What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director Government Affairs position at FB Incorporated?
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the strategic promotion of Indiana Farm Bureau policies by preparing and advancing legislation shaped by member input and approved by voting delegates at the Annual Meeting, under the guidance of the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
- Foster strong, collaborative relationships with Farm Bureau staff to ensure unified policy execution.
- Apply expert judgment to identify and prioritize legislative and regulatory issues.
- Collaborate across departments to deploy effective advocacy techniques that benefit INFB members, while keeping leadership informed of emerging challenges and recommended responses.
- Evaluate proposed legislative and administrative actions for their impact on agriculture. Assist in shaping INFB’s official positions and take proactive steps to communicate those positions to government entities and the General Assembly.
- Build and sustain productive relationships with members of the Indiana General Assembly and their staff. Serve as a trusted resource on agricultural and rural issues, working directly with legislators to advance INFB’s policy goals.
- Cultivate trusted relationships with executive branch officials, state and local government agencies, boards, commissions, and other influential groups to promote INFB’s policy positions.
- Monitor and analyze state and local developments impacting agriculture. Maintain comprehensive knowledge of relevant laws and regulations and develop training materials to support effective local government affairs programs.
- Establish and maintain relationships with political leaders and parties across Indiana to enhance INFB’s visibility and influence.
- Produce timely updates on legislative and regulatory matters for internal and external audiences, including county board reports, the Dispatch, Agri-Advocate, and INFB’s website.
- Deliver insightful reports and presentations to the Board of Directors, county Farm Bureaus, committees, and regional managers.
- Contribute to strategic planning for member involvement in advocacy efforts.
- Coordinate Statehouse visits and local legislative events to strengthen member relationships with elected officials.
- Support the development and delivery of training programs on policy formulation and implementation.
- Promote a better understanding of agriculture and its contribution to the economy through speeches, articles, television, radio and press, correspondence, special programs, reports and personal contacts.
- Identify and champion qualified candidates for appointment to state and local boards and commissions that influence agricultural policy.
- Represent Indiana Farm Bureau through appointment on a variety of boards, commissions and committees to address relevant state and local policy issues.
- Prepare reports for filing of lobbying registration and reporting documents.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree, with preference for an agricultural related field or public affairs.
- Experience: Knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process normally attained from five to seven years’ experience in the public policy arena. Experience in an agricultural related field preferred.
Knowledge/skills:
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to make presentations to a wide range of audiences.
• Requires the skills to be influential, confidential, and organized. Knowledge of rules, procedures, protocols and practices and etiquette of parliamentary bodies in general and the Indiana General assembly in particular.
• Possesses impeccable reputation and known for integrity and legislative success.
Working Conditions:
• Must be able to sit, stand and walk for extended periods.
• Must be able to drive a vehicle for extended periods.
• Must be able to fly in airplanes to out-of-state meetings.
