Government Affairs Director, State Relations

CoBank•Greenwood Village, CO

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Serves as the lead liaison on state governmental issues. Reports to Vice President of Government Relations. Represents CoBank at various state legislative events. Monitors and helps develop industry relations, political engagement and grassroot support for CoBank-supported policy positions at the state level of government. Represents CoBank externally and works with state elected officials and industry partners. When state legislatures conclude for the year, supports the Government Relations team in other activities.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Agriculture, or Business required
12 years of experience related to policy monitoring or crafting required
Experience working with state legislative bodies and statewide organizations that represent industry leaders and groups preferred
Has strong relationships with Farm Credit and a background in agriculture policy.
Able to work collaboratively and build partnerships and lasting relationships.
Must be comfortable with working remotely and traveling when needed to address state issues.

Responsibilities

Represents CoBank in state capitols and at state industry meetings.
Works with and represents the government affairs team with state industry organizations and coalition partners.
Utilizes credibility and experience to execute real-time decision-making in a complex and fast-paced legislative environment.
Lobbies at the state level when necessary.
Tracks relevant legislation and regulatory developments on the state level.
Works with government affairs team to develop and execute legislative strategy.
Leads strategic plan when executing various legislative proposals and works with industry groups on strategy.
Maintains full awareness and knowledge of activities in state legislatures working to protect CoBank’s mission.
Utilizes strong network-building to establish grassroots coalitions on legislation that impacts CoBank’s business outcomes.
Participates in special projects and performs duties that support the execution of the government affairs responsibilities.
Serves as the lead and often the sole representative of CoBank at state legislative events.
Hosts customers and external organizations in the office, managing reservations and meeting planning.
Coordinates with banking teams to identify and then address state level policy challenges and support the team in their state-focused business development activities.
Identifies and cultivates potential champions among stakeholders in states of significant interest to the business lines to link the bank and the stakeholders to advance our opportunities in policy and business.
Works closely with corporate communications to monitor, coordinate and deliver social media engagement when appropriate for state activities.
Facilitates collaboration with Farm Credit partners on legislative issues, leading CoBank’s participation in each state’s legislative plan.
Ensures compliance with relevant political and election law requirements (state or federal), filing reports on behalf of the government affairs team when required.
Facilitates regular meetings with affiliated Farm Credit associations and manage team calendars for collaboration and team meetings.
Assists in training advocacy class for the yearly CoBank Ambassador Program, helping with website creation and content development.
Performs minor administrative tasks, when appropriate.