Vice President, Public Policy

SUMMARY:

Senior leader who, as a part of the NCGA Management Team, is responsible for the strategic vision and management of the organization’s public policy efforts in Washington, D.C. Leads NCGA’s public policy team in the development and execution of federal government relations outreach designed to enact the policy priorities of NCGA’s membership. The VP of Public Policy will build upon and enhance relationships with Congress, the White House, and federal agencies to identify strategic opportunities for engagement.

REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

Founded in 1957, NCGA represents nearly 37,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. Our mission is to create opportunities for corn farmers. We do that in partnership with 50 affiliated state organizations by:

• Advocating for favorable policies for corn farmers in Washington, D.C.
• Growing demand for corn and corn products around the globe.
• Driving sustainable corn farming practices at the farmgate.
• Building trust of corn farmers and farming among key influencers.

NCGA is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri and maintains an additional office in Washington, D.C. The organization is led by the Corn Board, a 15-member board of directors that are elected to their respective terms by our Corn Congress delegate body.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage and direct the NCGA Washington, DC office including all aspects of NCGA efforts involving Congress, the Administration, and all federal government entities.
• Manage team of in-house lobbyists and external consultants.
• Determine and prioritize NCGA public policy positions working across internal NCGA audiences including the Board, Action Teams and Committees, Management Team, States, Membership, and Staff.
• Regularly advise and update the Board on the status of advocacy efforts, emerging issues, political realities, and the dynamics driving them.
• Elevate NCGA profile and impact by identifying opportunities to expand NCGA’s engagement with new allies/partners/coalitions.
• In collaboration with NCGA’s Management Team, cultivate and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships for the benefit of the organization.
• Participate in and nurture broad networks of stakeholders (states, other commodity groups, etc.) for knowledge sharing and collaboration on strategy and tactics in support of NCGA initiatives.
• Participate in the development and implementation of media engagement and PR campaigns supporting NCGA’s policy positions.
• Develop and manage the Washington Office budget.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Lead, mentor, coach, and inspire employees.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to work with an extensive variety of people, including corn growers, business executives, and association leaders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to diplomatically manage dynamic and complex issues and relationships.
• Uses critical thinking skills to solve the problem in front of them.
• Collaborates effectively across teams and stakeholders.
• Possess a passion for agriculture.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Ten years’ experience, preferably working with agricultural, food, or natural resource issues. Knowledge of agriculture, sustainability, and association management is a plus.

TRAVEL: Requires travel (20%). Must have a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.

POSITION TYPE/LOCATION: Full-Time Washington, D.C./Hybrid (Up to 2 days a week from home)

NCGA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The National Corn Growers Association is committed to cultivating a workforce and a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Our goal is to attract qualified candidates and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.