POSITION OBJECTIVE: The Managing Director, Advocacy & Political Affairs provides strategic leadership for Farm Bureau policy development, advocacy and grassroots engagement, and political affairs. This role oversees major national engagement efforts and ensures close alignment with Public Policy priorities, organizational leadership, and state Farm Bureaus.
REPORTS TO: Vice President, Public Policy and Economic Analysis
LOCATION: Washington, DC; Eligible to earn telework 2 days/week
SALARY: $150,000 - $180,000 annually, commensurate with experience
Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for advocacy, political affairs, and policy development to advance AFBF priorities.
- Develop, align and implement policy, political, and grassroots advocacy strategies across AFBF leadership, Public Policy, state Farm Bureaus, and internal teams.
- Identify emerging policy issues and opportunities, providing strategic guidance to senior leadership.
- Oversee national advocacy and engagement initiatives, including the GO Team, PAL program, voter engagement, national and issue-specific fly-ins, and Washington-based advocacy events.
- Ensure strong preparation and execution of the Resolutions Committee process and Voting Delegate Session.
- Manage the GO Team’s recruitment, training, deployment, evaluation, and conduct ongoing strategic reviews of its structure and effectiveness.
- Provide strategic direction, mentorship, day-to-day management to Advocacy and Political Affairs staff.
- Coordinate closely with Public Policy leadership and staff to align advocacy campaigns with legislative and regulatory priorities, including action alerts.
- Support state Farm Bureau advocacy training and engagement, including preparation for and participation in Washington, DC visits.
- Lead collaboration on improved tracking, reporting, engagement systems, and the evaluation of emerging advocacy tools and digital targeting strategies.
- Provide leadership on advocacy messaging, materials, and information management in coordination with Leadership Education & Engagement, Communications, Industry Relations, Legal, and other teams.
- Provide leadership and support for Political Action Committees (PACs), including guidance to states considering PAC formation and training for PAC leaders and evaluation committees.
- Ensure AFBF fosters relationships with national political parties, allied organizations, elected officials, candidates, campaigns, and state Farm Bureaus, serving as a key liaison on political and election matters.
Relationships
Communicate with AFBF staff and state Farm Bureau staff and leaders with respect to advocacy and political affairs programs. Operate as a leadership team member within the Public Policy Department.
Education Or Training Required
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Experience And Skills Required
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in government relations, with policy implementation programs and management experience
- Strong operational understanding of the legislative process, grassroots tactics and Political Action Committees
- Proven experience serving as a leader across teams and industry/professional groups to build consensus and achieve objectives
- Experience managing programs and projects within budget parameters
Preferred Education/Experience/Training/Skills
- Knowledge of Agriculture
- Trade association experience in advocacy and stakeholder engagement
- Masters Degree in related field
Other Requirements
- Travel required approximately 25-35% of the time.
TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume, and an advocacy campaign impact report.
