Director Government Affairs

About the position

Provides strategic leadership and direction for the Government Affairs Division and leads the planning, coordination, and execution of Texas Farm Bureau’s state and federal legislative and regulatory activities in accordance with policies established by the voting delegates, as interpreted by the Board of Directors. The Director advises organizational leadership on governmental and public policy issues, represents Texas Farm Bureau before government bodies and other organizations, and leads policy development and political activities, including AGFUND.

The position supervises and develops Government Affairs staff, sets division priorities, allocates resources, and oversees the division’s budget and operational planning. It works with Texas Farm Bureau divisions, leadership, members, policymakers, and other stakeholders to coordinate and advance policy priorities. Work is generally conducted in a company-owned or leased office and in meeting and event settings, with travel as required and occasional long, irregular work hours, particularly during legislative sessions and periods of significant governmental activity.

Responsibilities

• Lead and provide strategic direction for the Government Affairs Division to support Texas Farm Bureau policy, organizational priorities, and member interests.
• Develop, implement, and oversee state and federal legislative and regulatory strategies to advance Texas Farm Bureau policy objectives.
• Represent Texas Farm Bureau on policy matters before the executive and legislative branches of state and federal government, regulatory agencies, and other organizations.
• Advise the Board of Directors and executive leadership on legislative, regulatory, political, and public policy issues affecting Texas Farm Bureau and its members.
• Direct efforts to secure consideration and passage of measures favorable to Texas Farm Bureau policy and to amend or defeat measures contrary to established policy.
• Monitor and evaluate legislative, commodity, regulatory, political, legal, media, and public policy developments and recommend organizational strategies and responses.
• Lead the policy development process and ensure members are engaged in developing state and federal policies.
• Coordinate Texas Farm Bureau’s political activities, including the AGFUND political action committee.
• Prepare, coordinate, and/or present testimony before legislative committees, regulatory agencies, and other governmental bodies.
• Build and maintain working relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, regulatory officials, agricultural organizations, industry groups, coalitions, and other stakeholders.
• Lead development and coordination of programs and strategies to strengthen Texas Farm Bureau’s effectiveness and relationships with policymakers.
• Supervise, coach, and support the professional development of Government Affairs staff; establish expectations and ensure accountability.
• Establish division priorities and allocate staff and resources to address legislative, regulatory, and organizational needs.
• Represent Texas Farm Bureau and provide leadership at county, state, and national meetings related to legislative and public policy programs.
• Collaborate with Texas Farm Bureau divisions and organizational leadership to coordinate communication and implementation of policy priorities.
• Brief executive leadership, the Board of Directors, staff, and appropriate volunteer leaders on significant governmental and public policy developments.
• Serve on boards, committees, coalitions, and other organizations representing Texas Farm Bureau as directed.
• Oversee the division’s budget, operational planning, and use of organizational resources in accordance with established policies and priorities.
• Comply with Certified Fleet Operation requirements of the Company Driving and Safety policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Significant professional experience in government affairs, legislative affairs, public policy, agriculture policy, or a related field.
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience, including responsibility for supervising and developing professional staff.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing legislative, regulatory, or public policy strategies.
• Strong understanding of Texas agriculture and agricultural policy, including state and federal legislative and regulatory processes.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex policy matters clearly and effectively.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate with elected officials, boards, executives, members, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong judgment, strategic thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to rapidly changing legislative and political environments.
• Valid Texas driver’s license and, at the time of hire, a driving record that would not place the employee on probation or disqualify the employee from Certified Fleet Operator status under the Company Driving and Safety Policy.