Director of Government Affairs

## THE ROLE
The Director of Government Affairs advances the federal policy priorities of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) and its members by developing and executing effective advocacy strategies, strengthening relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, and translating policy outcomes into meaningful business and operational impacts for member cooperatives. The role is designed to remain flexible and adaptive as policy priorities and political environments evolve.

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## AT A GLANCE

**SALARY**
$135,000–$150,000
Commensurate with experience

**LOCATION**
Washington, DC

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## CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

### Federal Advocacy & Representation
– Represent NCFC and its members before Congress, federal agencies, and the Administration, in coordination with senior leadership
– Build and maintain productive relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and agency officials across parties and committees
– Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and assess implications for members

### Policy Strategy & Execution
– Translate member priorities into clear federal policy strategies and execution plans
– Develop and advance advocacy positions through written comments, testimony, briefings, and meetings

### Member Engagement & Communications
– Provide timely, clear, and actionable policy analysis to NCFC members
– Prepare issue briefs, updates, and background materials to support member understanding and engagement
– Support member advocacy activities, including fly‑ins, briefings, and Hill meetings

### Coalition Building & External Engagement
– Identify, cultivate, and manage relationships with allied organizations, coalitions, and stakeholders
– Serve as a liaison to external partners to advance shared priorities
– Represent NCFC at meetings, conferences, hearings, and events

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## KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
– Demonstrated ability to develop and execute federal advocacy strategies
– Strong political judgment and comfort operating in dynamic policy environments
– Excellent written and verbal communication, including translating complex policy for diverse audiences
– Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results with minimal supervision

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## TRAVEL
~10% typical
Up to 20% in peak periods

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## APPLY BY
Fri, Aug. 14, 2026

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## OBJECTIVES
– Expand and sustain NCFC’s influence with Congress, federal agencies, and allied organizations
– Deliver disciplined, member‑driven advocacy that adapts to shifting policy environments
– Serve as a trusted strategic resource to members, staff leadership, and external partners
– Strengthen member engagement with timely, actionable insights and meaningful ways to shape advocacy

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## EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
– Bachelor’s degree
– Minimum 5 years in government affairs, congressional offices, federal agencies, or advocacy organizations
– Understanding of the farmer‑owned cooperative system, including Capper‑Volstead, preferred
– Relationship‑builder with credibility among policymakers, members, and stakeholders
– Collaborative mindset, working effectively across teams and leadership levels
– A self‑starter who takes initiative in ambiguous environments with a growth‑oriented mindset
– Openness to adopting new technologies and data‑driven tools to enhance policy, communications, and efficiency

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## ABOUT NCFC
Since 1929, NCFC has been the voice of America’s farmer cooperatives. Our members are regional and national farmer cooperatives, which in turn consist of more than 1,600 local farmer cooperatives across the country. NCFC members also include state and regional councils of cooperatives.

Farmer cooperatives allow individual farmers the ability to own and lead organizations that are essential to continued competitiveness in both the domestic and international markets.

America’s farmer‑owned cooperatives provide a comprehensive array of services for their members. These diverse organizations handle, process, and market virtually every type of agricultural commodity. They also provide farmers with access to infrastructure necessary to manufacture, distribute, and sell a variety of farm inputs. Additionally, they provide credit and related financial services, including export financing.

NCFC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, national origin, religion, disability, or marital status in determining suitability for employment.

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## TO APPLY
Send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to:
[email protected]

Deadline: Friday, Aug. 14, 2026