Assoc. Director/Director, Public Policy

Full Job Description

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture is seeking a new team member to join its Public Policy team who is passionate about American agriculture and the policies that affect the agricultural industry. This position will have the opportunity to travel across the U.S. for meetings and conferences with the possibility of international travel. The candidate will be able to build relationships and collaborate with leaders from state departments of agriculture from all 50 states and four U.S. territories, government entities, and major agricultural corporations.

Members of the Public Policy team earn a competitive salary and enjoy an excellent work culture at an organization with exceptional perks, including a flexible schedule and an incredible mission.

ABOUT NASDA

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association representing the 50 elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries, and directors of the state departments of agriculture, and four U.S. territories. NASDA grows and enhances American agriculture through policy, partnerships, and public engagement.

We recognize that to achieve our goals, we need employees as passionate about agriculture as we are. We strive to create a positive work environment that our employees can be proud of and where they can build their careers.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead development, implementation, and communication of NASDA's Nutrition, Food Safety, and Food Systems policy portfolio.
• Serve as staff lead and provide staff support for NASDA standing policy committees.
• Communicate with NASDA members who are commissioners, secretaries, directors of state departments of agriculture, and state staff within those departments.
• Pursue and maintain excellence in advocating NASDA positions and policies among NASDA stakeholders, including federal agencies, Congressional offices, and other organizations.
• Build relationships and cultivate partnerships with external stakeholders to advance NASDA's policy priorities.
• Execute project and fiduciary management successfully.
• Participate in communications and meeting/events strategies and routinely develop materials in collaboration with other NASDA staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for one of the following levels:

1. Director of Public Policy (6+ years of experience)
2. Associate Director, Public Policy (4+ years of experience)

Applicants should have the following qualifications:

• Experience in agriculture, nutrition, food safety, and food systems, with a focus on policy development and strategic issue management, including regulatory, scientific, legal, or governmental affairs at the state or federal level.
• Working knowledge of agricultural policy issues and challenges at the federal and state levels.
• Basic understanding of how state departments of agriculture operate and serve their agricultural communities.
• Demonstrated ability to build and leverage strategic relationships with government officials, stakeholders, partners, and other relevant organizations.
• Project management experience.
• Ability to multitask in an energetic, deadline-oriented work environment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Capacity to work as an influential member of a team.
• A demonstrable desire to continuously learn, self-develop, and pursue excellence in the role.
• A college degree is required. A BA/BS or advanced degree in agricultural policy, food policy, political science, public policy, economics, or another program related to agriculture, food, and/or nutrition is desirable.

Salary range $85,000.00 - $100,000.00.

WORK SCHEDULE

This full-time, exempt position works at NASDA headquarters at 4350 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA, two blocks from the Ballston Metro Station (orange and silver lines).

We offer a hybrid work schedule, with three days in the office and two days working from home.

Benefits:

• PTO for vacation, sick leave, and volunteer hours
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development
• 401k - 100% match up to 4%

We understand your time is valuable, so we have a rapid and easy application process. Please complete our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application and attach your cover letter and resume to your application. Applications without a cover letter and resume will not be considered. We look forward to meeting you!

- If you have issues attaching your cover letter to the application, please email it to careers@nasda.org.

Location: 22203

NASDA does not discriminate in employment practices or programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, political beliefs, or family status.