Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP)
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Vice President
APFA Director of Communications
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Date Revised: February 26, 2025
About the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers
The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) is a nonprofit that advocates for one of the world’s most sustainable and nutritious seafood products, and a critical component of Alaska’s economy, U.S.-caught Wild Alaska Pollock. GAPP’s mission is to build demand and awareness for the fish through driving product innovation, conducting research, and creating awareness about product quality and the responsibly managed fishery the product comes from. Learn more at www.alaskapollock.org.
GAPP oversees a subsidiary organization, the Alaska Pollock Fishery Alliance (APFA), that was formed a little over one year ago to directly address misperceptions about the Alaska Pollock fishery relative to the fishery’s sustainability and economic importance. Targeting specific audiences, including those in Alaska, APFA works to build confidence and investment in the fishery and its positive impact on Alaska and galvanize support for the longevity of the fishery among core audiences.
This position will support the communications function for APFA first and foremost, as well as the communications needs of GAPP and other member organizations within the industry which lack communications expertise and functionality. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated aptitude for managing cross-functional communications efforts and excellent written and oral communications skills. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to roll up their sleeves and actively execute communications directives across multiple organizations managed by GAPP.
Summary/Objective
• Drives visibility and promotes the responsibility and impact of the Wild Alaska Pollock industry among key stakeholder audiences, particularly those in Alaska.
• Amplifies the industry’s story by leveraging the innumerable attributes of Wild Alaska Pollock and sharing its relevance in a meaningful and engaging way.
• Gives voice to our industry’s values and impact through story-mining and storytelling.
• Promotes Wild Alaska Pollock and the Alaska pollock fishery by leveraging consumer intelligence and research to raise awareness and build trust with key identified audiences.
• Ensures that the Alaska pollock industry is prepared to address any vulnerabilities that may negatively impact its positive narrative.
Essential Functions
• Executes a comprehensive communications strategy for the Wild Alaska Pollock industry that speaks to priority audiences, leverages various spokespersons and communications mediums, and fully integrates communications for APFA and the entire industry.
• Provides direction for all media initiatives, relationships and outreach; serves as day-to-day contact for media and a potential spokesperson on behalf of the industry.
• Provides communications services for the APFA and the industry; leads execution and measurement of public relations programs; leads the development and design of all print and digital communications.
• Leads creation of core messages, materials and assets, including media strategies, key messages, articles for industry publication, press releases and responses to press.
• Provides direction for APFA and the industry’s online and social media strategy, managing the ongoing message development for social media properties.
• Supports the CEO and industry leaders in communications and thought leadership agenda. Work to background key media on industry issues. Serve as an industry spokesperson as appropriate.
• Update and fully leverage the pollock production story throughout all of APFA’s promotional activities, inclusive of production and fishing practices.
• Work to mobilize a diverse industry to tell a united story, be responsive to feedback and ideas for communications opportunities or activations.
• Manage communications strategies across a diverse set of APFA members and cultivate investment in core strategies among APFA members.
• Work to further develop an industry-wide crisis plan and host trainings to familiarize key industry stakeholders with the plan.
• Works to ensure understanding of key findings and takeaways from ongoing analysis and key projects throughout the industry.
• Create pollock industry speaker bureau and oversee media training for producers identified to serve as ambassadors.
• Works to mine stories from within the APFA member companies and maintains a master editorial calendar of all engagements to ensure appropriate preparation and cadence.
• Oversee budgeted communications spending and agency/consultant relationships to execute strategies and programs, measuring against defined metrics for success.
Competencies
• Excellent written communication skills; demonstrated writing proficiencies.
• Ability to manage “up and across” within a dynamic and engaged organization.
• Ability to craft and hone messages and adapt those messages based on audience.
• Strong understanding of media landscape and public relations practices and demonstrated ability to foster media relationships at the local and national level.
• Strategic thinking and ability to execute comprehensive communications plans and industry agendas effectively and efficiently.
• Experience in managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Leadership skills to manage input from multiple stakeholders and diverse perspectives.
• Crisis management experience.
• Proficiency in digital communications and social media platforms.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, etc. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear and see. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to handle, and reach with hands and arms.
Location & Travel
GAPP has offices and headquarters in downtown Seattle, Washington. Given the immediate issues being tackled by GAPP and APFA, some preference will be given to candidates based in or with a willingness to relocate or travel often to Alaska.
This position requires approximately 25% travel with limited periods of more concentrated travel, often outside the local area and overnight.
Required Education and Experience
• Ability to commit 25% travel, occasionally outside the local area and overnight
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Passion to be part of an iconic and energetic industry and lead communications for multiple industry trade organizations working to promote and protect the Wild Alaska Pollock industry!
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Salary
Salary will be commensurate with experience but will likely fall within the following range: $165,000.00 – $185,000.00. A competitive 401(k) and benefits package will also be offered.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send a Cover Letter, Resume and 2 Writing Samples to info@alaskapollock.org.