Marketing and Communications Specialist - Illini FS - Urbana, IL

Illini FS is headquartered in Urbana, Illinois with branches in five eastern Illinois counties. Illini FS has about 200 employees and approximately 6,000 customers. The cooperative does business in agronomy, energy, tires, and retail. Illini FS is part of the GROWMARK System, an agricultural cooperative serving more than 100,000 customers across North America and Ontario, Canada.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Leads and facilitates marketing activity and communication.  Develops and monitors content to ensure quality standards are met and branding integrity is maintained.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Brand/Company ambassador representing Illini FS
• Creates opportunities to use web-based media to support and promote brand-specific marketing and communication programs.
• Ensures alignment between brand positioning, marketing initiatives and targeted audiences’ desire for web-based communications.
• Stays current on trends in emerging technology that have applications within retail division marketing efforts.
• Serves as a liaison between vendors, public relations, and video projects implemented including those projects that incorporate GROWMARK
• Collaborate with GROWMARK Corporate Communications and design team to implement local marketing tactics.
• Develop, implement, and maintain website and social media platforms to increase awareness of the brand and its history, while improving user experience and prospect engagement.
• Creates marketing materials to improve advertising and brand awareness using multiple media types.
• Responds to inquiries and monitors commentary related to the business to project and sustain a positive company image and promote interaction.
• Works collaboratively both independently and in a team-oriented environment.
• Creates, maintains and updates a Marketing Calendar for all departments
• Creates company marketing campaigns
• Coordinates advertising, promotional, gifts, events and donations programs for all departments
• Develops positive relationships with our employees, vendors, and customers

• Track Annual Sales Program Progress

• Use tools available to help create cross selling lists and business analysis

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Attends all meetings and trainings as assigned
• Attends recruiting events such as: county fairs, 4-H events, FFA functions
• Works with local schools to promote Illini FS
• Amateur Photography and Videography
• Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply
• Required to drive to all locations and events as needed
• Performs all other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

• Normally requires an Bachelor’s Degree and at least 2 years of marketing or communications experience or equivalent.
• Ag related work experience preferred.
• Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.
• Must posses a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Must be able to travel independently and overnight.
• Ability to obtain drone pilot license
• Ability to work extended hours as business conditions warrant.
• Demonstrates the FS WAY Standards: Trust, Responsiveness, Excellence, Expertise and Solution Focused.
• Occasionally exposed or required to:
• Extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, etc.)

           - Noisy conditions

           - Working conditions may include dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards, requiring utilization of appropriate safety measures

           - May be required to work at various heights

           - Lift up to 50 pounds

• Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.

We are an equal opportunity employer, including protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment may be contingent upon receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.