Director, Public Policy

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture•Arlington, VA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) is seeking a passionate individual to join its Public Policy team. This role serves as NASDA's lead federal policy advocate for food systems and nutrition, converting member priorities into legislative, regulatory, and funding strategies. The position involves leading the Food Systems and Nutrition Committee and building relationships with key stakeholders. Depending on qualifications, the role may expand to include leadership of the Marketing and International Trade Committee. The position offers opportunities for travel across the U.S. and potentially internationally, and involves collaboration with leaders from state departments of agriculture, congressional and government entities, and agricultural partnerships. NASDA offers a competitive salary, flexible scheduling, and a strong mission-driven work environment.

Requirements

Manager: At least two years of relevant experience, with demonstrated ability to support policy analysis and advocacy, manage defined issues and projects, cultivate stakeholder relationships, and produce clear, accurate written materials with appropriate guidance.
Associate Director: At least four years of relevant experience, with demonstrated ability to manage policy issues, relationships, and projects with increasing independence.
Director: At least six years of relevant experience, including demonstrated ownership of complex policy strategy, senior level external representation, and independent committee or portfolio leadership.
Congressional and federal policy expertise: Relevant federal agricultural policy experience with Congress or federal agencies (primarily USDA and FDA), including legislative, appropriations, or regulatory policy, as well as an understanding of the roles of Congress, federal agencies, and state departments of agriculture. Relevant government affairs work in these areas is also acceptable.
Policy analysis and strategic judgment: Ability to track and analyze legislation, regulations, program guidance, funding proposals, and emerging issues; identify implications for states; and recommend and execute practical courses of action.
Advocacy and communication: Demonstrated ability to translate complex issues into concise, audience-appropriate briefs, testimony, letters, talking points, presentations, and oral advocacy.
Relationship building and diplomacy: Ability to establish credibility with NASDA members, congressional and government officials, partners, and coalitions; navigate differing state perspectives; and build consensus without relying on formal authority.
Project management: Experience managing multiple priorities, deadlines, deliverables, or related responsibilities with accuracy, accountability, and follow-through.
Collaboration, adaptability, and integrity: Ability to work effectively across teams, respond productively to changing priorities, learn new issues quickly, and represent NASDA with sound judgment, discretion, and nonpartisanship.
A bachelor's degree is required.

Nice To Haves

Desired area of study in agricultural policy, food policy, political science, public policy, economics, law, or related agriculture, food, or nutrition field.
An advanced degree may substitute for a portion of relevant experience where appropriate.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, implementation, and communication of NASDA's federal policy portfolio for food systems and nutrition, with primary emphasis on funding and implementation of state led farm-to-table programs; additional priorities may include food safety, food labeling, nutrition, food waste, food access and security, and food supply chain issues.
Serve as staff lead for the Food Systems and Nutrition Committee, coordinating priorities with the committee's Chair and Vice-Chair, preparing meeting agendas, policy materials, recommendations, and follow-up actions.
Translate member priorities into legislative, regulatory, and appropriations strategies and advocate those positions before Congress and federal agencies.
Monitor and analyze federal legislation, regulations, funding opportunities, and emerging issues; provide timely, concise, decision-ready guidance to NASDA members and leadership.
Build trusted relationships with commissioners, secretaries, directors, and staff of state departments of agriculture and facilitate consensus across diverse state interests.
Develop and sustain partnerships and coalitions with agricultural, food systems and nutrition stakeholders to advance NASDA priorities and elevate the roles of state departments of agriculture in those spaces.
Draft high-quality policy briefs, testimony, comment letters, talking points, presentations, and member communications.
Manage projects, timelines, deliverables, and reporting with sound and strategic judgment.
Demonstrate readiness for increasing responsibility by building subject matter knowledge, independently managing assigned issues, and developing the judgment and stakeholder relationships needed to assume additional committee and policy leadership.
Collaborate across NASDA's policy, communications, trade, partnerships, and other key teams and represent NASDA at meetings and events, including travel as required.