Policy Associate, Agriculture & Conservation

Policy Associate Position

The Center for Rural Affairs is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as a Policy Associate based in Iowa or Nebraska who will work to identify policy gaps, conduct research on potential solutions, and promote policy priorities related to agriculture and conservation issues. Preference will be given to candidates who can office in Nevada, IA or Lyons, NE one or more days per week.

Who We Are

The Center for Rural Affairs is a dynamic, energetic non-profit organization working to build a better rural future for all. Our work creates opportunities for beginning farmers, new business owners, and first-time advocates. We celebrate diversity and are committed to advancing practices that create an equitable and inclusive workplace. Additional information can be found at www.cfra.org.

What You’ll Do

The Policy Associate will:

• Conduct research to identify policy gaps and potential solutions.
• Stay current on media and news related to policy work.
• Engage with constituents and stakeholders to gather input.
• Work alongside supporters to advance policy campaigns.
• Author reports, white papers, blogs, opinion pieces, and action alerts.
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations.
• Contribute to work plan development and grant applications.
• Draft organizing appeals to grassroots constituents.
• Incorporate DEI principles into internal processes and communications.

Who You Are & Keys to Success

To be successful, you should excel in:

• Relationship-building
• Drive to achieve results
• Inclusive leadership and management
• Setting and managing priorities
• Commitment to racial equity and social justice

If you were here right now, you would be:

• Meeting regularly with the Agriculture & Conservation portfolio manager.
• Using advocacy skills to influence key policy-making decisions.
• Providing clear communications through reports and opinion pieces.
• Building relationships with stakeholders and constituents.
• Meeting with and educating elected officials and their staff.

You have experience with:

• Keeping up-to-date on policy and providing high-level summaries.
• Researching, uncovering resources, and getting answers.
• Writing opinion pieces, white papers, and reports.
• Engaging in advocacy and advancing ideas or issues.
• Collaborating within and across teams.
• Writing and applying for programmatic grant funding.

What Else You Should Know

This is a full-time non-exempt position based either in Iowa or Nebraska with occasional travel required. Compensation includes a salary range of $47,000-$58,000 plus top-notch benefits.

The Center for Rural Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and takes steps to ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply, send your resume, cover letter, and three professional references here. In the cover letter, include how your experiences have positioned you for success in this role and any Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion or Racial Equity-related expertise. Let us know why you want to work for the Center.