Manager, Communications, Government Relations

Description

CropLife America (CLA), a trade association located in Arlington, VA, is seeking a full-time Manager of Communications, Government Relations. This is a pivotal role in shaping and implementing specialized policy communication strategies that support the organization's activities at the Federal and State levels. This involves developing and executing communication plans, creating content, message development, and managing media relations to enhance the organization’s influence and reputation in Government Relations. This role reports to the Senior Director, Strategic Communications with a dotted line responsibility to the Vice President, Government Relations.

Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies to support the Government Relations team’s objectives.
• Align communication efforts with the organization’s overall strategic goals and policy positions
• Create and oversee the production of various communication materials, including press releases, policy briefs, fact sheets, speeches, legislative testimony, one-pagers, web pages, and opinion pieces regarding CLA’s Government Relations agenda. This involves tailoring these messages for different audiences (policymakers, media, and stakeholders).
• Use new technologies to share information, amplify government affairs messages, and build public support for key issues including  QR codes, video, and social media.
• Assist the government affairs team on any legislative advocacy campaigns or fly-in efforts they are engaged in to inform federal and state policy.
• Understanding member and stakeholder needs and working cooperatively within the organization and among its allies to meet them. 
• Cultivate relationships with press offices on Capitol Hill in coordination with the Government Relations team. Work with elected official press teams on events when necessary.
• Create opportunities to advance the CLA platform and position the association as the leading voice for the industry.  This includes working with coalitions, industry associations, or partner organizations to share messaging on common legislative or regulatory priorities.
• Coordinate with the RISE Communications team to ensure alignment of strategic messaging and joint opportunities including conferences and policymaker outreach.
• Maintain website for Government Relations updates.
• Keep internal stakeholders informed of key government relations communication efforts, strategies, and emerging issues.
• Support the Senior Director of Strategic Communications in management and growth of the Communications Committee, as well as the implementation of CLA’s strategic plan as to the Government Relations goals.
• Lead projects developed by the Communications Committee as well as by the Government Relations team. 
• Scripting for CropLife meetings and assisting with the communication and promotion of such meetings with other members of the communications team.
• Work on the development of the Annual Report with other members of the communications team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related field. Master’s degree or relevant certifications are a plus.
• A minimum of 3 years of progressive communications experience, preferably within a government relations or public affairs context.
• Experience within a trade association, in a press office on Capitol Hill, or state legislature, or a communications consulting firm is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of government processes, policy-making, and legislative affairs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Experience in media relations and content creation, including press releases, speeches, PowerPoints, talking points, web pages, and one-pagers.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in using communication and media monitoring tools, as well as advocacy platforms.
• Strategic and innovative thinker.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
• Strong problem-solving skills and resilience under pressure.
• High level of integrity and professionalism as well as accountability for deliverables on explicit timelines.
• Ability to receive feedback and course correct when necessary.