Director, Public Policy

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture•Arlington, VA

1d•$65,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) seeks a professional to advance policies that strengthen American agriculture. The role works with state departments of agriculture to develop and advance federal legislative and regulatory priorities, leads NASDA's Animal Agriculture and Natural Resources and Environment Committees, and builds relationships with policymakers and agricultural stakeholders. It leads on animal agriculture, natural resources, environmental policy, and agricultural resilience, while supporting other committees and policy initiatives as organizational priorities and member needs require. The position leads development and implementation of NASDA's federal policy portfolio, translates member priorities into legislative, regulatory, and appropriations strategies, monitors federal policy developments, and provides decision-ready guidance. It coordinates committee work, drafts policy and communications materials, manages projects, builds consensus among diverse stakeholders, and represents NASDA at meetings and events. Travel across the U.S. is expected as required, with possible international travel. Candidates may be considered at the Manager, Associate Director, or Director level based on experience. The position is full-time and exempt at NASDA headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, with a hybrid schedule of three days in the office and two days working from home. Working hours are generally Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time.

Requirements

Manager level: At least two years of relevant experience supporting policy analysis and advocacy, managing defined issues and projects, cultivating stakeholder relationships, and producing clear, accurate written materials with appropriate guidance.
Associate Director level: At least four years of relevant experience managing policy issues, relationships, and projects with increasing independence.
Director level: At least six years of relevant experience, including ownership of complex policy strategy, senior-level external representation, and independent committee or portfolio leadership.
Bachelor's degree required.
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.
Ability to communicate complex issues through concise, audience-appropriate written materials and oral advocacy.
Ability to establish credibility with members, government officials, partners, and coalitions; navigate differing state perspectives; and build consensus.
Project management experience handling multiple priorities, deadlines, deliverables, or related responsibilities with accuracy and accountability.
Ability to collaborate across teams, adapt to changing priorities, learn new issues quickly, and represent NASDA with sound judgment, discretion, and nonpartisanship.

Nice To Haves

Relevant federal agricultural policy experience with Congress or federal agencies, primarily USDA, EPA, and FDA, including legislative, appropriations, or regulatory policy; relevant public policy or government affairs work is also acceptable.
Understanding of the roles of Congress, federal agencies, and state departments of agriculture.
Desired degree focus in agricultural policy, animal science, environmental science, natural resources, political science, public policy, economics, law, or a related agriculture, food, or nutrition field.
An advanced degree may substitute for a portion of relevant experience where appropriate.

Responsibilities

Lead development and implementation of NASDA's federal policy portfolio for animal agriculture, natural resources, and environmental issues.
Address policy priorities that may include pet and animal feed, animal disease preparedness and response, meat and poultry inspection, natural disaster assistance and recovery, Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS), conservation, forestry, and working lands programs.
Serve as staff lead for the Animal Agriculture Committee and Natural Resources and Environment Committees, coordinating with committee Chairs and Co-Chairs and preparing 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, and provide timely, concise, decision-ready guidance to NASDA members and leadership.
Build trusted relationships with state departments of agriculture leaders and staff, and facilitate consensus across diverse state interests.
Develop and sustain partnerships and coalitions with agricultural, natural resources, environmental, and other stakeholders to advance NASDA priorities and strengthen advocacy.
Draft policy briefs, testimony, comment letters, talking points, presentations, and member communications.
Manage projects, timelines, deliverables, and reporting with sound and strategic judgment.
Build subject matter knowledge, independently manage assigned issues, and develop readiness for additional committee and policy leadership.
Collaborate across NASDA policy, communications, trade, partnerships, and other teams, and represent NASDA at meetings and events, including travel as required.