Manager, Global Policy

Position Summary:

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is the voice of the U.S. animal food (animal feed and pet food) industry, influencing policy and connecting people. The Manager, Global Policy will play a key role in advancing AFIA’s global market access, trade policy and regulatory initiatives. This role educates policymakers, represents AFIA in trade discussions and advocates for science-based regulations to reduce non-tariff barriers. Responsibilities include representing the animal food industry at meetings both domestically and internationally, managing AFIA initiatives in international organization such as the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and Codex Alimentarius (Codex), supportingUnited States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) export funding programs and analyzing global trade trends and developing tools to support industry members. The position also tracks international regulatory developments, collaborates with industry and government partners and ensures compliance with trade policies. Additionally, the position will contribute to AFIA’s strategic objectives, support committees and interface with the association members.

Position Responsibilities:

Trade Policy

·      Educate regulatory agencies, Congress, the Administration, state officials and association members on the association’s policy priorities. 

·      Represent AFIA in discussions with U.S. and foreign regulatory agencies, trade organizations, policymakers and companies working on trade policy issues of mutual interest. 

·      Provide comprehensive administrative and policy support, including coordinating meetings, preparing briefings and developing advocacy materials. Responsibilities include:

organizing and managing meeting logistics while ensuring timely follow-up on action items;

preparing internal and member-facing briefings, particularly in support of staff travel and joint engagements; and assisting in the development of presentations and policy materials in collaboration with team members on key initiatives

Global Regulatory Affairs

·      Monitor, analyze and influence international trade policies, regulations, standards and agreements affecting the U.S. animal food industry market access. 

·      Work with U.S. government agencies to support science-based regulations, standards and trade policies that facilitate market access for U.S. animal food products especially global non-tariff/regulatory issues.

·      Develop and maintain alliances with appropriate industries, other associations and industry partners.

·      Support the association’s efforts to keep industry stakeholders informed of key developments by developing and disseminating relevant information and responding to member inquiries.

Global Funding Programs

·      Assists with the submission, administration and implementation of the association’s USDA FAS export program funding.

Analysis and Data Collection

·      Provide support for director of global affairs to develop strategy, presentations, reports, data compilation and various documents.

·      Succinctly synthesize global trade and market data information. 

·      Coordinate requests and communicate with association members. 

·      Monitor global trends, changes and opportunities relevant to U.S. animal food imports/exports.

·      Support development and maintenance of informational tools on importing/exporting animal food for membership.

·      Provide support for the Global Affairs Committee, Member Interest Group and task forces as required.

Internal Collaboration & Team Leadership:

• Work closely with AFIA’s global affairs team, government affairs and communications teams to align policy and trade strategies.
• Engage with, and support, staff establishing global market initiatives.
• Contribute to AFIA’s overall strategic objectives and advocacy efforts.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree (BS/BA or MS/MA) in a relevant field, or a minimum of three years of experience in trade, international policy or a related area.
• Experience in management including managing people or a program
• Experience in research and findings utilization to develop a strategy or next steps.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability or potential for public speaking and professional writing.
• Experience in budget development, administration and financial oversight is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to research, interpret, and apply regulations, policies and trade data. 
• Prior experience working in agribusiness, trade associations or governmental organizations is a plus.  
• Prior experience in international organizations such as the WOAH, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations or other international bodies is a plus. 

Travel: Ability to travel (domestic and international) up to 20% of the time.

Location: Based in Arlington, VA office, with in-office approximately 2-3 days per week.

Support Resources Available:

• Outside legal, government affairs and project management consultants
• AFIA staff and membership
• Allied associations and related resource groups

To Apply:

Email a cover letter and resume to careers@afia.org with the subject line, “Application – AFIA Manager, Global Affairs” by Jun. 26, 2026.