External Communications Manager

We’re looking for a strategic, detail-oriented External Communications Manager to lead the planning and execution of integrated communications initiatives that strengthen the reputation of the dairy category. In this role, you will design and manage cross-channel campaigns to inform, engage, and influence key external audiences—including industry stakeholders and community partners—while aligning all efforts with our mission: building trust in dairy and driving demand across the category.

This position plays a key role in ensuring our external messaging is clear, consistent, and impactful. You’ll collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and a dedicated PR lead to deliver compelling stories and campaigns, driving results through creative excellence, strategic alignment, and measurable outcomes.

External Communications Strategy & Planning:

Develop comprehensive communications strategies that support organizational goals and strengthen category reputation. Identify target audiences, craft key messages, and determine channel strategies across owned, paid, and earned media (in collaboration with PR).

Campaign Development & Management (Tactical):

Translate strategy into actionable campaigns by managing timelines, deliverables, and budgets. Own day-to-day execution—from content creation and partner coordination to campaign launch, optimization, and reporting. Lead communications efforts with external partners, industry groups, and community organizations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & PR Alignment:

Coordinate with the PR lead to ensure alignment of messaging across channels. Provide input, research, and recommendations for media outreach strategies while maintaining message consistency across PR, digital, and stakeholder communications.

Content Strategy & Creative Briefing:

Create compelling, audience-relevant narratives for digital platforms, social media, and stakeholder materials. Partner with creative teams and agencies to ensure all assets reflect brand voice and campaign objectives.

Measurement & Reporting:

Define KPIs and performance metrics for all initiatives. Track engagement, reach, and sentiment; share insights with stakeholders and apply learnings to future campaigns.

Qualifications:

·       3–5 years of experience in communications, marketing, or a related role.

·       Background in food & beverage, agriculture, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or related industries strongly preferred.

·       Proven ability to lead integrated campaigns and collaborate across functions.

·       Strong organizational and project management skills; capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

·       Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills with a talent for translating complex ideas into clear messages.

·       Strategic thinker with a proactive, results-driven mindset.

We know that in order to meet our goal of growing dairy demand, we need the best people. We offer competitive compensation and generous benefits to help our employees balance their work and personal lives. Our comprehensive health and welfare plans offer medical, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability and flexible spending accounts (health care, dependent care, transit and parking). Our 401k provides up to a 10% match and includes a Roth account. Dairy MAX reserves the right to change or end its benefits plans or programs at any time.

About Us

Dairy MAX, is a non-profit dairy council, representing more than 900 dairy farm families across Colorado, southwest Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, western Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming.

Dairy MAX is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to the principles of diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We regret it is not possible to communicate with candidates except those who most closely match our requirements. Thank you.