Director Federal Government Affairs, Crop Science

Job Description

At Bayer, we’re visionaries, driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and striving for a world where “Health for all, Hunger for none” is no longer a dream but a real possibility. We’re doing it with energy, curiosity, and sheer dedication—always learning from unique perspectives, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities, and redefining “impossible.”

There are so many reasons to join us. If you’re hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there’s only one choice.

Director, Federal Government Affairs, Crop Science

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibilities of this role, Director, Federal Government Affairs, Crop Science, are to:

Reporting to the Vice President of Public Affairs, Science, and Sustainability (PASS), the Director of Federal Government Affairs is accountable for managing Bayer’s interests in front of Congress, the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, and foreign embassies based in Washington, D.C.

This role is a key member of the team responsible for developing and executing strategies to protect our freedom to operate, promote future business growth, and advance our reputation with key stakeholders.

The core responsibility of this role is to engage with federal policymakers on behalf of Bayer. It will seek to educate and, moreover, execute legislative and regulatory strategies that help Bayer achieve its objectives across the crop science business.

The Director also engages with key trade associations, industry groups, and NGOs to build and drive diverse coalitions that advance our business interests at the federal level.

Additionally, the role must develop and maintain strong internal relationships with divisional business leads and serve as a key member of the federal government affairs team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage Bayer’s government affairs activities in front of Congress and the Administration, including executive branch agencies like USDA, EPA, and the White House.
• Identify and develop Bayer’s lobbying, political giving, and grassroots engagement strategies on federal legislation impacting our crop science businesses.
• Monitor and anticipate activities that could impact Bayer’s operations in the U.S. and develop plans to improve our corporate reputation.
• Represent Bayer at the highest levels of government by building strong, enduring relationships.
• Serve as a key member of a team of government affairs professionals while driving a focus on core policy and government affairs priorities in coordination with the VP of PASS.
• Maximize the effectiveness of trade associations by making them aware of key Bayer priorities, the impact on our business, and the imperative to support them proactively in coordination with relevant divisions.
• Build diverse coalitions of associations, NGOs, and advocacy groups that broaden our support and effectiveness.
• Manage a significant nationwide network of political consultants.
• Provide oversight of the development, implementation, and monitoring of lobbying activities, including but not limited to:
  • Drafting issue briefs, white papers, and talking points on key issues to Bayer.
  • Drafting letters to state legislators and government officials.
  • Preparing testimony.
• Ensure Bayer’s compliance with all ethics and lobbying laws.

WHO YOU ARE

Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:

Required Qualifications:

• Significant corporate and association experience is strongly desired.
• Extensive experience identifying challenges to current business and their growth drivers in the near and long term.
• Collaborative working style that fosters buy-in and commitment from colleagues and key external stakeholders.
• Strong strategic planning skills and the ability to be forward-thinking and proactive on legislative, regulatory, and public policy issues.
• Ability to manage competing business interests and develop plans that reflect the best interest of Bayer.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment where priorities and direction may change frequently.
• Proven ability to effectively interact with employees at all levels of the Bayer organization, including senior management.
• Professional demeanor with the ability to handle people and situations with tact, diplomacy, discretion, confidentiality, and a sense of urgency.
• Experience presenting before senior executives and policymakers on legislative and policy issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills with impeccable ethics and a high level of integrity.
• Excellent time management, budget, and organizational skills.
• Ability to identify, manage, and develop talent.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and listening skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in government relations, including state and/or federal government experience or other relevant senior-level experience.
• Advanced degree in law and/or public policy is helpful but not required.

This posting will be available for application until at least March 14, 2025.

YOUR APPLICATION

Bayer offers a wide variety of competitive compensation and benefits programs. If you meet the requirements of this unique opportunity and want to impact our mission of Science for a Better Life, we encourage you to apply now.

Be part of something bigger. Be you. Be Bayer.

Important Notices

To all recruitment agencies: Bayer does not accept unsolicited third-party resumes.

Bayer is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans.

Bayer is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its application process for individuals with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to request any needed accommodation(s) using the contact information below.

Bayer is an E-Verify Employer.