State & Local Affairs Specialist

JOB SUMMARY: Lobby the state legislature, state governmental agencies and organize Farm Bureau’s grassroots lobbying efforts to implement Farm Bureau’s state public policy initiatives. Plan and coordinate efforts to raise and distribute funds for Farm Bureau’s Political Action Committee to help insure “supporters of agriculture” are elected to public office. This is an exempt, salaried position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a strategy for implementation of Farm Bureau public policy initiatives in state law and regulation.
  Maintain expertise on state legislative issues and state programs for agriculture.
• Provide information on Farm Bureau state policy positions and related issues to the state legislature and state agencies.
• Train and coordinate the activities of County state legislative committees, assisting County Farm Bureaus in surfacing volunteers for state legislative committees.
• Provide information on state issues and programs to members of the organization through meetings, presentations, letters and by working with the communications side of the GovCom Division to disseminate information through publications, website and social media on a regular basis
• Prepare timely and relevant educational pieces and articles for PFB publications and/or website
• Assist FARMER political action committee to organize, raise and distribute campaign funds.
• Recruit volunteers for FARMER PAC and farmer campaign committees.
• Maintain FARMER PAC financial records and file reports with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Elections.
• Be knowledgeable and aware of Pennsylvania Campaign Law requirements.
• Activate and maintain an effective “Adopt a City Legislator” program.
• Keep record and report direct and indirect lobbying activities quarterly.
• Prepare and/or review testimony, speeches, etc. to be presented in support of positions advocated by PFB before legislative and regulatory bodies; draft/review letters, comments and recommendations in response to current and proposed legislation and regulations related to environmental issues.
• Compile and deliver campaign training, along with other PFB staff, upon request.
• Provide assistance to PFB state commodity committees
• Serve as conduit between county Farm Bureaus and local government, assisting with local affairs issues.
• Analyze current and future national commodity markets and trends (grain, livestock, dairy, energy, biotechnology).
• Conduct research on PFB policy priorities and aid in the organization of the policy process

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher, with work experience in a related area
• Self-motivated individual with the ability to organize and successfully manage multiple projects
• Proven written and verbal communication skills; ability to make effective presentations to groups
• Willingness and ability to learn subjects covered under areas of responsibility
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania agriculture
• Knowledge of the legislative process
• Ability to develop and maintain important relationships with legislators and government officials
• Have a positive, can-do attitude with a desire to continuously improve

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid PA Driver’s License
• Ability to lift/carry up to 30 lbs.
• Working during non-traditional office hours will at times be required, traveling for meetings, Farm Bureau events, seminars, and networking events

TELECOMMUTE OPTION: Primarily a Camp Hill office position with up to 20% potential to work from home with Manager approval. Approximately 35% travel throughout Pennsylvania and to State Capitol (with possible overnight stays) to attend meetings, Farm Bureau events, seminars, and other related events.

Note: This job description is intended to describe the major functions and characteristics of this job. It is not intended to describe all functions or responsibilities, which may be assigned to the incumbent employee. It is always within the employer’s right to add to, delete from, or further modify this job description at any time. This document is not to be construed as an employment contract of any type. EOE.