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POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Government Affairs directs the Association’s federal policy development and engagement. This position is responsible for lobbying and grassroots advocacy efforts on behalf of the seed industry and serves as a liaison to outside coalitions to advance ASTA’s strategic policy goals. This role is responsible for monitoring legislative and regulatory issues of importance to the Association, and for developing and implementing strategies to advocate ASTA’s position on issues of importance to Congress and the Administration. This position is also responsible for the management of SeedFirstPAC, the industry’s non-connected political action committee. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as lead on ASTA legislative policy issues on Capitol Hill. Works individually, with member companies, and through coalitions to establish seed industry presence in key offices and establish relationships with staff on priority committees (Agriculture, Appropriations, Natural Resources, Finance/Ways and Means).
• Prepare seed industry related letters, testimony, comments, issue briefs, and other internal documents.
• Regularly meet with government agencies of importance to the seed industry.
• Identify, track, and monitor priority legislative, regulatory, and political matters. Work closely with ASTA’s Board of Directors and Director of Member Engagement to ensure priority issues are identified.
• Assist with the organization and facilitation of ASTA fly-ins.
• Facilitate Congressional site visits to ASTA member companies and assist in planning. Includes, but not limited to: outreach to Hill offices, briefing calls with member companies, drafting talking points, attending visits.
• Draft articles and updates of importance for newsletters and other member outreach.
• Engage in coalitions relevant to ASTA interests.
• Serve as staff liaison and support relevant ASTA committees and working groups with varying policy priorities. This includes serving as liaison for all business regarding committees, organizing committee meetings at ASTA conferences, facilitating outside speakers and tours, and recruiting committee leadership within the membership.
• Responsible for management of the SeedFirstPAC, the political action committee of the seed industry.
• Support staff as appropriate in the preparation and implementation of ASTA seed sector meetings and conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five to seven plus years of experience in public policy, government affairs, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience with food and agricultural issues.
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal.
• Highly organized and detail oriented. Exemplary time management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships and work in a dynamic team environment.
• Ability to work independently and proactively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and legislative tracking software.
• Ability to multi-task, adapt to changing priorities and meet competing deadlines.