Legislative Affairs Officer

Job SummaryFlexible location within the Collaboration footprint, with a preferred location of ND, SD, IA and WI.Monitor developments in the external legislative and regulatory environment that impact the interests of Farm Credit Services of America and Frontier Farm Credit. Collaborate with Association directors, leaders and other Farm Credit System institutions to define, develop and implement strategies to enhance our influence on and involvement with legislation and regulations that impact the day-to-day operations and marketplace success of the Associations. Develop and maintain relationships with Congressional delegations and their staff as well as state legislators, regulatory bodies and trade associations. Represent the Associations' interests before these and other audiences including the public as needed. This position reports to the Senior Vice President of Public Relations and Marketing.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesFederal and State Legislative Affairs• Develop appropriate relationships with Congressional delegations and staff including those who comprise the House and Senate Committees on Agriculture, Appropriations and Banking/Financial Services. Maintain ongoing conversations and interactions with members and staff to inform, educate and advocate on behalf of the Farm Credit System.• Monitor, analyze and report on developments in Congress, the Administration, regulatory agencies, industry groups and elsewhere that impact the interests of the Associations.• Make recommendations that define the Associations' positions and responses on specific issues addressed by Congress. Develop testimony, talking points, background papers, and other communications designed to bring the Associations' message to Congress, the Administration, interest groups and others.• Arrange briefing schedules for the Associations' directors and leaders to meet with Congressional delegations and staff to further Association legislative affairs objectives. Prepare attendees with talking points and background materials. Organize appropriate follow-up communication.• Collaborate within the team on executing Associations' efforts to solicit contributions to the Farm Credit PAC and distribute funds to Congressional candidates following rules and regulations set forth by the Federal Election Commission.• Organize sponsorship and/or participation in events that align with our legislative affairs goals and enhance our visibility with Congressional delegations and staff.Regulatory Awareness and Relationships• Monitor and influence Farm Credit Administration (FCA) regulations and FCA processes to update and change regulations. Prepare public comments, talking points, background papers and other communications to articulate the Associations' priorities to FCA.• In coordination with Association directors and executive leaders, develop appropriate relationships with key leaders and staff of FCA, USDA and other relevant agencies.• Stay informed of developments in the external environment pertaining to agriculture, the finance system, government agencies and regulators including legislation, administrative action, and industry priorities and interests.Essential Duties and Responsibilities Cont.State Legislative Affairs• Develop appropriate relationships with state legislators, heads of agriculture departments and other relevant state departments in the Associations' service area.• Monitor developments in state legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, industry groups and elsewhere that impact interests of the Associations.• Collaborate with senior leaders to determine when and how the Associations take a position on issues that may be addressed by state governments. Develop testimony, talking points, background papers and other communications to bring the Associations' message to state organizations.• Participate in selecting and coordinating the work of contract lobbyists who assist the Associations in building relationships and influencing legislation at the state level.• Organize sponsorship and/or participation in events that enhance our visibility and relationships with key stakeholders at the state level.Legislative Affairs Implementation Model• In coordination with Farm Credit Council staff and other System legislative affairs officers, define and implement a scalable model that uses best practices for evaluating and responding to legislative developments that impact the Associations' interests• Engage with directors, leaders, trade associations and others to leverage resources for influence, as appropriate• Ensure consistency of influence strategies and messaging across the Associations' eight-state area• Communicate program priorities and outcomes to Association directors and leaders to enhance visibility and engagement with the program and to nurture support through information, expertise and advocacyRequired Knowledge and Experience• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Business, or related field.• Preferred: Graduate degree in law, public affairs, political science, or other related degree.• 8+ years of experience in corporate government affairs, corporate legislative affairs, congressional or lobbying experience.• ​​​​​​Working knowledge of agriculture and agricultural issues• Working knowledge of the Farm Credit Act, FCA regulations and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations• Strong writing and excellent interpersonal communication skillsAbout UsFarm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica), AgCountry Farm Credit Services (AgCountry), and Frontier Farm Credit are financial cooperatives operating under joint management. While each Association is owned by its local farmers and ranchers, the cooperatives pool their resources, experience, and talent to deliver affordable credit, crop insurance services, and financial services.FCSAmerica serves rural communities and agriculture in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. AgCountry serves portions of North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and Frontier Farm Credit serves eastern Kansas. Together, we support nearly 82,000 producers and agribusinesses, meeting the needs of today’s agricultural industry with our combined 2600+ employees providing lending, risk management, technology, commodity marketing, and customer and employee education.We have employment opportunities across our combined eight states. FCSAmerica is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and has 42 local offices; AgCountry is headquartered in Fargo, ND and has 45 local offices; and Frontier Farm Credit is headquartered in Manhattan, KS and has six local offices.We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.