Director of Agricultural Policy

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in District of Columbia, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Oversee the federal policy strategy for the Enteric and Nitrogen programs, aligning with the objectives of both initiatives.

• Create comprehensive multi-year policy plans that align with each program's strategy, taking into consideration the landscape of U.S. agricultural policy opportunities and updating them as the political climate changes.

• Compose policy proposals, legislative text, and analytical memos to support federal research, development, and deployment policies, including key legislation (e.g., CATTLE Act for enteric) and initiatives aimed at USDA conservation, risk management, and clean fuels programs (EQIP, CSP, RCPP, 45Z, SAFs) for nitrogen.

• Directly interact with Congressional offices, USDA, EPA, and other federal entities regarding annual appropriations authorizing legislation and regulatory processes.

• Lead alignment efforts with trade associations for the Nitrogen program while facilitating coalition engagement for the Enteric program, including the establishment of partnerships with new members.

• Provide guidance on state-level engagement where it may be most impactful.

• Offer insights into relevant international policy engagement opportunities.

• Collaborate with Spark's Senior Policy Manager on cross-program initiatives such as SLCP framing and support for broader policy frameworks.

• Represent Spark at policy meetings, congressional briefings, and partner forums.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree with over 10 years of professional experience in agricultural policy, federal government, or related sectors; or a Master's degree (e.g., MPP, MPA, JD) with at least 8 years of experience.

• Proven history of developing and promoting federal agricultural policy, including examples of policy proposals, legislation, or rulemaking you have influenced.

• Strong existing network in agricultural policy, including connections with the Hill, USDA/EPA, trade associations, producer groups, or agricultural policy NGOs.

• Exceptional writing abilities, capable of drafting legislative language, technical policy documents, and materials for stakeholders with minimal revisions.

• Skill in translating scientific and technical information (such as methane mitigation and nitrogen management) into credible policy proposals suitable for both technical and political audiences.

• Strong strategic judgment regarding the timing and manner of engagement; confident in making and defending decisions.

• A collaborative working style, capable of navigating across program teams with varying priorities, perspectives, and stakeholder groups.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive benefits package that includes 90% health coverage and 75% coverage for dependents.

• 401k matching.

• Generous paid time off (PTO).

• Sick leave.

• Year-end closure.

• Parental leave.

• Annual national park pass.