Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Plains Cotton Growers, Inc.
Company: Plains Cotton Growers, Inc.
Reports To: CEO
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Position Summary
With authority from and accountability to the CEO, this position is responsible for leading,
directing, and managing the communications and public affairs efforts of the organization.
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
General
• Create and implement comprehensive communications material for the dissemination of
information about and promotion of PCG
• Organize and conduct comprehensive public relations programs to release positive
publicity about PCG; develop public interest and understanding of the PCG’s mission
through the media.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local, state, national and international media;
handle press inquiries and respond or delegate accordingly
• Provide advice and counsel to PCG concerning public relations techniques, publicity
programs, and public relations aspects of PCG activities
• Advise PCG on potential problems and opportunities in public relations, and on the
climate between PCG and the public; undertake special projects and assignments as
directed
• Participate in community activities and civic programs as a PCG representative
• Travel to industry meetings, and conferences, as required
• Work well under pressure and meet all deadlines
Communication with Membership/Public
PCG Communications and Publications
• PCG Email Services – Collect, collate, and disseminate without edit or comment
through PCG Email Services news and articles covering cotton generally and West Texas
specifically from all available resources. Write articles reflecting the opinion or position
of PCG for distribution through PCG Email Services.
• Cotton News – Oversee the development, writing, copying, and distribution of PCG’s
weekly newsletter designed to communicate important cotton-related news items, PCG
activities and High Plains crop updates to area and national media outlets, PCG
membership, and other interested parties. Also develop stand-alone versions of “Cotton
News” for distribution via e-mail and the DTN system.
• PCG Website – Develop, maintain, and oversee content of PCG website.
• Social Media – Create strategy and content for PCG’s social media channels, which
currently include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Create other social media
opportunities as appropriate.
Photography – Serve as official photographer for PCG. Chronicle all meetings and
events through photography. Create and maintain a stock image library for PCG.
• PCG Advertising – Act as official liaison between PCG and advertising agency
representatives and/or media outlets; advise on content, layout and delivery methods for
all PCG advertising efforts; approve expenses related to the execution of advertising,
public relations, meeting and communication activities
• PCG Industry Calendar – Oversee development, typesetting, and printing of PCG
calendar sent to PCG member institutions, allied industry, news media and individuals as
part of overall public relations strategy. Also oversee coordination and approval of
artwork for calendar on a yearly basis.
• Annual Meeting – Coordinate agenda for Annual Meeting and secure speakers as
necessary. Create script and work with President on their annual report presentation.
Create all marketing material, including advertising, event program, event graphics, etc.,
for the event. Secure gift for outgoing chairman as needed.
• Other PCG Publications – Develop and approve PCG brochures explaining the focus,
purpose, and accomplishments of the organization, as well as other handouts and
publications for various activities and initiatives within.
Interested applicants should email their resume, a cover letter and a writing sample to Kody Bessent at kody@plainscotton.org
If you have questions pertaining to the position or application process, please contact our office at 806-792-4904.
Public Relations
• Field and respond to media inquiries as necessary to achieve PCG goals and satisfy media
needs for cotton-related information
• Arrange interviews with PCG officials and/or PCG members as necessary for TV, radio,
print, online, and digital
• Obtain PCG speakers for non-PCG functions on request (i.e. functions held by the
Lubbock Cotton Exchange, Cotton Council International, the National Cotton Council,
etc.)
• Coordinate and execute PCG activities at trade shows and meetings including
arrangements for facilities, advertising, exhibits, and member relations.
• Coordinate PCG involvement in meetings with allied industry members
• Engage with federal, state, and regional commodity organizations such as the National
Cotton Council, the Cotton Board, Cotton Incorporated and others on public relations and
communications efforts
• Participate in activities sponsored by allied industry groups on behalf of PCG
• Incorporate public relations objectives into PCG advertising activities
• Present PCG reports to area gin annual meetings as necessary to assist PCG Member
Relations staff
• Present overview of the cotton industry and production at various events, schools and
meetings
Internal Communications
PCG Correspondence
• Draft and develop correspondence to solicit membership dues from High Plains gins, oil
mills, compresses and allied industry
• Draft and develop PCG meeting notices and official correspondence between staff, Board
of Directors and PCG committees
Additional Responsibilities
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in appropriate field
• Three (3) to five (5) years of professional experience in communication/public relations
desired
• Preference will be given to the candidate with demonstrated strong technical writing and
computer skills
Knowledge of
• Principles and practices of effective written and oral communications, including
knowledge of the Associated Press Stylebook (AP style), English grammar, spelling and
punctuation
• Communication media including print, digital, social, video and audio
• Agricultural production, sustainability, regulatory, legislative and technical and
communications practices preferred
Skills and Qualifications
• Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the successful development, creation
and execution of communications and public relations activities
• Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organizational, and personal skills, with the
experience of managing multiple projects and regular tasks at a time
• Flexible and a self-starter; able to manage multiple concurrent projects while also being
highly detail-oriented with an attention to detail and quality.
• Experience developing and implementing successful social marketing strategies
• Excellent people skills, with experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and
dynamic team
• Proficiency in social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
• Computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, charting and graphing,
and general capabilities of website design and editing applications (WordPress preferred)
• Adobe Creative Suite or comparable graphic design software proficiency
• Excellent technical and creative writing and editing skills
• Media relations, monitoring and strategy
Other Requirements
• Ability to travel within the U.S. and maintain a valid U.S. passport for international travel
• Attend and participate in work activities outside of normal working hours
Compensation
Commensurate with experience and demonstrated ability
Retirement/401(k), healthcare, section 125 cafeteria plan
To apply for this position, please send your resume, cover letter and a writing sample to
kody@plainscotton.org.