NASS Program Job Description

Reporting to the Associate Director, Producer Engagement, this position will work within NASDA's NASS program to increase awareness of NASS surveys and their value to producers, agricultural organizations, and the broader agricultural industry. The position is responsible for developing and executing engagement strategies, building stakeholder relationships, and measuring engagement outcomes to support the NASS programs data collection efforts in Arkansas. This is a fully remote position, but candidates must reside in Arkansas.

ABOUT NASDA

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association representing the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries, and directors of the state departments of agriculture. NASDA enhances American food and agriculture communities through policy, partnerships, and public engagement.

We recognize that to achieve our goals, we need employees who are as passionate about agriculture as we are. We strive to create a positive work environment that our employees can be proud of and where they can build their careers.

NASDA employees earn a competitive salary and enjoy an excellent work culture at an organization with exceptional perks, including a flexible schedule and an incredible mission.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Work with the Producer Engagement team to develop and execute NASDA's producer engagement strategy focused on increasing awareness of and participation in NASS surveys.
• Lead state-specific engagement plans that leverage trusted agricultural stakeholders and partnerships to increase producer response rates.
• Track established performance metrics to evaluate engagement activities and survey promotion efforts.
• Maintain relationships with state departments of agriculture, commodity organizations, Extension services, producer groups, and other trusted agricultural stakeholders in assigned region or states.
• Identify opportunities to leverage existing agricultural networks to improve awareness of and participation in NASS surveys.
• Represent NASDA at in-person and virtual events within designated state or region.
• Analyze response-rate trends and engagement data to identify opportunities, measure program effectiveness, and recommend improvements.
• Develop and share communication materials as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent years' experience in agriculture, communications, public affairs required.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in agricultural communications, stakeholder engagement, membership outreach, public affairs, producer relations, or a related field, preferably within agriculture.
• Thorough understanding of U.S. agriculture required. Familiarity with USDA NASS surveys, agricultural data collection, or producer outreach programs strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with agricultural organizations, government agencies, industry associations, Extension services, commodity groups, or producer organizations.
• Experience developing and implementing outreach, engagement, or communications strategies designed to achieve measurable outcomes.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including strong presentation and public speaking abilities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven work environment and effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to travel regularly to attend meetings and events.
• Experience with email marketing, newsletter development, and distribution using Mailchimp or similar platforms.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Currently reside in Arkansas.

Consideration will be given to candidates who explicitly address how their professional experience meets the above qualifications in their cover letter and resume. Applications without a cover letter and resume will not be considered.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

Applications will be accepted until August 9, 2026. Interviews are expected to take place in August 2026. Anticipated start date September 21, 2026.

SALARY RANGE

The salary range for this position is $55,000 - $65,000/yr based on experience.

WORK SCHEDULE

This is a full-time (40 hrs/week), exempt remote position. Working hours are generally Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm local time. Some weekend work may be required.

BENEFITS:

• PTO for vacation, sick leave, and volunteer hours.
• 401k – 100% match up to 4%.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Professional development.
• Employer-paid: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.

NASDA does not discriminate in employment practices or programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.