Primary Purpose

Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) is the world’s largest advocacy association representing member companies, state biotechnology groups, academic and research institutions, and related organizations across the United States and in 30+ countries. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial, and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.

Develop and implement strategic communications programs and media outreach to support the policy goals of BIO’s Agriculture and Environment Section. Help position BIO as the voice of science, especially on biotechnology’s applications across industries, from agriculture to food systems, energy and biobased manufacturing.

Specifically, the Sr. Manager will work with the Director of Strategic Communications and the rest of the communications team to develop and implement proactive communications strategies around key issues; identify and create Agriculture and Environment-specific content for BIO’s properties (BIO.org, Good Day BIO, Bio.News); work closely with the Policy and Federal and State Government Relations teams to develop public affairs strategies on public policies; and provide strategic communications and media support for BIO events and meetings.

ESSENTIAL Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic communications programs that support the policy goals of BIO’s Agriculture and Environment Section.
• Build a knowledge base of public policies important to BIO’s Agriculture and Environment Section and identify opportunities to engage through communications tactics.
• Develop collateral and owned and earned media materials including op-ed pieces, news releases, statements, blogs, talking points, issue briefs, letters to the editor, and other communications tools.
• Serve as spokesperson for BIO on agriculture and environment issues, when needed.
• Build awareness of BIO as the leading U.S. voice for biotechnology issues in the areas of agriculture and environment.
• Anticipate potential trigger events for the media and develop and implement response plans as necessary.
• Coordinate BIO communications initiatives with coalitions, allied associations and other key stakeholders, and consulting teams on behalf of the Agriculture and Environment Section.
• Oversee and convene the Agriculture and Environment Section’s Communications Working Group.
• Provide strategic communications and media relations support for BIO Impact, BIO’s International Convention and other conferences and events as needed.

Required Background, EDUCATION, and skills

• Bachelor of Arts
• Experience in policy communications and government relations preferred.
• Experience with agriculture and environment-related policy issues, including (but not limited to) climate change, sustainability, and economic development.
• Must have record of success in designing and implementing strategic communications and public affairs campaigns.
• Must demonstrate excellent writing and editing skills.
• A solid understanding of the legislative and regulatory processes.
• Must be a driven self-starter who is able to work within a team environment.

Candidates should be aware that BIO currently maintains a policy requiring all US-based employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive a booster shot once eligible. Newly hired employees must be vaccinated and boosted prior to their employment start date BIO is an equal opportunity employer and will provide a reasonable accommodation to those unable to be vaccinated or receive a booster where it is not an undue hardship to the company to do so as provided under federal, state, and local law.