Government Relations Associate Manager - GROWMARK, Inc. - Bloomington, IL

GROWMARK, Inc.•Bloomington, IL

9d•$79,500 - $109,288•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for evaluation, negotiation, and preparation of responses and presentations for legislative and regulatory issues in a pro-active approach for the GROWMARK System.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in political science, agricultural communications, or related degree or equivalent thereof, and at least 3 years experience working with public policy issues to demonstrate government affairs knowledge and experience.
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.
Ability to acquire knowledge and understanding of federal and state government, contemporary political issues, and public policy formation.
Eligible to be a registered lobbyist as required.
Proven ability in planning, researching, developing, presenting, and assessing government affair activities and programs.
Proven ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment and the ability to achieve results through others.
Proven professional communication, presentation, persuasion, interpersonal, and customer service skills and the ability to build relationships and influence external trade associations and government agencies.
Proven computer skills and the ability to use the computer to enhance business processes.
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.

Responsibilities

Evaluates proposed State legislation and regulations across Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, and other assigned states to determine the impact to the GROWMARK System.
Advises GROWMARK and member cooperatives of the proposal and gathers feedback to develop positions for influencing outside contacts.
Negotiates and Communicates with elected officials, government agencies and industry groups to convey GROWMARK's position and obtain acceptable regulations and legislation.
Develops written and oral testimony on public policy proposals for presentation during the government hearing process and assists member cooperatives in communicating grassroots issues with government officials to influence public policy.
Researches and develops “Issue Papers” as assigned on emerging and developing issues to enhance system awareness.
Communicates government changes to the affected divisions of GROWMARK and member cooperatives.
Responds to GROWMARK System regulatory issues and influences change to enhance compliance.
Maintains contact with government agencies acting as liaison when addressing GROWMARK System concerns.
Maintains contact with trade associations and special interest groups for information and coalition building when mutually beneficial.
Promotes formulation of public policy issues guidelines supporting GROWMARK’s position on these issues.
Maintains knowledge of the current lobbyist laws and operates within legal and ethical guidelines.
Develops forms, charts, and other visuals to support effective governmental affairs persuasion.
Supports the maintenance of the Government Affairs reference library applicable to public policy issues affecting the GROWMARK System.
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.