Vice President, Government Relations & Political Affairs

About the Organization FMI represents food retailers and wholesalers and develops and promotes policies, programs and forums supporting its members, their customers and supplier partners, and other industry stakeholders in the areas of:

• government relations
• food and product safety and defense
• education
• industry collaboration and networking
• research
• health and wellness
• social, environmental and sustainability programs; and
• communications

By pursuing these activities, FMI provides leadership and advocacy for the food and consumer product industry worldwide as the industry innovates to meet the changing needs of its customers.

Primary

Purpose:

To advance the interests of FMI members by leading high-impact advocacy initiatives and strengthening member engagement with policymakers. Serve as a key member of the FMI Government Affairs team designing and executing organization wide priorities, goals and strategies that advance both the association and industry reputation. Build and maintain relationships with member company executives to increase participation in PAC and advocacy initiatives.

Advise association on political engagement strategy, opportunities and industry-wide campaigns. Influence policies by helping FMI engage strategically in the political landscape.

• Plan and implement lobbying activities and strategies on industry issues to influence the outcome of legislative and regulatory actions. Analyze issues in relation to FMI, the food industry, and the political landscape. Determine actions and positions to be taken by FMI. Build and maintain coalitions of associations on related issues.
• Provide information to other lobbyists, FMI management, and the Government Relations Committee on assigned issues upon request.
• Manage FMI contacts with assigned Senators and Representatives for lobbying and fundraising issues. Keep Congress and the Executive Branch informed about food industry concerns, perspectives, and positions.
• Communicate regularly with FMI membership including FMI Government Relations and Public Affairs Committees and FMI Board of Directors. Provide guidance to members on individual concerns regarding legislation, regulations, and public policy. Write position papers, letters, testimony, and other issue-related materials to communicate and articulate FMI’s position to members and congressional and regulatory decision-makers.
• Develop, prepare, monitor, audit, review, and approve budgets related to lobbying efforts.
• Represent department and FMI to internal and external events.
• Develop and implement strategic lobbying plans and participate in developing and implementing division-wide strategies.
• Draft timely and professional board strategies and communications on policy and political issues.
• Plan and execute productive FMI Government Relations and FMI Public Affairs Committee meetings, calls, and communications. Seek a diverse group of members representing the breadth of FMI membership when possible.
• Serve as a spokesperson for FMI and the industry on legislative, regulatory, and political issues important to the industry.
• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships and involvement in coalitions including other associations, business interests and House, Senate and agency and White House leadership leading issues important to the FMI membership.
• Ensure FMI leadership and members are aware of developments on priority or impactful federal issues on a timely basis and the role that FMI played in achieving that development. Ensure assigned staff has a plan to understand and communicate those developments even if they occur outside of business hours or on weekends or holidays.
• Work with other lobbyists to identify Members of Congress and elections that are critical to FMI and create plans for industry involvement.
• Ensure assigned staff is communicating with Members of Congress & Senate;
  House and Senate Committees and developing and maintaining relationships as well as leveraging relationships of FMI member companies via both written communication and in person meetings.
• Monitor bills, work with legislators, and advocate for or against proposed legislation.

• Oversee fundraising and disbursements of FoodPAC and LEAD in accordance with the direction of the FMI FoodPAC Advisory Committee (Board level) to maximize FMI influence and goals while ensuring bipartisan, bicameral support. Ensure…