Director of Government Affairs

PENNSYLVANIA FARM BUREAU GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS & COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Director of Government Affairs

DIVISION: Government Affairs

REPORTS TO: CAO

JOB SUMMARY: Lobby Congress and federal agencies, and organize Farm Bureau’s grassroots lobby effort to implement national policy positions. Analyze federal policy and market trends. This is an exempt, salaried position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

·        Serve as primary liaison with AFBF, PA Congressional Delegation and other stakeholder groups involved with federal issues.

·        Organize and implement strategies developed by AFBF to achieve national policy goals through PFB.

·        Oversee the national policy development process for Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

·        Maintain expertise on national legislative issues and USDA programs.

·        Provide information on national policy positions, and related issues, to members of Congress and federal agencies.

·        Provide information on national issues and programs to members through meetings, written correspondence, and by working with other divisions, in addition to recruiting volunteers for congressional contacts.

·        Coordinate small group member visits to Washington, D.C., plus visits by other Farm Bureau members and leaders when appropriate.

·        Train and coordinate the activities of county National Legislative Committees.

·        Prepare and/or review testimony, speeches, etc. to be presented in support of positions advocated by PFB before legislative and regulatory bodies; draft/review letters, comments and recommendations in response to current and proposed legislation and regulations related to environmental issues.

·        Assist the Labor & Farm Safety Issue Advisory Committee.

·        Participate and provide advocacy in meetings and public events held to consider and develop environmental regulations and/or public policies and administrative actions that may potentially impact agricultural production and operation, remaining consistent with PFB policy.

·        Conduct research to support PFB staff on environmental issues.

·        Provide guidance and assistance to county farm bureaus in their engagement of advocacy on matters pertaining to formulation or administration of local environmental ordinances, policies and programs whose purpose or effect would substantially affect agricultural production and operation, remaining consistent with PFB policy.

·        Compile and deliver campaign training, along with other PFB staff, upon request.

·        Analyze current and future national commodity markets and trends (grain, livestock, dairy, energy, biotechnology).

·        Prepare timely and relevant educational pieces and articles for PFB publications and/or website.

·        Lead the development and implementation of strategies in a team environment to achieve optimal outcomes. 

·        Direct a team that implements state and national and local programs, advocates regulatory reforms, responds to information requests and coordinate policy development.

·        Plan and administer divisional budget.

·        Oversee the work of 2 employees

·        Facilitate a positive work environment to ensure high level of staff morale

·        Keep PFB’s state, local and county leadership and management informed of division work. 

·        Plan and administer divisional budget.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

Required:

·        Bachelor’s degree or higher, with work experience in related area

·        Self-motivated individual with the ability to organize and successfully manage multiple projects

·        Proven written and verbal communication skills; ability to make effective presentations to groups

·        Willingness and ability to learn subjects covered under areas of responsibility

·        Knowledge of Pennsylvania agriculture

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

·        Valid PA Driver’s License

·        Ability to lift/carry up to 30 lbs.

·        Working during non-traditional office hours will at times be required, traveling for meetings, Farm Bureau events, seminars, and networking events

TELECOMMUTE OPTION: Primarily an onsite Camp Hill office position with up to 2 days per week potential to work from home with Manager approval. Approximately 35% travel throughout Pennsylvania and to Washington, D.C. (with possible overnight stays) to attend meetings, Farm Bureau events, seminars, and other related events.