Director Government Affairs

Texas Farm Bureau and Affiliated Companies•Waco, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Government Affairs provides strategic leadership and direction for Texas Farm Bureau’s Government Affairs Division. The role leads the planning, coordination, and execution of state and federal legislative and regulatory activities in accordance with policies established by voting delegates, as interpreted by the Board of Directors. The Director advises organizational leadership, represents Texas Farm Bureau with government bodies and stakeholders, and works to advance the interests of Farm Bureau members and established policy objectives. The position leads Government Affairs staff and oversees division priorities, resources, budget, and operational planning. It also coordinates political activities, including the AGFUND political action committee, and helps ensure members are engaged in the policy development process. Work is generally conducted in an office and in meeting or event settings, with travel as required and occasional long, irregular hours, particularly during legislative sessions and periods of significant governmental activity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Significant professional experience in government affairs, legislative affairs, public policy, agriculture policy, or a related field.
Demonstrated leadership and management experience, including supervising and developing professional staff.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing legislative, regulatory, or public policy strategies.
Strong understanding of Texas agriculture and agricultural policy, including state and federal legislative and regulatory processes.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex policy matters clearly and effectively.
Strong public speaking and presentation skills and the ability to communicate with elected officials, boards, executives, members, and other stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Strong judgment, strategic thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to rapidly changing legislative and political environments.
Valid Texas driver’s license and, at the time of hire, a driving record that would not place the employee on probation or disqualify the employee from Certified Fleet Operator status under the Company Driving and Safety Policy.

Responsibilities

Lead and provide strategic direction for the Government Affairs Division in support of Texas Farm Bureau policy, organizational priorities, and member interests.
Develop, implement, and oversee state and federal legislative and regulatory strategies.
Represent Texas Farm Bureau on policy matters before government branches, regulatory agencies, and other organizations.
Advise the Board of Directors and executive leadership on legislative, regulatory, political, and public policy issues.
Advance measures favorable to Texas Farm Bureau policy and work to amend or defeat measures contrary to established policy.
Monitor legislative, commodity, regulatory, political, legal, media, and public policy developments and recommend organizational responses.
Lead the policy development process and support member engagement in developing state and federal policies.
Coordinate Texas Farm Bureau’s political activities, including the AGFUND political action committee.
Prepare, coordinate, and/or present testimony before legislative committees, regulatory agencies, and other governmental bodies.
Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, regulatory officials, agricultural organizations, industry groups, coalitions, and other stakeholders.
Develop and coordinate programs and strategies to strengthen Texas Farm Bureau’s effectiveness and relationships with policymakers.
Supervise, coach, and support the professional development of Government Affairs staff; set expectations and ensure accountability.
Establish division priorities and allocate staff and resources to address legislative, regulatory, and organizational needs.
Represent Texas Farm Bureau and provide leadership at county, state, and national meetings related to legislative and public policy programs.
Collaborate with other divisions and organizational leadership to coordinate communication and implementation of policy priorities.
Brief executive leadership, the Board of Directors, staff, and appropriate volunteer leaders on significant governmental and public policy developments.
Serve on boards, committees, coalitions, and other organizations as a Texas Farm Bureau representative when directed.
Oversee the division’s budget, operational planning, and use of organizational resources.
Comply with Certified Fleet Operation requirements of the Company Driving and Safety policy.
Perform other duties as assigned.