Director, Government Affairs; Trade Policy

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

Implement the 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.

Washington, DC; eligible to earn telework 2 days/week

$130,000 - $150,000 annually, commensurate with experience

• 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.
• In collaboration with members of the Public Policy Department, develop and implement long- and short-term action plans that lead to the accomplishment of Farm Bureau’s policies and other issues as assigned.
• 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, public‑facing policy briefs and detailed regulatory comments on Federal rule makings.
• Leverage support for Farm bureau policy by establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with:
  • Appropriate personnel in assigned Congressional and federal administrative and regulatory agencies,
  • Embassy personnel and agriculture policy leadership from foreign governments,
  • Collaborators for industry trade promotion, market development and market access programs,
  • State Farm Bureau leadership and staff, and
  • Industry trade associations and private sector coalitions.
• Keep abreast of trade negotiations, rulings and rule making proceedings and prepare analyses and/or statements on these matters.
• Organize and participate in meetings and conferences in appropriate subject areas as needed and serve on special committees and coalitions.
• Work with state Farm Bureaus in visits to Washington, D.C. and make presentations at meetings called by the states.
• Serve as a resource person for AFBF Communications team in the development and dissemination of advocacy materials.

Proactively research and communicate developments within the agricultural trade portfolio to Farm Bureau leadership, staff and state staff. Develop and maintain a collaborative information‑sharing strategy that ensures relevant insights are disseminated to appropriate AFBF team members and organization leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher

• Minimum of 5+ years of public policy experience with an emphasis on trade or agricultural trade policy
• Strong operational understanding of executive and legislative branches of federal government
• Knowledge or background in production agriculture

• Understanding of the Farm Bureau organization, including its purpose, structure, and operation
• Congressional and/or Executive Branch experience desired

• Approximately 20% travel
• Public Speaking

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and 2‑3 references.