Job Posting: Director of Government Relations

Washington, DC

The Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) is seeking an experienced
professional or firm to represent our organization in government relations. AAEA Government
Relations activities cover four broad areas: 1) information gathering and advocacy of the
interests of AAEA members, 2) coalition building to advance long-term advocacy positions, 3)
planning of strategic initiatives of long-term value to AAEA, and 4) educating AAEA members
in government relations. This document summarizes planned activities during 2020 and beyond
in each of these areas. The position will report to the AAEA Executive Committee as well as the
AAEA Committee on Government Relations. The position is based in Washington, DC.
Responsibilities include:

• Lead AAEA’s Government Relations. Identify opportunities and threats during the budget and appropriations process for the purpose of advocating for the profession. Work with AAEA leadership and our Government Relations Committee, to define and implement AAEA’s advocacy strategy for engaging bipartisan policymakers in Congress and the Administration around the need for a strong, effective, and well-resourced agricultural and applied economics profession via investments in the USDA REE Mission Area, NSF, EPA, NOAA, and U.S. statistical agencies. Lead and facilitate regular planning and collaboration through regular reporting, conference calls, and strategy meetings.
• Plan AAEA Government Relations Activities and Represent AAEA. Advocacy and engagement strategies include direct lobbying, Capitol Hill events and lobby days, indistrict events and meetings, and national coalition mobilizations. Serve as the AAEA’s primary representative on Capitol Hill, responsible for building strong and extensive relationships with bipartisan Members of Congress and Congressional staff. Represent AAEA at public and private events in Washington, DC.
• Maintain Coalitions to Support Investments in Data, Research, and Programs to Support the Agricultural and Applied Economics Profession Broadly. Coalitions represent effective means both to gather information and to advocate for policy positions where needed. Coalitions are especially important for relatively small professional societies like the AAEA. Given its focus on research, education, and outreach in AAE, the AAEA’s natural coalition partners are universities, research organizations, and peer professional societies.
• Coordinate Capitol Hill events, briefings, and at least one congressional visits day per year. Schedule visits for, advise on talking points and timing for, and train members of the profession to participate in Washington, DC-based events involving Members of Congress and the U.S. Administration.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in government relations or of relevant experience in or in collaboration with the Federal executive or legislative branches that would enable the candidate to be an effective representative of the Association before key government decision-makers and with other interested associations and groups.
• In-depth knowledge of Capitol Hill, including an understanding of the federal budget and appropriations process.
• Ability to think strategically and create and execute multi-faceted advocacy strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Confident and articulate speaker who is comfortable presenting before large audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and work under pressure in a teambased environment.
• Limited travel is expected.

To Apply:
Please email a cover letter and resume to kmcguire@aaea.org. Please reference “AAEA Director
of Government Relations” in the subject line. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No calls
please.

Deadline to Apply:
Thursday, October 1, 2020