Director, Federal Government Relations

CropLife America•Arlington, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

CropLife America (CLA), located in Arlington, VA, is the national trade association representing the pesticide industry. Its members drive innovation by discovering, producing, selling, and distributing the essential pesticide products that empower America’s farmers to produce food, fuel, and fiber for our nation and the world. They are seeking a Director of Federal Government Relations to join their team. CLA offers competitive compensation, a generous benefits package, and a flexible hybrid arrangement. Reporting to the Vice President of Government Relations, the Director of Federal Government Relations is responsible for representing the association on federal policy matters. This role will manage and engage critical external allies and member company relationships through association committees, direct outreach to policymakers, and stakeholder coalitions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, history, or a similar field
Minimum of 10 years of experience in a related position
Working understanding of the federal legislative process, including relevant committees and current Members of Congress
Working knowledge of the primary statutes and regulations governing the pesticide industry
Basic understanding of science-related issues, including data development required to support pesticide registrations
Ability to develop and successfully maintain effective relationships with association members, policymakers, allies, lobbyists, coalitions, stakeholders, and teammates
Strong verbal and written communication skills with an ability to produce effective communication materials, including the ability to distill complex and/or technical information into concise, influential communications
Ability to communicate science-related issues, including data development required to support pesticide registrations
Ability to demonstrate flexibility, sound judgment, discretion, and political acumen
Proven ability in consensus building and trust/credibility maintenance
Strong analytical, interpretive, evaluative, and constructive thinking skills
Ability to travel up to 15%

Nice To Haves

Prior work experience in federal government relations and/or Congress is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as a lobbyist responsible for industry policy and advocacy related to the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), federal appropriations, and other relevant pesticide issues.
Support the association’s Federal Affairs Committee (FAC) and facilitate its input into legislative strategies and initiatives.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with stakeholders and allies at the national level, including the Pesticide Policy Coalition (PPC) and the broader industry.
Support association engagement with the PRIA Coalition.
Cooperatively manage federal lobbyists and ally relationships.
Direct various association resources and strategic relationships to help ensure the pesticide industry’s right to operate.
Lead within the CLA government relations team and broader staff to proactively develop and deliver effective legislative strategies at the federal level.