Assistant Vice President of Domestic Policy

Title of Position: Assistant Vice President of Domestic Policy

Supervisor: Vice President of Government Affairs

Summary: The National Pork Producers Council’s Assistant Vice President of Domestic Policy is a manager that executes congressional engagement, advocacy, and lobbying efforts on behalf of the U.S. pork industry. The AVP is responsible for positioning the pork industry as a leader and key partner with influential government audiences. The position will work with the VP of Government Affairs to formulate policy and develop strategies to advance domestic priorities. The AVP will work to advance federal policy, advocate on behalf of producers, build coalitions and develop team members. This is a registered lobbyist position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a committed team, to maximize performance. Including implementing strategies to support a collaborative culture, shared accountability, and organizational efficiency.
• Advocate on priority policy issues including, but not limited to farm programs, risk management, biotechnology, futures markets, tax, food safety, animal health and labor.
• Work with the VP of Government Affairs to develop and execute a comprehensive lobbying strategy, based on the policy priorities of the organization, that includes Congress, the Executive Branch, and Federal agencies via face-to-face or virtual engagement, written materials, and news media. Including but not limited to:
  • Assisting in the drafting of testimony and comments
  • Appearing or coordinating the appearance of members before legislative and regulatory panels
  • Meeting with Congressional and regulatory officials and staff
  • Monitor and report on any significant legislative and regulatory developments related to critical policy priorities that have a direct impact on the pork industry.
  • Review various information sources for items of interest and communicate information to relevant team members.
• Participate in regular PAC meetings with other NPPC staff and help coordinate NPPC’s PAC committee.
• Regularly host and attend fundraising receptions, dinners and other activities for members of Congress and candidates.
• Coordinate with NPPC state relations staff in outreach to NPPC’s state affiliates on federal policy issues.
• Help facilitate NPPC sponsored fly-ins throughout the year and assist state organizations and other industry groups, when necessary, in setting up meetings for visits on the Hill.
• Maintains knowledge and stays current on legislative/regulatory issues that may have an impact on agriculture and the pork industry
• Assists in building and deploying an effective lobbying strategy by coordinating efforts of the team in conjunction with members of other departments within the organization including utilizing resources (grassroots), managing external consultants, building coalitions, and use of media resources and political activities.
• Ensures that a range of relationships are in place and maintained as strategies are executed.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor: Take on other assignments and special projects which may be outside of primary responsibilities.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy or a related field, or equivalent work experience is required. A graduate degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in dealing with complex legislative and policy matters, ideally within the agriculture/livestock industry:
  • Agriculture policy expertise, strategic thinking skills, and political expertise are of critical importance.
  • Proven record of advancing important issues through the legislative processes.
• The AVP will be an outstanding mentor and manager of teams and have experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. They will know how to build consensus regarding important policy positions and relevant strategies.
• Candidates will have strong political expertise and deep experience in the political process:
  • Thorough understanding of U.S. Congressional and Cabinet policy-making processes, including an understanding of the roles and decision points in the Executive branch, Congress, role of think tanks, associations, and related organizations.
  • Strong bipartisan network and personal relationships with Members and staff on relevant House and Senate Committees and within the leadership of the House and Senate; strong Hill experience is essential.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills with the capabilities to negotiate, persuade, and make effective presentations to varying audiences internal and external to NPPC.
• Must be flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Must be highly organized and able to function effectively under pressure.
• A high-level of confidence, and proactive, hands-on approach to problem solving, as well as a professional executive presence for interacting with and influencing key leadership and public policy decision makers, senior management, and executives internal and external to the organization. The ability to influence, negotiate with, and persuade others is important as well as the ability to be flexible and demonstrate strong judgment/decision-making skills.

Travel: Requires 25% travel. Must have valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Location: The position is based out of the Washington, DC office.