OMRI is Hiring a Marketing and Communications Manager

About OMRI

The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a leading nonprofit organization working to strengthen the organic industry. OMRI operates an internationally recognized evaluation program that reviews and lists input products for use in producing, processing and handling organic food and fiber. OMRI Listed® products may be allowed for use in operations that are certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program, and the Canadian Organic Standards.

OMRI is actively engaged in diversifying its work force, creating an equitable workplace culture, and creating an inclusive workplace environment. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every one of our qualifications listed.  Read our full IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) Policy and Vision here.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every one of our qualifications listed.  

Location: Though our office is in Eugene, Oregon (Learn more about the City of Eugene), this position is open to being in person, remote or hybrid in Eugene or completely remote from the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Overview of Position

We are looking to fill a key position on our team. The Marketing and Communications Manager is responsible for managing OMRI communications, marketing and subscription programs, with a focus on producing and disseminating OMRI’s unique and specific content related to the science behind inputs for organic use. This is a great position for candidates with some scientific interest and/or background, and a passion for supporting the organic community. The Marketing and Communications Manager is a member of the OMRI Personnel Team and reports to the Deputy Director. 

Starting salary $65,000 to $70,000 per year (dependent on education and experience); 40 hours per week; flexible work hours; generous PTO

Major Responsibilities 

Staff Management

• Supervise the marketing staff
  • Supervise the day-to-day work of direct reports; provide coaching and mentoring as needed
  • Coordinate hiring process for direct reports, as needed
  • Conduct periodic performance check-ins and evaluations of direct reports
  • Serve as a liaison for  direct reports, communicating and supporting organizational priorities, and addressing and resolving concerns and/or bringing to upper management as appropriate
  • Advise on personnel issues and strategies as part of the OMRI Personnel Team

Marketing and Public Relations

• Develop and manage budgets for the department
• Develop, maintain and implement a cumulative and progressive OMRI marketing and communications plan, building a consistent program
  • Prepare and execute written plans designed to support awareness and understanding of OMRI and input review
  • Conduct pricing research and analysis to ensure competitive product and service pricing
  • Maintain knowledge of market trends and development; identify needs for new products and services and make recommendations to leadership
  • Negotiate contracts for services needed to execute marketing plan
  • Regularly report to the Deputy Director on the status of marketing and communications efforts
• Ensure the consistency and quality of OMRI's brand and public communications
  • Oversee the development of the OMRI brand, including overseeing and implementing consistent logos, graphics and design
  • Oversee the maintenance and development of the OMRI seal and certification marks; maintain and enforce guidelines to support correct usage
  • Review all public documents and materials to ensure consistency with OMRI communication standards
  • Oversee the production, storage and distribution of printed and digital publications and promotional materials, including but not limited to: brochures, advertising, displays, newsletters, OMRI Products List, Quarterly Supplements, OMRI Policy Manual, OMRI Standards Manuals and OMRI Generic Materials List
  • Oversee the editing of public communications, application forms and letter templates for quality and consistency
• Coordinate OMRI attendance at tradeshows and conferences
  • Develop tradeshow schedules and plans that support OMRI’s strategic priorities
  • Work with the Research and Education Manager, and the Technical Director as needed, to submit proposals for OMRI staff to speak at tradeshows and conferences, and to coordinate additional speaking and educational opportunities as appropriate
  • Produce new tradeshow materials as needed
• Manage OMRI’s printed assets
  • Design, update, and reprint OMRI brochures, publications, and other printed and promotional materials
• Manage OMRI's media relations
  • Write and/or edit and distribute press releases, articles and other content for publications and websites
  • Maintain press lists, manage media inquiries, and pitch stories to journalists 
  • Collaborate with the Deputy Director, Executive Director and other senior staff to develop plans and respond  to emerging media issues, as needed
  • Plan and coordinate OMRI content for publication
  • Oversee social media and email efforts and outreach, including monthly eNews
• Oversee changes and maintenance for OMRI website content, design and layout
  • Work with other staff to prioritize website projects
  • Support development, editing and posting of content

Business and Program Development

• Manage regular surveys of OMRI customer groups and prepare survey reports.
• Manage OMRI's subscription programs
  • Oversee renewals and coordinate subscription materials
  • Solicit feedback and propose service improvements as appropriate
  • Recruit new subscribers in accordance with the strategic and marketing plans
• Administer OMRI's certifier program
  • Manage renewals and coordinate subscription services, including production and delivery of subscription materials 
  • Solicit feedback and propose service improvements as appropriate
  • As needed, promote and coordinate OMRI services, including certifier training
  • With the Deputy Director, coordinate the data license program for certifiers

Fundraising

• With the Deputy Director, coordinate fundraising initiatives as needed

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required.  Marketing, communications, business, or a related major preferred; an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience beyond the requirements below may be considered as a substitute for the degree requirement
• 5 years of experience in marketing and communications required, with 2 years of experience at a management level preferred
• 2 years of experience supervising staff required

Skills:

Required

• Demonstrated superior writing and editing skills 
• Proficiency in standard office software 
• Ability to use Adobe design and graphics software, such as InDesign
• Good design sense 
• Ability to quickly learn and assimilate technical information and communicate technical information to a non-technical audience 
• Willingness to work collaboratively with a team to develop messages and talking points 
• Ability to make and communicate decisions clearly, and delegate work 
• Ability to coach and mentor employees 
• Willingness to participate in professional development activities, and ability to acquire new skills and adapt to change quickly 
• High level of attention to detail and ability to process complex information and instructions 
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks, organize information, complete tasks in a timely fashion, and appropriately handle confidential business information 

Preferred

• Public speaking skills and experience 
• Demonstrated project coordination and planning skills 
• Experience with contact management systems, such as Constant Contact
• Familiarity with and support for the organic community 

Other Requirements

• Ability to work occasional nights and weekends
• Ability to occasionally travel domestically and internationally

Benefits

• Full time position with competitive salary
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental and vision plan
• 50% employer contribution to dependent medical, vision and dental plans
• 100% employer-paid life insurance, long term disability and short term disability insurance
• Retirement plan
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 13 paid holidays
• Opportunities for flexible scheduling
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• Bike-friendly business and support for alternative transportation options
• Small nonprofit organization with established team and leading role in organic industry
• Casual, fun work environment
• For more detailed information, please visit our Description of Benefits

How to apply

This position remains open, but we are not accepting new applications at this time. We appreciate your interest and encourage you to check back for future opportunities.

OMRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

OMRI is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming work environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, performance and business needs.

For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see the government poster "Know Your Rights."

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 541-343-7600 or hr@omri.org.