online articles for SSMC’s website and blogs, and respond to information requests from fellow employees, customers, and the public. 

• Develop and/or strengthen external campaigns aimed at advancing SSMC’s position in the A.I., genetics, monitoring, and animal care marketplace. Specifically, this role will be tasked with designing email campaigns, direct mail pieces, and event signage. 

• Assist and support communications efforts surrounding SSMC sponsored programs and events, such as fairs, field days, and conferences. Including development of collateral materials for promotion and awareness among internal and external customers. 

• Craft content and prepare a weekly electronic dairy newsletter for internal teams to share product information, programs, and industry news. 

• Write effective press releases and coordinate distribution among logical platforms. 

• Maintain accurate records of donations, activities, and outreach within SSMC’s database. 

ROLE OVERVIEW and EXPECTATIONS: 

• Develop a strong working knowledge of SSMC’s products and customer needs. • Support the five area business directors (ABD) and regional sales managers (RSM) to provide timely information and sales support to field staff. 

• Evaluate, develop, and implement strategic communications plans and programs that serve to enhance communications with customers and the SSMC team. 

• Demonstrate interpersonal and problem-solving skills to develop relationships and create effective solutions to communication opportunities. 

• Travel to enhance knowledge base, develop library of photos and stories to demonstrate value proposition and tell the SSMC story. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related agricultural (ag business, animal science, etc.) field preferred. 

• Creative problem solver, willing to learn and contribute as a part of a team. 

• Experience in social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, etc.). 

• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. 

• Proficiency in Office 365, Adobe Suite, Canva and web content tools. 

• Proficiency with ERP business software applications and exposure to industry specific software or dairy or herd management applications is advantageous. 

• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills. 

• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 

• Adaptable, proactive, and a problem-solver with strong interpersonal skills. 

• Essential to possess a passion and desire to continuously improve and expand skill sets.