The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) represents the corn wet-milling industry in the United States. Wet milling allows corn to be turned into sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, and feed products from corn components such as oil, protein, and fiber. CRA also administers the Plant Based Products Council (PBPC), an organization launched by CRA in 2019 that represents companies manufacturing or using non-food products and materials made from renewable, plant-based inputs.

The Project Coordinator provides project, membership, communications, and operational support to both the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) and the Plant Based Products Council (PBPC). This role is ideal for an early-career professional who enjoys managing multiple priorities, creating content, supporting member engagement, and contributing to mission-driven work in a collaborative, fast-paced association environment. The successful candidate will be highly organized, digitally savvy, detail-oriented, and motivated to develop expertise in association management, public policy, and member communications. 

Project & Administrative Support 

• Manage the Carbohydrate Check Sample Program (CCSP), a member-benefit program for validating laboratory methods used in testing corn wet-milled products. Oversee participant registration, communications with vendors, coordination of program activities, and ensure all parties have required information. 
• Assist the Trade Policy Vice President with the weekly Trade Update and other publications as needed. 
• Assist policy staff with policy research, meeting support, recording key details and action items, and other projects as assigned. 
• Manage various projects, in whole or in part, while ensuring timely completion and follow-through. 
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned. 

Membership & Engagement Support 

• Support Plant Based Products Council (PBPC) membership recruitment and engagement efforts, including prospect outreach, tracking engagement activities, and maintaining recruitment materials. 
• Assist with PBPC members onboarding, including coordinating welcome materials, maintaining member records, and supporting retention activities. 
• Maintain accurate membership data and records and assist with administrative processes related to membership management. 
• Provide administrative support for member programs, webinars, events, and committee activities. 

Communications & Digital Content Support 

• Support the creative development of digital and graphic assets for association communications and outreach initiatives. 
• Drive content production for newsletters, factsheets, one-pagers, social media content, website updates, presentations, and other public-facing materials. 
• Manage the organization’s website and digital communication channels, ensuring content remains current and aligned with organizational priorities. 
• Assist the Senior Director of Communications with daily news monitoring and tracking issues important to the organization and its membership. 
• Provide cross-functional communications support across departments, helping to coordinate messaging and promotional activities. 
• Assist with event communications, marketing materials, member announcements, and organizational publications. 

Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Outlook, SharePoint, Excel, and Word. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Excellent organizational, time-management abilities and attention to details 
• Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills. 
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively in a team environment. 
• Self-starter with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset. 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred. 

Preferred Skills & Qualifications 

• Understanding of trade association operations, membership programs, and member engagement processes is a plus. 
• Interest in public policy, international trade, manufacturing, agriculture, sustainability, or advanced bioproducts is preferred. 
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to tailor content for different audiences. 
• Experience managing websites, digital communication platforms, and social media channels is a plus. 
• Familiarity with graphic design tools, content management systems, or digital marketing platforms is desirable. 
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work, manage competing deadlines, and maintain high-quality results in a fast-paced environment. 
• Proactive organizational skills with excellent follow-through and a positive attitude. 
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and support senior leaders while taking initiative on independently owned projects. 
• Digitally fluent, detail-oriented, and eager to learn and grow within a dynamic policy and membership organization.