Sr Director Government Relations

Company Description When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We're not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It's in our DNA. We've turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the world's largest meat snack business, that's still proudly family owned and operated. We're a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.At Jack Link's Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, BiFi, Peperami, Wild River, Golden Island and Country Fresh Meats.Job DescriptionThe Government Affairs Coordinator will play a key role in shaping, managing, and implementing the company's legislative and policy strategies around our CPG industry. This role involves engaging with public officials, regulatory agencies, and industry groups to advocate for and protect Jack Link’s interests. The position will also monitor, research, and analyze relevant legislative and regulatory developments that could impact the company and its customers and consumers.While the scope of this role includes both state and federal government activities, the primary focus will be on federal-level matters, including USDA regulatory activity.This position is based in Minneapolis, with occasional domestic travel required.DIRECT REPORTS – NoneDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Job Functions)The duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:Builds and maintains positive relationships with federal and state legislators, regulators, agency officials, and staff, including coordinating and attending meetings with these entities20%Builds and maintains positive relationships with industry and trade organizations and collaborates with industry advocates, including supporting company leadership in these organizations as needed20%Monitors, analyzes, and reports upon federal and state political, legislative, and regulatory developments that could impact Jack Link’s and its customers and consumers20%Coordinates government affairs initiatives and efforts with sustainability, regulatory compliance, and import/export functions within the company10%Monitors and identifies grants and funding opportunities for which the company may be eligible and play key role in grant application process10%Assists senior management with strategic planning for known and potential political, legislative, and regulatory activities related to the business and industry10%Introduces legislative and public policy changes that support company operations5%Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary.5%QualificationsREQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCERequired Education:• Bachelor’s degree or related degree or equivalentRequired Experience:• At four plus years of government affairs, legislative, lobbying, regulatory, or public policy experience• Public policy and regulatory development experience in the food industryPreferred Qualifications:• Experience with the United States Department of Agriculture• Experience writing or responding to federal and state grant applicationsREQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES• Strong analytical and research skills• Strong verbal and written communication skills• Effective relationship-building and collaboration skills• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational skills• Strong knowledge of the political, legislative, and regulatory environment for the meat and consumer packaged goods industry in the US• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 Suite and products• Ability to prioritize dynamic workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment• High degree of flexibility, ready to travel domestically on short notice• Strong team playerJACK LINK’S CORE VALUES:Company values: Be Real, Speed Matters, Stewardship, Relationship Driven, Self-Discipline, and Show Awesome Character.Additional InformationEQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.E-VERIFY:Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For information about the E-Verify program, please visit: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employeesAll your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.