Director, Government Affairs (Farm Policy, Climate, Energy, and Transportation)

DEPARTMENT: Public Policy

POSITION OBJECTIVE: Assist in implementing 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 farm policy; climate and sustainability; transportation; waterway infrastructure, and energy, with particular attention to the renewable fuel standard (RFS).

REPORTS TO: Managing Director, Government Affairs

LOCATION: Washington, DC; eligible for work telework flexibility 2 days/week

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 strategic action plans that lead to the accomplishment of Farm Bureau’s policies on farm policy, the RFS, legislation or regulations affecting carbon emissions, waterway infrastructure, transportation policies and other issues as assigned.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with appropriate personnel in assigned Congressional and federal administrative and regulatory agencies through regular contacts. Keep abreast of rulings and rulemaking proceedings and prepare analyses and statements on these matters.
• Build and assume leadership roles in private sector coalitions to expand external support for Farm Bureau’s policy objectives. Maintain good working relationships with agricultural organizations and associations to leverage support for Farm Bureau policies. 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 and details regulatory comments on Federal rulemakings.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with state Farm Bureau leadership and staff. Work with state Farm Bureaus in visits to Washington, D.C. and make presentations at meetings called by the states.
• Serve as a subject matter resource in the preparation of recommendations to officers and the Board of Directors. Assist the Resolutions Committee in its consideration of issues and policies to the recommended to the voting delegates.
• Organize and coordinate meetings and conferences on appropriate subject areas as needed and serve on special committees and coalitions.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Keep Managing Director informed on assigned subject matter area developments. Communicate with other staff members on information gained of interest and value to them.

Communicate with all employees of the American Farm Bureau Federation and Affiliated Companies and the state Farm Bureau personnel regarding actions, activities and needs of AFBF.

EDUCATION OR TRAINING REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Minimum 5 years public policy experience
• Strong operational understanding of executive and legislative branches of federal government
• Knowledge or background in agricultural production methods

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/TRAINING/SKILLS:

• Strong understanding of Farm Bill programs
• Experience with climate, transportation, energy, and Clean Air Act policy issues
• Understanding of the Farm Bureau organization, including its purpose, structure and operation
• Trade association experience desired
• Congressional and/or Executive Branch experience desired

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasional Travel
• Public speaking

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter and resume to humanresources@fb.org.