Senior Director, Public Policy

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) is seeking an accomplished leader to serve as Senior Director of Public Policy. This executive leadership position is responsible for advancing NASDA's policy priorities, directing strategic advocacy efforts, and leading a high-performing policy team in support of American agriculture.

The Senior Director serves as a trusted advisor to NASDA leadership and members, providing strategic guidance on emerging policy issues while fostering strong relationships with federal agencies, Congress, state departments of agriculture, industry partners, and other key stakeholders. This position offers the opportunity to influence national agricultural policy, collaborate with leaders from all 50 states and four U.S. territories, and represent NASDA at high-level meetings and events across the United States and internationally.

This position earns a competitive salary and enjoys an exceptional work culture at an organization with an incredible mission, flexible work environment, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact on American agriculture. This position reports to the CEO.

ABOUT NASDA

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association representing the commissioners, secretaries, and directors of the state departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA engages state departments of agriculture to strengthen U.S. agriculture and allied industries through policy, partnerships and public outreach.

We recognize that achieving our mission requires talented employees who are as passionate about agriculture as we are. We strive to create a positive work environment where employees can build meaningful careers while advancing the interests of American agriculture.

ABOUT THE POSITION

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

• Develop and execute policy and government relations strategies that advance NASDA's mission and priorities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop members of the Public Policy team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Serve as NASDA's liaison with federal agencies, Congressional offices, national organizations, and other key stakeholders.
• Direct NASDA's policy development process through engagement with members and oversight of each of NASDA's policy committees.
• Develop and own NASDA's strategic relationships with senior elected and appointed government officials.
• Oversee the development of regulatory comments, policy recommendations, position statements, official correspondence, testimony and advocacy materials.
• Build and maintain strategic industry coalitions that advance NASDA's policy objectives and strengthen the organization's influence.
• Advise NASDA leadership and members on emerging policy issues, legislative developments, regulatory actions, and strategic opportunities.
• Oversee departmental budgeting, resource allocation, project management, and operational performance.
• Represent NASDA at conferences, meetings, hearings, and stakeholder engagements at the state, federal, and international levels.
• Develop media strategies that advance NASDA's policy priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, government relations, advocacy, or related fields.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing high-performing teams and complex policy initiatives.
• Deep knowledge of federal agricultural policy, including experience with the Farm Bill, appropriations process, and regulatory affairs.
• Experience working with media and serving as a public-facing spokesperson on policy issues.
• Proven ability to build and leverage strategic relationships with elected officials, government agencies, industry leaders, and stakeholder organizations.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, judgment, and problem-solving abilities.
• Outstanding written, verbal, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational, project management, and budget management experience.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Bachelor's degree required. A degree in agricultural policy, public policy, political science, economics, law, or a related field is preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to agriculture and public service.

Salary range $155,000.00 - $190,000.00.

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

All applicants will be reviewed. Applications without a cover letter and/or resume will not be considered.

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.