Position Summary

The Director of Public Affairs will develop a team of professionals in a collaborative atmosphere by serving as the lead lobbyist, strategist and staff coordinator supporting Washington Farm Bureau members in achieving their grassroots policies and priorities. With a focus on local, state and national policy strength in legislative affairs and governmental relations, legal assistance programs, communications and social/community advocacy, the Director will work in partnership with county, state and national Farm Bureau leaders and staff to advance Farm Bureau policy and build relationships in government and industry that grow organizational effectiveness. The Director will also provide and/or coordinate staff support for pertinent Washington Farm Bureau (WFB) committees, issue and policy education of county members/leaders, and communication on Farm Bureau positions and/or member efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead Public Affairs department staff and programs in strategic collaboration with the Administrative Vice President and Director of Membership and Organizational Support and in support of the state Farm Bureau Board of Directors, elected leaders and grassroots membership.

• Lead lobbying efforts of state and national legislators, executive elected officials, government agency personnel and members of government boards and commissions relative to advancing Farm Bureau policies and priorities.

• Represent Farm Bureau by building necessary relationships for organizational success.

• Coordinate and grow an effective grassroots policy development process of engaged county and state Farm Bureau leaders that is efficiently supported by staff.

• Support Farm Bureau members and Board of Directors in effectively advocating for Farm Bureau policies and priorities with elected officials and government agencies.

• Maintain subject matter expertise and governmental/industry relationships on agricultural policy that will advance Farm Bureau priorities.

• Recommend and support committee structures of the state and county Board of Directors through which Farm Bureau members can utilize grassroots advocacy to solve their regulatory and legislative challenges.

• Communicate with and coach member leaders to increase their knowledge and understanding of issues relevant to Farm Bureau and its members.

• Draft background resources and policy statements to aid members, staff and the public in supporting Farm Bureau grassroots policies and positions.

• Attend local, state, and national Farm Bureau, and allied industry meetings to talk with members about priority issues and Farm Bureau initiatives.

• Lead and support a communications team in member, prospect member, general public and promotional outreach that grows Farm Bureau membership, influence and effectiveness in leading the industry as the Voice of Agriculture.

• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with state officials, governmental agencies, allied industry groups, boards and commissions, and coordinate staff liaison support.

Legislative & Public Affairs priorities in agriculture include but are not limited to:

General Farm, Ranch and Agricultural Businesses, Pesticides, Labor and Wages, Farmworker Safety, Transportation and Agricultural Trade, Animal Agriculture and Food Animal Confinement Operations, Budget and Taxes, Environmental and Water Rights, Land-use and Access, and other issues as addressed through Farm Bureau grassroots policy.

Other Possible Duties (depending on qualifications of individual):

Coordination/publication of the WFB Policy Book.
Oversight of legislative updates to members.
Directing Action Alerts and calls for member advocacy on timely Farm Bureau initiatives.
Development and execution of WFB Legislative Days, District Legislative Programs and member visits to the state Legislature; regional, state and national meetings with Legislators, etc.

Work with and support WFB Political Action Committee (PAC) trustees with county Farm Bureau election endorsements and contributions – overall state PAC program.

Oversee Legal Resources Foundation Programs and Activities

Recommend key recognition opportunities for legislators and government officials.

Qualifications

· Strategic vision and able to foster a strong team environment.

· Knowledgeable of procedures for working with the Washington Legislature, Governor, state agencies and other entities relative to Farm Bureau policies.

· Clearly capable of working across political parties to gain access to key stakeholders and the key regulatory agencies at both the state and federal level.

· Undergraduate degree in Agriculture Business or Science, Communications, or Political Science/Economics; preference given to advanced or appropriate legal degrees.

· Five years of experience lobbying at the state or federal level; working as staff to a member of the Washington State Legislature, U. S. Congress, or state agency; or equivalent work experience in government affairs/public policy.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills.

· Working knowledge and/or understanding of agriculture.

· Proven skill in developing partnerships within government, industry and other key stakeholders and working with a broad range of individuals with diverse backgrounds and interests.

· Ability to implement effective communications strategies.

· Ability to travel and maintain a flexible schedule.

Benefits: Competitive salary, 401K and comprehensive benefits package.

Application Procedures: Resume with cover letter accepted until position is filled. Please include references and salary requirements. Resumes can be mailed or emailed to contacts below.

Resumes should emailed to: rsaacke@wsfb.com and/or rmosby@wsfb.com

Or mail to:

Washington Farm Bureau

Attn: PA Search Committee

975 Carpenter Rd NE 301

Lacey, WA 98516

Questions: Ron Saacke at 804-514-4202 or Rosella Mosby at 253-209-9822