Director, Government Relations

Growmark • Bloomington, MN

9h • Onsite

About The Position

Provides strategic leadership for Government Relations, directing the development and execution of legislative, regulatory, and public policy strategies that protect and advance the GROWMARK System. Serves as a key advisor to executive leadership on policy risks and opportunities, while leading coordinated advocacy and stakeholder engagement efforts aligned with corporate priorities.

Requirements

• Normally requires a college degree preferably in Political Science, Business or equivalent, and proven knowledge in the areas of Public Policy, Regulatory, Environmental, and Communications.
• Possesses 8-10 years of business related experience with advanced knowledge of government affairs principles and strategies.
• Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Strong understanding of federal, provincial, and state government, political process and issues and public policy formation .
• Eligible to be a registered lobbyist as needed or required.
• Proven ability to research and professionally utilize knowledge government affairs activities and programs.
• Proven supervisory and team building skills and the ability to achieve results through others.
• Strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain strong external relationships.
• Must have the ability to travel independently and overnight as needed.
• Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in domestic and foreign agricultural trade is recommended.

Responsibilities

• Leads the analysis of legislative, regulatory, and trade issues impacting the GROWMARK System and advises executive leadership on risks, opportunities, and recommended courses of action.
• Develops and advances corporate public policy positions aligned with strategic priorities.
• Directs and participates in advocacy and lobbying efforts, representing the GROWMARK System with federal, provincial, and state legislators, regulators, agencies, and industry organizations.
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with key policymakers and external stakeholders.
• Develops and implements strategies to promote and advance the System’s positions with legislators, regulators, and public entities.
• Monitors emerging issues and leads coordinated response efforts across the organization.
• Partners with executive leadership, Legal, Corporate Communications, and business units to align policy strategy and ensure consistent messaging.
• Leads development of communication initiatives to ensure corporate and member awareness of legislative and regulatory impacts.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with industry representatives, cooperatives, and membership organizations to strengthen advocacy efforts and influence policy outcomes.
• Develops and executes annual and long-range strategic plans for the Government Relations division in alignment with GROWMARK’s mission and objectives.
• Establishes division goals, policies, and performance measures.
• Develops and administers the division’s operating budget and manages external resources, including consultants and industry partnerships.
• Leads development and expansion of the GROWMARK System grassroots advocacy network, increasing employee and member engagement in public policy efforts.
• Maintains current knowledge of legislative, regulatory, and industry developments relevant to the position.
• Encourages, supports, and promotes innovative practices, tools, and technologies to enhance advocacy effectiveness and stakeholder engagement.
• Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• fully funded pension
• medical insurance
• dental insurance
• vision insurance
• life insurance
• supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection
• generous paid time off (PTO)
• paid holidays
• parental leave
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Associate degree