Director, Government Affairs

POSITION OBJECTIVE: Implement the public policy and regulatory programs in accordance with the policies established by the voting delegates and as interpreted by the Board of Directors of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Advocate on behalf of Farm Bureau policies related to food, nutritional, and other agriculture related topics.

REPORTS TO: Managing Director, Government Affairs

LOCATION: Washington, DC; eligible for hybrid telework under AFBF Policy

PAY RANGE: $135,000 – $150,000 annually; commensurate with experience

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

Represent Farm Bureau and advocate the organization’s policy positions to Congress, the Executive branch, the media and other private sector organizations. Present Farm Bureau views in speeches before appropriate groups, public forums, and Farm Bureau meetings.
Develop and implement long- and short-term action plans that lead to the accomplishment of Farm Bureau’s policies on food, nutrition, and other issues as assigned.
In collaboration with members of the Public Policy Department, develop and implement long- and short-term action plans that lead to the accomplishment of Farm Bureau’s policies and other issues as assigned.
Prepare and deliver remarks to public audiences, regulators and regulatory agencies, as well as draft congressional testimony, letters to Capitol Hill, memoranda for internal distribution within Farm Bureau, public-facing Policy Intel reports and detailed regulatory comments on Federal rulemakings.
Leverage support for Farm Bureau policy by establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with:
Appropriate personnel in assigned Congressional and federal administrative and regulatory agencies
State Farm Bureau leadership and staff
Industry trade associations and private sector coalitions
Industry partners in food and agribusiness sectors
Keep abreast of legislative developments, rulings and rulemaking proceedings and prepare analyses and/or statements on these matters.
Organize and participate in meetings and conferences in appropriate subject areas as needed and serve on special committees and coalitions.
Work with state Farm Bureaus in visits to Washington, D.C. and make presentations at meetings called by the states.
Serve as a resource person for AFBF Communications team in the development and dissemination of advocacy materials.
Serve as the primary on-the-record spokesperson and media resource on issues within the assigned portfolio.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Proactively research and communicate policy developments to Farm Bureau leadership, staff and state staff. Develop and maintain a collaborative information-sharing strategy that ensures relevant insights are disseminated to appropriate AFBF team members and organization leadership.

EDUCATION OR TRAINING REQUIRED:

Bachelor’s degree or higher

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

Minimum five (5) years public policy experience
Strong operational understanding of executive and legislative branches of federal government
Knowledge or background in production agriculture

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE/TRAINING/SKILLS:

Strong understanding of food and nutritional issues
Legislative and/or Executive Branch experience
Trade association experience desired
Understanding of the Farm Bureau organization, including its purpose, structure, and operation

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Travel (approximately 20%) and willingness to work weekends as needed
Public Speaking
Registration as a federal lobbyist.

Candidates with additional experience are encouraged to apply. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications.

TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter and resume here.