Senior News Publications Editor/Communications Specialist

Join us at the Illinois Farm Bureau to become part of an influential leader that has a rich history and vision toward the future of agriculture. We’re excited you’re looking for a career with Illinois Farm Bureau as we advocate for farmers and agriculture. We’re a grassroots organization made up of people who support farms, food and families in Illinois.. About the role Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) seeks a versatile writer and a strong copy editor to join its talented team of journalists who work hard to provide information to IFB members. This senior‑level position offers writing and editing opportunities for a variety of print and digital platforms – from writing news and feature stories for FarmWeek and FarmWeekNow.com to creating a daily newsletter, engaging posts for our social media channels and content marketing messages. How does this role make an impact? Regularly contributes ideas and content for print publications, social media, IFB websites and other IFB communications platforms. Conducts interviews and research, writes stories and helps prepares illustrative materials and occasional photography. Collaborates with staff throughout IFB to coordinate coverage. Promotes IFB news content through social media. Reads, proofs and correct spelling, grammar and usage errors based on Associated Press (AP) and local style. Serves as subject matter expert within coverage area, develops and maintains network of sources and ensures content does not conflict with IFB policy. Exercises professional leadership by keeping abreast of current trends, developments, technology and new opportunities within field of responsibility. Assists with page layout and design for weekly publications on occasion. Handles general news assignments as needed. Do you have what we're looking for? Typically requires 7+ years of relevant experience or a combination of related experience, education and training. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including strong writing, editing and interviewing skills. Strong knowledge of AP Style. Computer proficiency with a working knowledge of social media, digital communications platforms, Microsoft Office and desktop publishing programs. Good project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, organize efficiently, establish priorities and attend to details. Normal office environment. Extensive computer work. Regular travel throughout the Illinois and occasional travel out of state required. Ability to work flexible hours as needed. This position is part of a job family. Placement will be determined by skills and qualifications of the candidate. Base Pay Range: $74,400-$102,300 The base pay range represents the typical range of potential salary offers for candidates hired. Factors used to determine your actual salary include your specific skills, qualifications and experience. Incentive Pay: In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for a Short-Term Incentive plan. Why work with us? Illinois Farm Bureau planted roots in 1916 and is one of the largest Farm Bureau organizations in the United States. Illinois Farm Bureau is a voice for Illinois farmers, farm families, and anyone involved in food and agriculture. That covers a lot of ground. Illinois Farm Bureau represents members in Springfield, IL and Washington D.C. When you become a part of Illinois Farm Bureau, you become part of something that touches the lives of people every day. You truly make a difference. You’ll be able to take advantage of our benefits package, which includes insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, disability, and life) 401(k) with company match parental leave paid time off paid company holidays time off to volunteer Illinois Farm Bureau is committed to providing equal opportunity in all areas of employment, and in providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. Illinois Farm Bureau does not generally sponsor individuals for employment-based visas for this position. IFB is headquartered in Bloomington, IL, with hybrid positions available at our home office and statewide across our 93 County Farm Bureau offices. Our Mission: Improve the economic well‑being of agriculture and enrich the quality of farm family life. Since 1916, IFB has remained dedicated to advocating for farmers and agriculture, connecting the farming community with consumers and promoting the values and quality of life we hold dear in Illinois. We’re a grassroots membership organization made up of people who support farms, food and families in Illinois. Our members join because they are looking for advocacy, access to reliable agricultural information and education and our member benefits. We also invest in the future of agriculture via the IAA Foundation, grow agricultural leaders through developmental programming and events, cultivate environmental stewardship and champion innovation by working with our partner and affiliated organizations, such as COUNTRY Financial; GROWMARK; Prairie Farms Dairy and the state commodity groups. Our employees—regardless of their connection to agriculture—are instrumental in providing this value to their members by creating and managing programs, services and activities. We support their development through continuous learning and training, tuition assistance and a competitive, full‑range package of benefits. Our people are our members’ neighbors, and we work to ensure they share the same opportunities for personal and professional growth and contributing to their communities. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ilfb