**Job Description** **General Purpose:** Lead and manage multiple business operation functions for a business unit or substantial group. For the Southeast Area (SEA), this encompasses communications, human resources, and analytics. Communications: Manage and develop communication strategies and channels to effectively share information to DFA’s diverse audiences while connecting them to the Cooperative’s goals. Ensure the team adheres to DFA’s brand strategy and standards. Manage, plan, and execute a variety of communications for target audiences. Manage the communications effort for the SEA, taking necessary actions to communicate, advise, assist, define, and implement strategy for communications and improvement in quality and service issues across all departments. Oversee the development and production of all print, web based, and audio communications for the SEA. Manage events for the SEA including, but not limited to, council meetings and district meetings. Human Resources (HR): Function as an HR contact for the SEA office with employees, divisional and headquarters HR. Business Operations/Business Support: Oversee development of Core Focus Areas for SEA departments. Create metrics and measurements to illustrate key performance indicators within the SEA. Facility Services: Serve as first point of contact for internal facilities services issues. Function as the location liaison with corporate offices on EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) concerns. Maintain an accurate OSHA 300 log. **Job Duties and Responsibilities:** Communications: + Develop, manage, and deploy communication plans with a change management mindset in alignment with the level of impact + Lead communication activities from initiation to closure, ensuring the successful and timely execution of deliverables + Lead and manage the implementation of the employee communication strategy throughout the organization + Evaluate message content and target audience. Provide recommendations and guidance on how best to deliver communications that ensure the integrity of the visual and verbal brand and communication objectives + Work with other leaders on the communication team to help drive overall brand messaging for the Cooperative + Develop communication content in partnership with the internal or external customer; work with the internal corporate communication team to ensure content is presented and delivered effectively + Review and edit communications to ensure that they are clear, thorough, on-brand and preserve the organization’s brand and tone + Maintain and build relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization + Collaborate with others on cross-divisional and cross-functional communications needs + Conduct research and stay up to date with industry best practices, communication trends, and new technologies to continuously improve communication strategies and tactics; introduce and implement as approved + Work with Membership to represent DFA and the SEA at local fairs, trade shows, industry events, fund raisers and similar activities. Assist with the Young Cooperator Program + Manage the research and writing of original content for all SEAC communications including newsletters, press releases, promotional literature, special mailings, websites, training materials and other items as assigned + Distribute all legally required summary plan documents, notices, forms, etc. + Ensure that all publications and communications projects are delivered timely, within budget and that they meet established SEA and corporate standards Human Resources + Serve as an HR contact for the SEA office to include partnering with headquarters talent acquisition for job postings and onboarding new employees + Serve as first point of contact for local employee relations issues and partner with divisional HRBP to resolve complex employee relations issues + In partnership with divisional HRBP, prepare employee data changes with headquarters + Serve as initial point of contact for employees and managers for support for retirement benefits + Serve as DairyU and Value Integrity liaison + Coordinate benefits open enrollment and wellness tracking + Coordinate the annual enrollment process of the non-qualified deferred compensation plans + Partner with SEA office leadership to create employee engagement initiatives. Serve as engagement champion on divisional employee engagement team + Ensure payroll reports are run timely and efficiently Business Operations/Business Support + Oversee management and reporting of SEA Core Focus Areas on monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis + Create metrics and measurements to illustrate key performance indicators within the SEA + Measure and communicate results of business processes and advise methods for performance improvements across all areas of operations.Report findings through meetings, presentations and formalized reports to management, customers and membership + Manage events for the SEA including, but not limited to, council meetings and district meetings + Oversee and/or lead multiple projects between departments concurrently, including those with high visibility or of a complex nature + Interface with all department and serve as liaison with customers, haulers and producers + Collaborate with business partners on change management strategies and plans + Handle administrative duties of the COO as needed Facility Services + Serve as first point of contact for Facilities Services and EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) + Function as the primary contact or escalation point for internal facilities issues, including all maintenance, cleaning, and office/location services and refer issues to the appropriate personnel. + Handle building emergencies and communicate between employees and outside contacts. + Lead all building related projects/updates + Function as the location liaison with corporate offices on environmental concerns + Maintain an accurate OSHA 300 log and associated worker’s compensation records and documents + Maintain legal, governmental, and company environmental permitting/reporting, health, medical, and safety-related records according to standards, including confidentiality + Support all workers’ compensation activities with the assistance of Human Resources The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required. **Requirements** **_Education and Experience_** + Undergraduate degree in journalism, communications, marketing, digital media, human resources or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education) + 8 or more years of communications or related experience coupled with leadership experience (team or project) + Certification and/or License – CPR/First Aid Certified; OSHA certifications and Certified Safety Professional preferred; other certifications may be required during course of employment **_Knowledge, Skills and Abilities_** + Leadership skills with ability to promote a team environment and influence and support teams to achieve objectives + Strong proficiency in using communication tools and platforms + Strong knowledge of variety of writing styles (such as Associated Press style) + Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively tailor messages for different audiences and channels + Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders + Able to think strategically and creatively + Able to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines + Able to quickly adapt to changing circumstances + Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail + Able to write and edit within an organizational brand + Strong working knowledge of Human Resources practices; working knowledge of HR related laws and regulations + Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management + Ability to handle exposure to and maintain highly confidential and sensitive information; ability to exercise good people judgement when handling confidential and sensitive situations. + Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint An Equal Opportunity Employer