Director of Government Relations

The Director of Government Relations is primarily responsible for developing, advancing, and executing legislative, regulatory, and political strategies for the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) at the state and federal levels.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Lead, develop and execute comprehensive legislative, regulatory, and political strategies for TSCRA priorities.  
• Monitor, analyze, and influence legislation, regulatory, and political activity at the state and federal levels.  
• Build and maintain strong relationships with state and federal elected and agency officials, staff, and key stakeholders.  
• Represent TSCRA at hearings, meetings, and other events.  
• Draft policy positions, legislative and regulatory proposals, testimony, briefing materials, and other advocacy documents.  
• Provide strategic information and guidance to TSCRA leadership on legislative, regulatory, and political issues.  
• Track and report on legislative activity, including legislation status, amendments, and political dynamics.  
• Manage and prioritize multiple advocacy initiatives in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.  
• Support grassroots and stakeholder engagement efforts as needed. 

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Serve as staff liaison to TSCRA policy committees.  
• Coordinate with TSCRA communication teams to align messaging with advocacy goals.  
• Support political engagement efforts, including Cattle Raiser Political Action Committee activities. 
• Work with other TSCRA departments on cross-functional strategies and goals. 
• Fulfill public speaking engagements as needed. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

REQUIREMENTS:  

• Must be able to work in the TSCRA Austin office.  
• Must be able to work during customary workday/work week and additional hours as needed, particularly during legislative sessions.  
• Must be able to travel as needed, including trips to Washington, D.C.  
• Must be a strategic thinker with deep knowledge of the legislative, regulatory, and political processes, strong relationships within government and politics, and the ability to translate policy priorities into actionable advocacy efforts. 
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.  
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills.  
• Proactive, sense of urgency work style with the ability to anticipate needs, challenges, and opportunities.  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.  
• Must be willing to consent to a background check. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.  
• Significant experience in government relations, policy, and/or legislative or agency roles at the state and/or federal level.  
• Demonstrated knowledge of Texas and federal legislative, regulatory, and political processes. 
• Established relationships with elected and agency officials, staff, and relevant stakeholders preferred.  
• Experience developing and executing advocacy strategies.  

Background in one or more of the following areas preferred:  

• Ranching and landowner issues. 
• Natural resources issues such as land use, water, and conservation programs. 
• Private property rights, including eminent domain, regulatory takings, and landowner protections. 
• Energy policy, including surface use, mineral rights, and impacts of energy development. 
• Wildlife, animal health, and biosecurity. 
• Trade, market access, and supply chain issues. 
• Experience working with ranching and landowner groups, associations, or stakeholders. 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Reports to the Executive Director of Government Relations 

JOB STATUS: Full-Time 

COMPENSATION BASIS: Salary will be commensurate based on experience with a benefits package & 401(k) match provided. 

TO APPLY: Please email cover letter and resume to humanresources@tscra.org and reference Director of Government Relations. Position will remain open until the preferred candidate is identified. 

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and work responsibilities of the position. This position description and the duties of this position are subject to change, modification and addition as deemed necessary by the TSCRA. Employees are required to comply with supervisory instructions and perform other job duties, responsibilities and assignments requested by executives, managers and other TSCRA officials. This position description does not constitute an employment contract between the TSCRA and the employee.