DEPARTMENT: Public Policy

POSITION OBJECTIVE: Implement the public policy and regulatory programs in accordance with the policies established by the voting delegates and as interpreted by the Board of Directors of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Advocate on behalf of Farm Bureau policies.

REPORTS TO: Managing Director, Government Affairs

LOCATION: Washington, DC; eligible to earn telework 2 days/week

SALARY: $135,000 - $145,000 annually

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represent Farm Bureau and advocate the organization’s policy positions to Congress, the Executive branch, the media and other private sector organizations. Present Farm Bureau views in speeches before appropriate groups, public forums, and Farm Bureau meetings
• In collaboration with members of the Public Policy Department, develop and implement long- and short-term action plans that lead to the accomplishment of Farm Bureau’s policies and other issues as assigned.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with appropriate personnel in assigned Congressional and federal administrative and regulatory agencies through regular contacts. Keep abreast of rulings and rulemaking proceedings and prepare analyses and/or statements on these matters.
• Build and assume leadership roles in private sector coalitions to expand external support for Farm Bureau’s policy objectives. Maintain good working relationships with agricultural organizations and associations to leverage support for Farm Bureau policies.
• Prepare and deliver remarks to public audiences, regulators and regulatory agencies, as well as draft congressional testimony, letters to Capitol Hill, memoranda for internal distribution within Farm Bureau, public-facing policy briefs and detailed regulatory comments on Federal rulemakings.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with state Farm Bureau leadership and staff. Work with state Farm Bureaus in visits to Washington, D.C. and make presentations at meetings called by the states.
• Serve as a resource person for AFBF Communications team in the development and dissemination of advocacy materials.
• Organize and coordinate meetings and conferences in appropriate subject areas as needed and serve on special committees and coalitions.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Proactively research and communicate developments within the assigned subject matter area to the Managing Director, Government Affairs and organization leadership. Develop and maintain a collaborative information-sharing strategy that ensures relevant insights are disseminated to appropriate AFBF team members and organization leadership.

Communicate with all employees of the American Farm Bureau Federation and Affiliated Companies and state Farm Bureau personnel regarding actions, activities and needs of AFBF.

EDUCATION OR TRAINING REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Minimum five years public policy experience
• Strong operational understanding of executive and legislative branches of federal government
• Knowledge or background in agricultural production

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE/TRAINING/SKILLS:

• Strong understanding of energy issues and processes, including:
  • Agricultural Technology
  • Budget/Appropriations
  • Energy
  • Rural Affairs
  • Tax
  • Transportation???????
• Understanding of the Farm Bureau organization, including its purpose, structure, and operation
• Trade association experience desired
• Congressional and/or Executive Branch experience desired

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Approximately 20% travel
• Public Speaking

TO APPLY: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and 2-3 references.

We welcome applicants with less or more than five years of related experience. Compensation will be aligned with each candidate’s skills and experience.