The Virginia Agribusiness Council is a statewide advocacy organization that represents Virginia’s agriculture and forestry industries with a unified voice in government relations. Our core mission is to protect and promote the business interests of agribusiness across the Commonwealth. We are excited to be announcing the position for a Director of Government Affairs.

POSITION TITLE

Director of Government Affairs

LOCATION

This position is to be based in the Richmond, Virginia area with the expectation of regular travel across the Commonwealth and occasional overnight travel.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Government Affairs provides leadership and staff assistance in all aspects of public policy, develops and monitors regulations and legislation, attends and participates in legislative and regulatory meetings, engages members in activities, communicates actions with members, prepares and delivers presentation material and testimony, assesses impacts of public policy on Council members, and develops and implements strategies approved by the Council. The Director of Government Affairs supports the Council through solicitation of new members and retention of the current membership and provides staff assistance with all activities and operations of the Council as needed.

EDUCATION, CREDENTIALS AND TRAINING

• Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in an agribusiness-related field or political science.
• 2+ years of government affairs or similar work experience preferred.
• Knowledge of the agribusiness industry required.
• Knowledge of state or federal political, legislative, and regulatory processes preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Needs to be self-motivated, a team player, and consensus builder.
• Excellent people, organization, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
• Must favorably convey a positive, professional image of the organization at all times.
• Ability to work on and manage a variety of projects simultaneously.
• Must possess the ability to safeguard information of a confidential nature.
• Proficiency in the use of current information technology skills (i.e. Microsoft Office applications, social media, etc.)
• Must be available to travel and work outside of usual business hours as needed.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Legislative/Regulatory Advocacy - Provides effective results (at the state and federal level) on behalf of the Council membership. Duties include:

1.    Cultivates and maintains positive relationships with the executive and legislative levels of government.

2.    Carries specific issues through the legislative and regulatory processes including development and implementation of strategy, ongoing monitoring, and communication with others involved in the process.

3.    Maintains contact with membership to identify issues and apprise them of issue status.  Accomplishes this through attendance at member and industry meetings, individual contacts, newsletters, and correspondence.

4.    Coordinates and manages Policy Development Meetings and other legislative activities on behalf of the Council.

Membership Recruitment and Funding

1.    Assists in engaging and growing the Council’s membership base.

2.    Assists in communications with the Council membership and soliciting their involvement in Council activities.

3.    Assists in the identification of new funding sources and retention of current funding.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

The Director of Government Affairs reports to the Virginia Agribusiness Council President and CEO.

COMPENSATION

The Virginia Agribusiness Council offers a competitive compensation package, including a base salary, health insurance, and benefits tailored to the experience of the successful candidate.

TO APPLY

Please e-mail the Council with resume and cover letter to vac@va-agribusiness.org.

Application period to close June 15.