Director, Federal and State Government Affairs

Overview

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A great job and a bright future await you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We are looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us.

The Director of Federal and State Government Affairs leads the company's public policy strategy and government engagement across the United States. The role is responsible for shaping, advocating, and communicating the company's positions on legislative and regulatory matters that affect the food manufacturing industry, including agriculture, food safety, trade, environmental policy, labor, transportation, and tax. The director serves as a primary liaison between the company and elected officials, industry associations, and other stakeholders.

The role can be located in Smithfield, VA, Richmond, VA, or the Washington, DC Metro Area.

• Develop and execute comprehensive federal and state government affairs strategies aligned with corporate priorities to advance Smithfield's business interests.
• Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and political developments; proactively assess impacts and recommend strategic actions to mitigate risks or capture opportunities.
• Advise executive leadership on policy risks, emerging trends, and advocacy needs, communicating implications to ensure informed decision-making.
• Manage priority policy issue portfolios and lead advocacy campaigns to successful outcomes, including working with external consultants to build targeted relationships.
• Coordinate closely with internal operational teams to align government affairs initiatives with business objectives and ensure cohesive execution.
• Ensure government affairs activities comply with lobbying, ethics, and disclosure regulations, supporting internal processes that drive transparency and accountability.
• Manage HAMPAC and oversee political contribution strategies; collaborate with community development partners to highlight Smithfield's investments to policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in public policy, law, political science, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible government affairs, legislative affairs, regulatory policy, or related experience.
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development.
• Direct experience working with Congress, federal agencies, and state legislatures within government, corporate, or trade association environments; experience in food, agriculture, or CPG sectors strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of federal and state legislative and regulatory processes.
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to translate complex policy matters into clear business impacts.
• Proven strategic planning capability and sound political judgment.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating across multiple internal stakeholders.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and ethical conduct.

This position manages Smithfield's relationship with advocacy partners at the federal and state levels.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Smithfield is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or any other protected group status or non-job-related characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call .

Relocation Package Available.