Position Title: Head of Government Affairs
Location: Washington, D.C.
Status: F/T Location:Remote
Position Summary:
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) seeks a full-time Head of Government Affairs, based in its Washington DC office, with occasional travel. Working under the supervision of and in collaboration with OTA’s Co-CEOs, the Head of Government Affairs leads the development of and implements OTA’s policy strategy through outreach to congress, legislative engagement, coalition building and advocacy. The Head of Government Affairs serves as an external advocate representing the interests of OTA’s mission and its members.
Qualified applicants will have related work experience in legislative engagement in the House or Senate. Qualified applicants will possess an excellent relationship development track record, strong analysis, written and oral communications skills, the ability to work independently, and the ability to work in a fast-paced collaborative environment with critical deadlines. Experience in agriculture or appropriations committees or subcommittees is preferred, or experience in agriculture and food in other roles.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Builds and coordinates relationships with government officials in the administration, congress, and pertinent government agencies; educates on all aspects of organic agriculture, industry, and trade and the potential impacts of legislation and policy on organic.
- Works collaboratively with our regulatory team on cross-functional issues at USDA.
- Serves as a thought leader and sets strategy for government affairs policy to advance organic with stakeholders.
- Conducts legislative research and analysis to support OTA’s policy strategy and development; prepares clear, concise analytical pieces including bill summaries and side-by-side analysis, hearing summaries, member alerts, updates and memos. Works collaboratively with OTA’s communications team to ensure professional quality public communications.
- Develops and implements OTA policy events to increase OTA’s relationships and political impact. Plans, convenes, and host OTA members and allied groups when visiting Washington for hearings, meetings, or direct lobbying; including OTA’s signature annual fly-in and potential targeted member fly-ins. Executes event planning for DC fly-ins as needed.
- Facilitates, manages, and implements OTA member involvement in legislative activities to increase OTA’s relationships and political impact; facilitates member consensus and position development through formal staffing of OTA Task Forces, Working Groups, and informal member stakeholder discussions as assigned.
- Oversees and serves on the board of OTA’s political action committee, Organic PAC. Manages activities of PAC and works collaboratively with OTA’s communications, development, and event planning teams to promote the PAC and increase member contributions through fundraising campaigns. Manages disbursements to candidates and serve as the face of Organic PAC at political fundraising events.
- Serves as the external face of OTA’s Government Affairs and represent OTA’s policy positions at industry events, conferences, presentations, government meetings and with media.
- Drafts correspondence, policy communications, and public comments as needed; other research, policy, writing, and support as needed.
- May manage associate staff and/or external agency relationships.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree required in public policy, agriculture or related field.
- 5 years related work experience and proven record of effective and demonstrated results. Direct Capitol Hill experience a must with two or more years in Federal or Executive branch.
- Experience in agriculture and/or organic agriculture desired.
- Strong analysis, written, interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
- Strong computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel and database applications; experience with Salesforce a plus.
- Attention to detail, able to work independently and perform routine work. Able to work well in a fast-paced collaborative environment with critical deadlines and mobilize a diverse range of stakeholder members.
- Ability to establish and maintain strong bipartisan relationships on the Hill and with coalition partners.
Compensation: This is an exempt position, and the salary is commensurate with experience. OTA offers a generous benefits package including bonus structure, medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance and 401k.
Contact:
Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO