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Agricultural Careers. Associations Representative. By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Anna Burgess Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education March 2006. Job Duties & Responsibilities.
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Agricultural Careers Associations Representative By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Anna Burgess Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education March 2006
Job Duties & Responsibilities • Write and edit press releases, brochures, speeches, articles, product information, employee publications, and shareholder reports • Manage finances of the association • Plan and conduct conferences, public events, tours, and conventions • Lobby on behalf of the association with government entities • Research public opinion • Answer requests for information from the association members, press and public • Speak to journalists and appear in the media on behalf of the organization • Work side by side with association leadership • Represent the association in all matters as requested
Qualities and Skills • Possess excellent people skills • Strong, clear and persuasive communication skills • Pleasant personality • A creative thinker and good problem solver • The ability to think on your feet and to manage a crisis efficiently is an important attribute • Enjoy record-keeping, writing, and planning and coordinating events
Salary • The salary can range from $20,000 to well over $100,000 per year depending on the size and location of the organization • Entry-level salaries are around $20,000 to $40,000 • Whether the association is on a local, state, or national level also affects the salary of the representative
Work Environment • Much of the work is done in the office • Travel is often necessary, and in some associations extensive travel may be required • Typically busy and slow seasons depending on events corresponding to the industry • Dealing with personalities of association members and leadership can sometimes be stressful
Education A four year college degree should be considered the minimum educational requirement for this career. Many employers look for people who have had previous experience as an associations representative or in public relations. Many colleges and universities offer a major in Agriculture Communication. Courses in agriculture, writing, public speaking, business administration are recommended.
Career Resources American Society of Association Executives Internet: www.asaenet.org Association Forum of Chicagoland Internet: http://www.associationforum.org Public Relations Society of AmericaInternet: www.prsa.org Council of Public Relations FirmsInternet: www.prfirms.org/ International Association of Business CommunicatorsInternet: www.iabc.com WorkInPR.comInternet: www.workinpr.com/