Policy Associate, Agriculture & Conservation

The Center for Rural Affairs Policy Associate Position

The Center for Rural Affairs is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as a Policy Associate based in Iowa 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 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. The Center’s work is rooted in principles of diversity and inclusion. We celebrate this 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 report to a Senior Policy Associate and will work to identify policy gaps, conduct research on potential policy solutions, and work to promote policy priorities. The position is responsible for the following:

• Conduct research to identify policy gaps and potential policy solutions.
• Stay current on media and news related to policy work.
• Engage with constituents and other stakeholders to gather input and feedback that inform policy priorities.
• Work alongside supporters to advance policy campaigns.
• Engage with legislators and legislative staff to educate and promote policy priorities.
• Author reports, white papers, blogs, opinion pieces, and action alerts regarding policy work.
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations and other key stakeholders.
• Contribute to work plan development and apply for grants to support policy work.
• Draft organizing appeals to grassroots constituents.
• Collaborate with colleagues to incorporate the Center’s DEI principles effectively.

Who You Are & Keys to Success (the must-haves)

To be successful in this job, you will excel in five areas:

1. Relationship-building
2. Drive to achieve results
3. Inclusive leadership and management
4. Setting and managing priorities
5. 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 your advocacy skills to influence key policy-making decisions.
• Providing clear communications to unique audiences.
• Building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Meeting with and educating elected officials and their staff.

You have experience with:

• Keeping up-to-date on policy.
• Researching and uncovering resources.
• Writing opinion pieces, white papers, and reports.
• Engaging with others in the process of advocating.
• 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 in Iowa with a preference for our Nevada office location. The position will require occasional travel throughout the state. The salary range is $47,000 – $58,000 with top-notch benefits.

The Center for Rural Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify.

How to Apply

If you would like to work for an organization that has a national reputation as one of the top organizations in the country working to make rural communities more vibrant, apply here.