Director of Federal Government Relations

CropLife America (CLA), located in Arlington, VA, is the national trade association representing the pesticide industry. Its members drive innovation by discovering, producing, selling, and distributing the essential pesticide products that empower America’s farmers to produce food, fuel, and fiber for our nation and the world. They are seeking a Director of Federal Government Relations to join their team. CLA offers competitive compensation, a generous benefits package, and a flexible hybrid arrangement.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice President of Government Relations, the Director of Federal Government Relations is responsible for representing the association on federal policy matters. This role will manage and engage critical external allies and member company relationships through association committees, direct outreach to policymakers, and stakeholder coalitions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a lobbyist responsible for industry policy and advocacy related to the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), federal appropriations, and other relevant pesticide issues.
• Support the association’s Federal Affairs Committee (FAC) and facilitate its input into legislative strategies and initiatives.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with stakeholders and allies at the national level, including the Pesticide Policy Coalition (PPC) and the broader industry.
• Support association engagement with the PRIA Coalition.
• Cooperatively manage federal lobbyists and ally relationships.
• Direct various association resources and strategic relationships to help ensure the pesticide industry’s right to operate.
• Lead within the CLA government relations team and broader staff to proactively develop and deliver effective legislative strategies at the federal level.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to develop and successfully maintain effective relationships with association members, policymakers, allies, lobbyists, coalitions, stakeholders, and teammates
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with an ability to produce effective communication materials, including the ability to distill complex and/or technical information into concise, influential communications
• Ability to communicate science-related issues, including data development required to support pesticide registrations
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility, sound judgment, discretion, and political acumen
• Proven ability in consensus building and trust/credibility maintenance
• Strong analytical, interpretive, evaluative, and constructive thinking skills
• Ability to travel up to 15%

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, history, or a similar field
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a related position
• Working understanding of the federal legislative process, including relevant committees and current Members of Congress
• Working knowledge of the primary statutes and regulations governing the pesticide industry
• Basic understanding of science-related issues, including data development required to support pesticide registrations
• Prior work experience in federal government relations and/or Congress is strongly preferred

HOW TO APPLY

If you believe you meet the requirements, please submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples highlighting legislative engagement to the following job link (or copy/paste link to a new window):

Apply to CropLife America Director, Federal Government Relations

Salary: $160,000 – $190,000

Additional inquiries and questions can be emailed to Beth Cessna at [email protected] or contact 202-232-1765.

ABOUT CROPLIFE AMERICA (CLA)

CropLife America partners with agricultural stakeholders across the U.S. and around the world to advance a science-and risk-based regulatory framework that accelerates innovation in pesticide technology and modern agriculture, strengthens trade, and supports conservation. Its work helps growers protect their crops, preserve their livelihoods, and produce safe, affordable, and abundant food. CLA engages in policy, legislative, regulatory, and legal forums to help ensure pesticide products can reach the marketplace.

ABOUT CESSNA & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Cessna & Associates, LLC is a boutique HR consultancy partnering with mission-driven organizations. Our goal is to identify the best potential candidates that the market has to offer.