Government Affairs Director

The Montana Stockgrowers Association is currently seeking applicants for its Government Affairs Director position. This position oversees the organization’s public policy program and represents the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) and its partner organizations at the state legislature and throughout state and federal public policy processes.

To direct and coordinate the public policy program of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) on national, state, and local legislative and regulatory issues.

To plan, organize and implement all legislative and regulatory issues within the boundaries of member-driven grassroots policy, budget, and guidance from the Board of Directors and Executive Vice President.

The Government Affairs Director reports to the Executive Vice President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

• Manage the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s public policy program and develop legislative strategy based upon member-driven policy.
• Serve as the staff for the Montana Association of State Grazing Districts (MASGD) and the Montana Public Lands Council (MPLC).
• Collaborate with the Executive Vice President on strategies for representing MSGA, MASGD, MPLC, and the Montana Cattle Women’s interest at the Montana Legislature.
• Serve as a state and federal lobbyist on legislative and regulatory issues pertinent to agriculture, environment, natural resources, taxes and other issues related to livestock production.
• Develop and strengthen strong working relationships with elected officials, policy staff, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare regular updates on public policy to Montana Stockgrowers, Grazing Districts, and Public Lands Council members, board, staff and media.
• Coordinate effective programming, actions and initiatives to further Montana Stockgrowers Association’s policy development and implementation.
• Work closely with other stakeholder groups and coalitions in carrying out shared public policy goals.
• Facilitate the policy committee’s grassroots policy development process.
• Assist with the facilitation of the state Montana Agricultural Political Action (MAPA) Committee and governing board of directors.
• Contribute the organization’s membership strategy, value proposition, and business metrics.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the appropriate procedures for working with state and federal elected and appointed officials in the implementation of member policies.
• Ability to inspire confidence, create trust, and reflect the values of the Montana Stockgrowers Association.
• Clear and consistent verbal and written communications skills combined with effective interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of agriculture, natural resources, and livestock production is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in public policy or a related field or equivalent work experience.
• Ability to understand new issues quickly and make strategic decisions.
• Ability to work under pressure and plan workload effectively.
• Ability to travel and maintain a flexible schedule.

Employees demonstrate loyalty and dedication to meet organization goals by demonstrating a steady commitment to serving members, the board of directors, coworkers, business partners, and others. Supports organizational decisions. Is reliable and dependable. Follows through on commitments and meets deadlines. Demonstrates good attendance. Demonstrates consistent proficiency in the position. Actively participates and supports a positive and safe culture in the organization.

Employees demonstrate effective and appropriate communication skills by writing and speaking clearly and logically. Listens and respects viewpoints of others. Solicits and provides feedback. Follow through with communication at all appropriate levels. Builds trust with contacts. Resolves issues and conflicts by using diplomacy. Focuses on the situation rather than the person. Exercises good judgment and negotiation skills.

Employees demonstrate initiative and accountability by being a self starter. Recognize what needs to be done.…