Director, Government Affairs

Director, Government Affairs

Overview

Farm Journal Foundation is a farmer-centered, nonpartisan organization working to advance agricultural innovation, global food and nutrition security, conservation, and rural economic development. We believe in a future where agriculture works for everyone – supporting strong farmer livelihoods, business growth, consumer access to nutritious, affordable foods, and the preservation of our country’s natural resources. Achieving this vision starts with conversations – bringing all voices to the table to discuss industry challenges and how innovation can unlock solutions that serve us all. 

Farm Journal Foundation is seeking an exceptional government affairs professional to join our team as Director, Government Affairs, reporting to our Vice President, Government Affairs. This position will lead and work on a range of government affairs, policy, and advocacy strategies and activities to advance Farm Journal Foundation’s mission and priorities related to the U.S. government. We are looking for candidates who are self-starters that thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and are able to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders in both a remote-work environment and in-person. Ideal candidates will be organized project managers, tactical and creative at problem solving, and have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. This position will work closely with the Government Affairs and Communications and Events teams, as well as across the full organization, as appropriate.

This is a work-from-home role that should be based in the Washington, D.C., area. Some travel within the U.S. will be required, as well as some in-person meetings and engagements in Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities

●     Lead development and execution of government affairs focused strategies and activities on key Farm Journal Foundation priorities, which could include global food and nutrition security, agricultural research and innovation, conservation, and rural development issues

●     Build and maintain relationships with key policymakers and stakeholders to advance Farm Journal Foundation’s government affairs priorities

●     Manage Farm Journal Foundation’s Farmer Ambassador and Veterinary Ambassador programs, including recruitment and retention, relationship building and management, communications and dissemination of key information, and engagements with policymakers in Washington, DC, and around the country

●     Manage Farm Journal Foundation’s agricultural research and development coordination efforts with key external stakeholders across domestic and international agricultural research and development

●     Track, organize, and engage on various policy and advocacy products, including reports, policy briefs, collateral materials, sign-on letters

●     Participate in and engage with key external coalitions and stakeholders to advance Farm Journal Foundation’s priorities

●     Represent Farm Journal Foundation at partner receptions, events, and conferences, as appropriate

●     Coordinate events, outreach, advocacy messaging, and policy communications with the Communications and Events team

●     Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

●     7+ years of legislative, executive branch, advocacy, and/or government relations experience

●     Sharp political acumen and understanding of federal legislative process

●     Experience working on agriculture issues and/or Farm Journal Foundation’s key policy priorities, including related to global food and nutrition security, agricultural research and innovation, conservation, and/or rural economic development

●     Ability to interact and manage relationships with a bipartisan, diverse group of stakeholders

●     Highly organized and ability to prioritize competing projects

●     Refined communication skills – verbal and written

●     Strong judgment, problem-solving skills with a flexible, team player attitude

●     Self-motivated, consistent attention to detail, results-oriented

●     Proficient with MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

●     Event planning and coordination experience preferred

●     Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred

●     Based in Washington, D.C., with remote working status but ability to attend meetings and engagements in-person in the Washington, D.C., area

●     10-15% domestic travel required with potential, limited opportunities for international travel

Compensation and Benefits

Farm Journal Foundation offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including health insurance, 401(k) contributions, paid parental leave, disability insurance, and pre-tax flexible spending and dependent care accounts. Salary is commensurate with experience and education.

Application Instructions

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to fjf@farmjournalfoundation.org. Please specify “Director, Government Affairs” in the subject line of your message.