The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (MDAR) mission is to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in Massachusetts. Through its four divisions – Agricultural Conservation & Technical Assistance, Agricultural Markets, Animal Health, and Crop and Pest Services – MDAR strives to support, regulate and enhance the rich diversity of the Commonwealth’s agricultural community to promote economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill agriculture’s role in energy conservation and production. The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is to help keep the Massachusetts food supply safe and secure, and to work to keep Massachusetts agriculture economically and environmentally sound.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition.

MDAR is hiring for a Deputy Commissioner/Legislative and Policy Director.

Primary responsibilities and duties include:

1. Legislative Affairs: serving as the primary liaison between the Department and the Massachusetts Legislature. Responsible for state and federal legislative tracking and monitoring relevant to the agency's mission, functions, and programs. Communicates with agency personnel and the Secretariat and; coordinates agency review and comments regarding filed bills and pending legislation. Drafts agency position and final comments with analysis and an assessment of impacts of legislation for the Commissioner's review. Prepares reporting, talking points and testimony on behalf of the Commissioner and for submission to the Secretariat, as needed.

2. Act as the federal liaison on new legislative and regulatory matters impacting the agency; works with federal partners to communicate impacts to Massachusetts on federal proposals. Communicates national agenda items to the Commissioner and agency personnel. Collaborates with members of the Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NEASDA) on related policy items.

3. Constituent Services: tracks and responds to legislative and constituent inquiries. Develops partnerships and liaisons with various stakeholder groups in the agricultural industry.

4. Advise and assist the Commissioner in the development of policies and programs to further the Department's mission.

5. Provides research, coordination, outreach and education on various matters to external groups, including farmers, industry and agricultural entities. Assist with implementation of agency objectives.

6. Works on special projects and assists with agency tasks and operations, as needed.

7. Represents the Commissioner, as needed, on various Boards and Commissions; meetings, events and speaking engagements. Travel across the Commonwealth to attend events with and on behalf of the Commissioner.

8. Works collaboratively with MDAR's Division of Food Safety to support Division's daily operations. Attends state and national Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) convenings, policy discussions, and events at the request of Commissioner and Division Manager.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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Executive Order #595:As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.