Summary

Description

Company Description

The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) is the national trade organization representing all aspects of the U.S. sheep industry, including producers, feeders, lamb processors, wool firms, and other key stakeholders. Its membership is a federation of state sheep associations alongside individual members across the country. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, ASI is led by elected volunteer leadership and supported by professional staff. The organization is committed to advancing the industry’s interests through advocacy, education, and public outreach – connecting stakeholders, promoting innovation, and strengthening the long-term growth and sustainability of the U.S. sheep sector.

Role Description

ASI is seeking an experienced, strategic, and dynamic Communications Director to serve as the strategic lead for all internal and external communications, shaping how ASI represents the U.S. sheep industry to producers, policymakers, partners, and the public. The ideal candidate will be a strong writer, adept at digital platforms, and skilled in building strong relationships to advance our organizational mission and evolving communications initiatives. The position is full-time 40 hours per week and on-site daily.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Thinking & Planning

Develop and Execute Strategy: Design and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that supports and advances the organization's overarching goals.
Actionable Planning: Translate high-level organizational objectives into concrete, measurable, and executable communications plans across all channels (digital, print, media relations, etc.).
Brand Messaging: Ensure consistent and compelling articulation of the organization's mission, vision, and values to all stakeholders.
Policy & Advocacy Communications: Partner with ASI leadership and government affairs teams to translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling messaging that supports industry advocacy and member engagement.
Crisis & Issues Management: Lead communications strategy during crisis situations, including message development, media response, and coordination with leadership to protect and strengthen the organization’s reputation.

2. Written & Digital Content Creation

Platform Expertise: Stay current on the latest digital communications trends, tools, and platforms, including social media, web development, email marketing, podcasts, and print publications.
Content Management: Manage the organization’s overall content calendar, overseeing the creation, curation, and deployment of consistent, high-impact messaging across all digital and traditional channels.
Written Content Creation: Develop professional content for the organization’s industry magazine, weekly email newsletters, and other internal and external communications.
Digital Content Creation: Develop content for the organization's website, podcast, presentations, and social media presence to ensure optimal engagement and information delivery.
Media Relations: Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, including drafting press releases, pitching stories, coordinating interviews, and maintaining strong relationships with agricultural, trade, and national media outlets.

3. Project Management & Evaluation

Timeline & Deliverable Management: Oversee the successful coordination of all communications projects, ensuring timely delivery, adherence to deadlines, and high-quality outputs across multiple concurrent initiatives.
Budget Oversight: Manage the communications budget effectively, including tracking expenditures and evaluating the Return on Investment (ROI) for major projects and campaigns.
Performance Metrics: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and regularly report on the effectiveness of communications efforts, using data to inform future strategies.

4. Collaboration & Delegation

Internal Partnership: Serve as the primary communications partner for internal staff and leadership, understanding their needs and developing tailored communications solutions.
Vendor & Agency Management: Identify, onboard, and manage external vendors, PR agencies, contractors, and consultants to execute specialized projects and extend capacity.
Internal Communications Leadership: Strengthen internal communication systems to ensure alignment across staff, leadership, and volunteer governance, fostering clarity, consistency, and organizational cohesion.

5. Communication & Interpersonal Abilities

Stakeholder Communication: Serve as a clear, authoritative, and articulate spokesperson and communicator, conveying complex industry information to producers, state associations, policymakers, industry partners, media, and the broader agricultural community. Serve as a primary spokesperson for ASI, representing the organization in media engagements, industry forums, and – when needed – during issues or crisis situations.
Relationship Building: Proactively build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key internal staff, external media contacts, and industry partners to foster engagement and secure favorable coverage.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or marketing, with at least 2 years in a leadership or management-level role.
Proven success in developing and implementing measurable, large-scale communications strategies.
Exceptional written and verbal skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in digital communications tools, content management systems (CMS), and social media platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

Sheep Industry or Agricultural Background: An established understanding of the unique challenges and operational cycles within the sheep industry and/or broader agricultural sector is highly desirable.
Experience in membership organizations, trade associations, or advocacy environments preferred.
Ability to communicate technical/agricultural topics to non-technical audiences.

Compensation

$80,000-100,000 annually depending on experience
Benefits are provided including medical, vision, dental, disability, AD&D, and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, vacation and sick leave, and select paid holidays.

Background

In today’s rapidly evolving agricultural landscape, clear and effective communication is critical. ASI recognizes that its continued success and influence depend on the ability to inform, engage, and inspire members, stakeholders and non-members. Through thoughtful branding, innovative content strategies, a robust digital transformation, and new communications strategy, ASI is working to not only address current challenges but also seize new opportunities for growth and engagement. Our focus is to ensure every communication – whether it educates, advocates, or inspires – advances ASI’s mission and builds a stronger, more unified industry.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing relevant experience, to Chris Jones at jobs@sheepusa.org. Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2026, with review beginning immediately.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The American Sheep Industry Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, or sexual orientation.

Benefits found in job post

401(k), Disability insurance

Requirements added by the job poster

• Bachelor's Degree

• Authorized to work in the United States

• 5+ years of experience in Public Relations

• No need for visa sponsorship