Application Guide
How to Apply for Communications Director
at Farm Action
🏢 About Farm Action
Farm Action is unique as a farmer-led watchdog organization that directly challenges corporate power in the food system, combining grassroots advocacy with research-driven policy solutions. Working here offers the opportunity to amplify the voices of farmers and rural communities while tackling systemic issues like antitrust violations and food security from a nonpartisan, mission-driven perspective.
About This Role
As Communications Director, you'll lead strategic messaging that translates complex agricultural policy and antitrust issues into compelling narratives for media, policymakers, and the public. This role is impactful because you'll shape how America understands food system reform while mentoring a team to elevate farmer perspectives in national conversations.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve strategizing with policy researchers about how to message a new report on seed monopolies, coaching the Communications Coordinator on farmer interview techniques, and leading rapid-response to breaking news about agricultural mergers. You'll balance long-term narrative development with immediate media opportunities while ensuring all communications authentically represent farmer perspectives.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Farm Action Is Looking For
- Has 7+ years leading communications for advocacy campaigns or public-interest organizations, with demonstrable experience managing media crises and rapid-response strategies
- Possesses working knowledge of agriculture policy, food systems, or antitrust issues—or demonstrates ability to quickly master these technical areas through past experience
- Shows proven success mentoring communications teams and developing junior staff while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Combines exceptional writing skills with strategic ability to frame complex issues for diverse audiences including farmers, policymakers, and mainstream media
📝 Tips for Applying to Farm Action
Highlight specific campaigns where you translated policy research into public narratives, especially related to corporate accountability or antitrust
Demonstrate your understanding of farmer perspectives by referencing Farm Action's existing reports or media coverage in your materials
Show how you've mentored communications teams in mission-driven environments, not just managed them
Include examples of rapid-response communications you've led during policy debates or media controversies
Tailor your writing samples to show you can communicate complex agricultural issues accessibly to both rural communities and national audiences
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience translating policy research into public-facing communications, specifically mentioning agriculture, food systems, or antitrust issues', "How you've developed organizational narratives that center marginalized voices (like farmers) in advocacy campaigns", 'Your approach to mentoring communications teams while leading high-stakes media strategy', "Why Farm Action's farmer-led, nonpartisan model resonates with your professional values and experience"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Farm Action's recent reports on corporate power in food systems and their media coverage in outlets like The Guardian or Successful Farming
- → Study the organization's 'Farmer Bill of Rights' and how they frame policy solutions around farmer leadership
- → Understand their nonpartisan approach by examining how they critique both Democratic and Republican agricultural policies
- → Follow their social media presence to understand current campaigns and communication style
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting generic communications examples without agriculture, policy, or advocacy context
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of Farm Action's specific farmer-led model versus general food advocacy
- Overemphasizing corporate or political communications experience without showing how it translates to public-interest advocacy
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!