Job Openings

Position Title: Managing Director, CBI

Reports to: Executive Director

Primary Purpose of the Position:

The Managing Director of CBI is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Council on Biotechnology Information (CBI) and its outreach efforts to media, policy makers, and other opinion leaders to promote the benefits and increased acceptance of agricultural biotechnology. The job includes creating and managing strategic communication initiatives that produce positive visibility and successful education campaigns for agricultural biotechnology applications in the food and agricultural, and environmental and industrial, sectors.  In this capacity, the Managing Director is responsible for generating earned media opportunities in national and regional TV, paper and electronic media outlets, and crafting/approving the messaging used therein. Effective job performance also requires the execution of necessary contract management, tracking of finances, liaising with outside counsel, staffing of organization committees and management of consultants. 

Qualifications: At least a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations or Media Relations, with proven ability to deliver publicity and manage media campaigns.  Established relationships with national and regional media. 8-10 years experience in public relations, public policy, or communications related position(s). Familiarity with biotechnology and/or science policy and regulatory issues, and with the U.S. political system, preferred.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Strong general media relations and strategic communications skills.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Effective management skills.
• Ability to work well within a dynamic team environment.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the principal representative of the organization in outreach efforts to third party networks and key audiences.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of communications plans.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key media outlets, stakeholder ally groups and third party experts.
• Negotiate, prepare, execute and oversee implementation of all contracts.  Work with outside counsel to ensure proper filing of corporation documentation.  Monitor Trademarks and Internet Domain Registration status; complete steps and paperwork necessary to keep organization IP up-to-date.
• Manage and coordinate work of CBI Media Relations committee, including solicitation of proposals and managing public relations consultants and projects.
• Manage the State Outreach grant program.  Solicit proposals, ensure committee approval, oversee distribution of funds, and communicate as necessary with grant recipients.  Review grant reports to ensure funds are appropriately used.
• Oversee budget for all committees, liaise with accountants and auditors as appropriate, ensure timely payment of invoices, and report to Executive Committee on budgetary matters on a quarterly basis.
• Prepare quarterly reports and financial forecasts for Executive Committee and funding organization, which includes coordination with CBI Canada and CBI Mexico.
• Staff Executive, Steering, State and Media Relations Committees.  Arrange meeting logistics; prepare advance meeting materials and minutes.  Respond to committee members’ requests as appropriate.
• Manage consultants hired to up-date content and host and maintain the website.  Review all content before posting.
• Represent the organization at CBI-sponsored and other industry events and conferences and serve as organization’s spokesperson.
• Develop and maintain relationships with third party spokespersons and organizations on a state and local level.

CBI is a commitment by six major agricultural biotechnology companies to educate audiences in North America about the benefits and acceptance by the general U.S. public of modern agricultural biotechnology.  Its objectives are to use solid, documented research and analysis and opinion leaders in creative communications campaigns to help targeted audiences understand and accept the positive role of biotechnology in providing more and better food to a hungry world while helping protect the natural resource base on which agriculture depends.  The candidate will report to CBI’s Executive Director.  A competitive salary and benefits package are offered. 

To Apply:

Responses and questions may be directed to the Human Relations Department of the Biotechnology Industry Organization at 202 962 9200 or HR@BIO.org.

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