Director, State Government Relations

Overview

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and results-driven state & local government relations professional to serve as Director of State Government Relations. This position will play a key role in advancing IDFA’s advocacy priorities across state legislatures and regulatory bodies on behalf of the U.S. dairy processing and manufacturing industry.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Government Relations, this role will lead the development and execution of IDFA’s state-level legislative strategies and engage directly with state legislators, governors’ offices, state regulatory agencies, IDFA members and coalition partners.

The Director will help shape policy outcomes on critical issues impacting dairy processors working closely with IDFA’s team of subject matter experts. State policy issue areas of focus include nutrition, product labeling and claims, food additive bans and warnings, environment and sustainability, product packaging, feeding programs, transportation and supply chain reliability, and any food and agriculture regulation.

The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advocate and policy resource for IDFA members, translating complex legislative and regulatory developments into clear guidance and effective advocacy strategies in collaboration with the broader IDFA team. This individual will work closely with IDFA’s government relations, regulatory, and communications teams to ensure coordinated and impactful engagement while building strong relationships with policymakers, coalition partners and stakeholders across the states.

The ideal candidate is a politically astute and highly effective policy professional with extensive experience navigating state legislative processes and managing multi-state advocacy strategies. The role requires an individual who is relationship oriented, has strong political acumen, prioritizes communication and collaboration, and demonstrates a commitment to advancing policies that support a competitive, innovative, and sustainable U.S. dairy industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyze, and assess state legislation, regulations, and policy proposals affecting dairy processors and clearly communicate implications to IDFA colleagues and members.
• Develop and implement state-level advocacy strategies in collaboration with Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs and Communications colleagues that advance IDFA’s policy priorities and protect member companies’ freedom to operate.
• Identify and address emerging policy challenges impacting dairy food products and ingredients, including labeling, sustainability, product packaging, feeding programs, environmental regulations, and standards.
• Direct and coordinate state contract lobbyists and external advocacy consultants to advance IDFA policy priorities in key states.
• Mobilize and coordinate advocacy efforts among IDFA members, farmers, state and local association partners, and other stakeholders to advance IDFA’s state advocacy priorities, as appropriate.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with state elected officials, legislative staff, governors’ offices, and state regulatory agencies.
• Provide strategic guidance and political intelligence related to gubernatorial and state legislative elections, including insights relevant to policy outcomes and advocacy strategies.
• Support appropriate political engagement activities in accordance with state ethics regulations  and advocacy best practices.
• Cultivate relationships with IDFA member companies to understand operational challenges and ensure advocacy efforts reflect member priorities.
• Represent IDFA in state coalitions, regional industry groups, and multi-state policy initiatives advancing shared policy goals.
• Develop briefing materials, policy analyses, issue papers, testimony, and position statements.
• Present state legislative updates to IDFA boards, committees, and conferences.
• Develop, catalogue and execute grassroots advocacy network strategy, involving IDFA members and key state association/industry partners.
• Coordinate closely with IDFA’s Government Relations, Regulatory & Scientific Affairs and Communications teams to ensure consistent messaging and policy alignment.

Qualifications

• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of state legislative and regulatory processes.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with policymakers, member executives, coalition partners, and internal teams.
• Experience managing contract lobbyists and multi-state advocacy strategies strongly preferred.
• Experience with state legislative tracking and reporting tools preferred.
• Familiarity with state food and agriculture regulation, environmental policy, packaging laws, and labeling requirements affecting dairy products.
• Experience in food, agriculture, manufacturing, or consumer packaged goods policy preferred.
• Proven leadership and organizational skills, including the ability to manage and influence multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Key Attributes

• 7+ years of experience in state government affairs, public policy, or legislative strategy.
• Demonstrated success managing state-level advocacy efforts across multiple jurisdictions.
• Strong relationships with state policymakers, regulatory officials, and industry coalitions.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to simplify complex policy issues into clear, compelling messaging.
• Strategic thinker with sound political judgment and the ability to align advocacy efforts with broader business and association goals.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in public policy, law, political science, or related field preferred.

Additional Details

• Location: Based in Washington, D.C.
• Work Schedule: Flexible office/remote policy.
• Travel: Approximately 30% domestic travel, including state capitols, member meetings, and industry events.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.
• Benefits include:
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage
• 401(k) with profit sharing
• Unlimited paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• Professional development and education reimbursement
• Wellness initiatives and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Cell phone and transportation stipends
• Frequent team engagement and networking opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity

IDFA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. IDFA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role to Jobs@IDFA.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Join IDFA in shaping the future of dairy policy and advocacy. Make a difference in one of the nation's vital industries. Apply today!