Public Policy Manager

About Minnesota Corn

Minnesota Corn comprises two organizations — the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and

the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council — that work together to identify and

promote opportunities for corn farmers while enhancing quality of life.

Minnesota Corn Growers Association

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association advocates for the interests of family corn farmers at

the legislative and regulatory levels in St. Paul and Washington, D.C. Each year, the organization

builds and cultivates relationships with policymakers and thought leaders to advance policy

proposals, defend corn farmers, and respond to regulatory actions to enhance corn farmers and

agricultural economies. MCGA’s 18-member board leads the organization’s advocacy efforts

with support from the organization’s public policy staff.

Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council

The 11-member Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council is responsible for investing corn

checkoff funds in research, promotion, and outreach efforts that create opportunities for corn

farmers while improving quality of life. MCR&PC partners with trusted third parties, such as the

University of Minnesota, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, the National Corn Growers

Association, the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association, and others to fulfill its mission.

Position Overview

The Public Policy Manager will help advance policy priorities for Minnesota Corn with a focus on state policy and government relations. The Public Policy Manager will help develop and implement strategies for policy activities, collaborate with Senior Public Policy Director and state lobbying contractor to advance Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) state-level policy priorities, track relevant legislation, and assist in state regulatory activities. Works closely with district field managers and senior staff on grassroots policy development and policy priority execution. To learn more about the organization go to www.mncorn.org.

Desired Qualifications

·        1-5 years of experience working in state legislature, government relations or related field.

·        Demonstrated knowledge of appropriate procedures for working with Minnesota legislature, state agencies, and administration officials.

·        Experience with political activities or grassroots activation required.

·        Clear and consistent verbal and written communications skills combined with effective interpersonal and organization skills.

·        Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.

Key Responsibilities

·        Communicate and advocate for MCGA policy priorities and activities.

·        Advance MCGA policy priorities by monitoring state legislative and regulatory activity and providing direct lobbying support during the Minnesota legislative session.

·        Prepare weekly state issue legislative and regulatory updates for staff, board and members.

·        Work closely with District Field Managers, county associations, and farmer leaders to share timely information on MCGA policy priorities through weekly written updates, presentations to county associations, and attendance at county events.

·        Assist Senior Public Policy Director in preparation and presentation of policy programs, actions and initiatives to further MCGA policy development and implementation.

·        Conduct research on key policy areas to help develop fact sheets, position statements, briefing documents, and other appropriate policy program materials.

·        Track and attend as needed key meetings with state commissions, boards, council or stakeholders related to MCGA policy activities.

·        Help organize and execute key MCGA policy events including day on the hill, legislative reception, and grassroots policy development.

·        Conduct outreach and education activities with a focus on legislators in rural Minnesota, while also working to develop opportunities for engagement with suburban and urban legislators.

·        Execute grassroots campaigns using advocacy software.

·        Assist the Senior Public Policy Director in state and federal political action committee activities.