Director of Communications

About AppHarvest:
AppHarvest is building large-scale high-tech greenhouses in Central Appalachia with a goal to make Eastern Kentucky the AgTech capital of America. Our mission is backed by ValueAct Capital Founder and CEO Jeffrey W. Ubben and Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, led by AOL Co-founder Steve Case and best-selling author J.D. Vance. 

About Role:
As the Director of Communications, you will be overseeing external communication and relationship management. 

What You’ll Do:
  • Develops a strategic communications plan to support the organization's mission, goals and objectives.
  • Builds and fosters collaborative relationships with other departments within the organization to stay informed and abreast of new projects, initiatives, and products.
  • Identifies opportunities to support organizational initiatives and develop communications materials and programs to promote and publicize these activities.
  • Facilitates media training sessions.
  • Aids in the development, implementation and management of external communications efforts.
  • Builds and fosters long-term working relationships with various important stakeholders including media, members of the community, public affairs offices, and other organizations.
  • Oversees day-to-day operations of specific year-round communications programs.
  • Responds to media requests for information and facilitates media interviews with company executives and spokespeople.  
  • Reviews, researches, and updates the annual news media and public relations policies.
  • Oversees development of news releases, news materials, fact sheets and talking points for publicity of the organization's programs.
  • Serve as editor for communications materials including news releases, news materials, online content, program announcements and annual reports.
  • Oversee coordination of special media events including briefings, seminars, and press events, etc.
  • Establishes monitoring criteria for news broadcasts and special events.
  • Oversees hiring and coordination of video crews as needed to cover various company activities.
  • Creates and manages public relations database, updates records, trains other department staff, and utilizes measurement/tracking.
  • Establishes and oversees departmental system for maintaining and archiving press clippings.
  • Manages press clippings for monthly summary reports.
  • Prepares monthly summary reports.
  • Builds relationships with professional counterparts in other professional organizations, advocacy organizations and other community organizations through organizational initiatives and jointly-sponsored communication campaigns and programs.
  • Coordinates the organization's communications support of special activities.
  • Develops and oversees annual departmental budget.


Key Competencies:
  • Communication Proficiency.
  • Business Acumen.
  • Decision Making.
  • Leadership.
  • Project Management.
  • Strategic Thinking.
  • Results Driven.

Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree or equivalent. 
  • Four to ten years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Our Core Values:
  • Grit and Tenacity. You embrace challenges with courage and resolve. Your strength of character and work ethic define you.
  • Passion and Dedication to Sustainability. You constantly strive for excellence as you drive positive environmental change in the agriculture industry and seek to improve lives in the community.
  • Proactive and Entrepreneurial. You embody a “we can figure it out” mentality and challenge any notion that “this can’t be done.” You’re not afraid to tackle big problems through rapid experimentation to create long-term impact.
  • Radical Transparency and Trust. You operate openly and honestly, taking full responsibility for your actions.
  • Collaborative and Inspiring Leadership. You seek opportunities to strengthen team culture and work more effectively. You constantly challenge and inspire your fellow team members.

Position Type:
Full Time

Travel:
Occasional local day travel may be necessary, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Full medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401k match

AppHarvest is an equal opportunity employer.

**Please add a copy of your transcript with your cover letter attachment if graduated college within the past three years.

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