Director, State Government Relations – Western Region

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Develop, implement, and oversee legislative and political strategies at both state and local levels.

• Act as the representative of the association regarding state legislative, regulatory policy, and political matters.

• Report directly to the Vice President of Government Relations.

• Co-lead the State Affairs Committee, which includes strategy formulation, budgeting, member coordination, and collaboration with RISE State Affairs staff.

• Manage state and local issues that impact the pesticide industry within the designated geographic area.

• Monitor, review, and analyze pertinent state legislation and recognize emerging policy issues.

• Formulate legislative strategies and strive for successful outcomes.

• Communicate actions, strategies, and potential threats to CLA staff, leadership, and members.

• Represent the organization in discussions with state and local government officials and policymakers.

• Coordinate legislative strategy support across various functions including communications, legal, science, and regulatory.

• Supervise contract lobbyists and consultants, ensuring compliance in lobbying, reporting, and ethics.

• Foster relationships with state legislative, regulatory, and political organizations.

• Create and present correspondence, presentations, testimonies, policy positions, talking points, toolkits, grassroots alerts, briefings, reports, and background information.

• Assist with the preparation, management, follow-up, and staff coordination for State Affairs Committee meetings, addressing member needs.

• Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by the Vice President.

⛳️ Requirements

• BA/BS degree in political science, communications, public relations, agriculture, environmental science, or a related field.

• At least 10 years of experience in a relevant position.

• Prior experience in state government relations is mandatory.

• Proven ability to produce effective written communications, including simplifying complex or technical information into concise, impactful messages.

• Exceptional organizational, issues management, and analytical skills.

• Proactive and self-directed work style.

• Capacity to establish and maintain effective relationships with association members, allies, policymakers, lobbyists, coalitions, grassroots stakeholders, and colleagues.

• Proficient and influential in both speaking and writing.

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with legislators and their staff, allied organizations, association members, and other industry leaders.

• Willingness and motivation to acquire technical knowledge related to the pesticide industry.

• Flexibility, sound judgment, discretion, and political savvy.

• Strong problem-solving abilities and capacity to make decisions under pressure and in complex situations.

• Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, legislative bill tracking tools, and social media platforms.

• Willingness to travel approximately 50% of the time.

🏝️ Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement.