Public Policy State Affairs Manager

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Develop professional working relationships with Farm Bureau personnel, elected officials, other state advocacy groups, legislative staff, government agency personnel, and others. 
• Represent GFB each day during the legislative session in Atlanta as well as committee meetings throughout the state.
• Write reports, make presentations, coordinate visits of other GFB personnel as directed, and generally be recognized as being well-versed on state issues.
• Should have detailed knowledge of political & legislative processes and the ability to research & comprehend technical information, regulations, & legislation.
• Identify challenges and develop effective legislative strategy and solutions within GFB policy.
• While the purpose of the position is to be a recognized specialist in State Affairs, this position will also be called upon to assist with national affairs as needed.
• Should have a proven record of responsibility, good attendance, and the ability to handle confidential information.
• Must be proficient in written & spoken English and must have the ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form with limited supervision.
• Must be able to read, analyze and interpret procedures, regulations, instructions, manuals, and other documents as required.
• Excellent political, analytical, and problem solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent telephone, public relations, and oral/written communication skills are required.   

 QUALIFICATION, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in agriculture, business, political science, or related field. Law degree preferred.
• Farm, agri-business, or Farm Bureau experience preferred. 
• 5 plus years paid work experience with governmental affairs or Public Policy AND/OR 3 plus years experience with agricultural specific governmental affairs or agriculture policy.
• Individual should be a self-starter with strong organizational skills and must have a sincere desire to work with the agricultural community.
• Experience managing multiple tasks, deadlines, and projects at one time is required.
• Proven ability to relate to and work with various people in a professional manner.
• Written skills include concise letter writing, news articles, position papers, and the ability to research legislative and legal documents.
• Verbal skills include the willingness and ability to frequently speak in public and lead meetings.
• The job also requires the ability to discuss GFB’s position with legislators and external stakeholders in a well-reasoned, non-confrontational way.
• Must be proficient in general computer skills.
• The employee will be expected to attend frequent meetings at night, often overnight, sometimes for a week at a time.
• Must have a valid Georgia Drivers’ License at all times and be able to receive other licenses or credentials as required for this job. 
• Frequent travel by air and automobile.
• Willingness to relocate to Bibb County or a surrounding county.
• Generally, represent the organization in a positive way.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS NEEDED:

INTER-PERSONAL SKILLS- work with people to achieve goals beneficial to our farmer members.  A good understanding of:

• Our organization and structure
• Our policy book
• Our leadership and our relationship with it
• Work well with co-workers and other departments
• Build coalitions
• Initiative & Judgment- an ability to judge situations and initiate action when warranted
• Handle problems responsibly

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS-

• Excellent writing skills tailored to various audiences
• Legislative reports
• Letters & reports of meetings
• Articles for publication to inform members of important issues

VERBAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS-

• Able to lead meetings and make presentations to:
• Members & county Farm Bureaus
• Committees and boards
• Elected officials

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The employee must sit for long periods of time, frequently stand, walk, and stoop, and use hands and arms to manipulate controls and reach for things and regularly lift or move things up to 20 pounds. 

• Regular travel is required and may include overnight stays both interstate and intrastate.

• The employee must be able to talk and hear and vision is required for close and distant work.

EOE M/F/D/V AA

#LI-Onsite