Senior Director of Federal Affairs

Supervisor: VP of Government Affairs

Prepared/Updated: October 2026

Summary:

The Senior Director of Federal Affairs leads NPPC’s day-to-day advocacy with Congress and the Administration on the pork industry’s domestic policy agenda. Working within the priorities set by the Vice President of Government Affairs, the Senior Director builds and manages relationships with Members of Congress, congressional and committee staff, and federal agency officials; develops and executes advocacy strategies; and manages a Federal Affairs team of two direct reports. The Senior Director works closely with NPPC issue managers and with Communications, Science and Technology, International Affairs and state relations staff to maximize the impact of NPPC’s advocacy agenda. This is a registered lobbyist position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Team Management

Supervise, mentor and develop two Federal Affairs direct reports, setting issue assignments, goals and performance expectations, and conducting regular performance reviews.
Allocate the team’s work to ensure coverage of House and Senate offices and relevant federal agencies, consistent with NPPC’s annual advocacy objectives.
Coordinate with domestic consultants engaged by the Vice President on assigned issues.
Ensure full compliance with Lobbying Disclosure Act, FEC and NPPC requirements, including timely and accurate quarterly and semiannual lobbying reports.

Congressional and Administration Relations

Serve as a lead NPPC advocate before Congress, developing a program of regular contact with House and Senate personal and committee offices, with emphasis on Members from pork-producing states and districts and on committees of jurisdiction.
Build and maintain working relationships with political and career officials at USDA (including APHIS, FSIS and AMS), EPA, the Department of Labor and other agencies whose actions affect pork producers; coordinate with NPPC policy staff on agency meetings and regulatory comments.
Prepare producers and industry experts for testimony, hearings, and meetings with Members of Congress and Administration officials; draft and review legislative language, letters, testimony, issue briefs and talking points.
Coordinate with the Vice President of Government Affairs, science and technology, and economic staff on domestic and trade-related legislation, congressional engagement and hearings affecting these issue areas.

Policy and Strategy

Support the Vice President in shaping NPPC’s federal policy priorities and help staff NPPC policy committees.
Develop and execute advocacy strategies on priority issues, including the Farm Bill, labor and immigration, animal health and disease preparedness, competition, tax, transportation and environmental regulation, with recommended legislative vehicles, targets and timelines.
Research, monitor and analyze legislation, hearings, votes and statements by Members of Congress on issues affecting pork producers; maintain accurate records and provide regular updates and recommendations to the Vice President.
Coordinate with Communications, Science and Technology, International Affairs and other domestic policy staff to ensure consistent messaging and maximum impact with Members of Congress and staff.

Political Engagement, Coalitions and Grassroots

Manage NPPC political program including participating in PAC meetings, helping coordinate the PAC committee, and recommending candidate support
Regularly host and attend fundraising receptions, dinners and other events for Members of Congress and candidates.
Represent NPPC in coalitions that advance NPPC objectives, taking a leadership role where appropriate.
Plan and facilitate NPPC-sponsored fly-ins throughout the year and assist state organizations and other industry groups in setting up Hill meetings.
Coordinate with NPPC state relations staff in outreach to state affiliates on federal policy issues and in supporting producer engagement with their congressional delegations.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Vice President of Government Affairs.

Qualifications and Skills:

Experience supervising or mentoring staff.
Strong working relationships with congressional offices and committee staff; executive branch relationships a plus.
Strong understanding of congressional procedures and the federal regulatory process.
Ability to negotiate effectively on legislative issues and to develop and implement strategies for influencing the legislative process.
Ability to analyze and interpret legislative and regulatory proposals.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make persuasive and convincing presentations.
Highly organized and self-motivated, flexible, adaptable, and able to perform effectively under high pressure and short deadlines.

Education and Experience:
Required: 6 to 10 years of federal government affairs experience, including at least four years on Capitol Hill (for example, Legislative Director, Senior Legislative Assistant or committee staff), and at least two years of supervisory experience.

Preferred: experience with agriculture, food or livestock policy; House or Senate Agriculture Committee or USDA experience; trade association experience.

Required: Bachelor’s degree. Preferred: graduate degree in public policy, law, political science or related field.

Travel:
Requires approximately 15 to 20 percent of travel, including producer events, NPPC member meetings, industry conferences and farm visits. Must possess a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

Location:
The position is based out of the National Pork Producers Council office in Washington, DC, with in-office expectations determined by NPPC policy.