Job Description

The Senior Director, Public Affairs reports directly to President/CEO responsible for overseeing NOPA’s public affairs, including government relations, regulatory advocacy, media communications, and community outreach. Works in direct coordination with the President/CEO to build and execute the Board of Directors vision and mission. Maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, such as policymakers, regulatory bodies, community leaders, media outlets, and industry partners, to advance the organization’s objectives. Requires significant strategy and policy experience, ability to work on small team in a fast faced ever-changing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership, Brand Building and Recognition

• Develop and implement the organization’s strategic goals- aligning with the company’s overall mission, vision, and goals.
• Oversee the planning and execution of public relations, government relations, and regulatory engagement efforts at the state, federal, and local level where necessary.
• Identify and track emerging issues, trends, and opportunities in the external environment that could impact the organization in the short and long term.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and expertise of relevant business narratives, consumer trends and policy issues in Congress, the White House, state legislatures, regulatory agencies, etc.
• Achieve internal and external member communications, brand, awareness, and engagement goals through shaping of strategy, program development, and execution.
• Assisting CEO to directly build and protect the association brand and reputation in DC through internal and external communications to Congress and regulatory agencies, the media, and key stakeholders.

Government and Regulatory Relations:

• Manage relationships with local, state, and federal government officials, regulatory agencies, and industry associations.
• Advocate for the organization’s interests through lobbying efforts, policy development, and legislative analysis.
• Monitor and influence public policy decisions that affect the organization.

Public and Media Relations:

• Handle crisis communication strategies to protect the organization’s reputation.
• Assist CEO in overseeing association communications including media relations efforts, including press releases, interviews, and media appearances.

Community Engagement:

• Develop partnerships with soybean industry, agriculture, and energy leaders, nonprofit organizations, and other key stakeholders.
• Lead initiatives aimed at enhancing the organization’s presence and reputation within the community.
• Oversee corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and initiatives.

Stakeholder Management:

• Serve as the primary liaison to external stakeholders, including industry groups and public interest groups such as NGOs.
• Engage in collaborative efforts with key partners to support business development and community outreach goals.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings, events, and forums to foster dialogue and cooperation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, political science, public policy, or a related field
• Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) in external affairs, public relations, government relations, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Congressional and or/federal regulatory agency required.
• Strong knowledge of government processes, public policy, and regulatory affairs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
•  Team player, experience working on a small team, within a trade association, nonprofit organization, Congressional office or membership-based organization preferred
• Ability to manage diverse responsibilities and multiple projects or tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work in fast paced environment, drive results, and hit aggressive timelines
• Excellent writing skills including the ability to draft and edit high quality written materials and correspondence
• Exceptional verbal communication skills, including the ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy, collaboration, and problem solving
• Advanced proficiency with office technology knowledge, esp. Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, Forms, PowerPoint, Teams, et. al.), and online media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, WordPress, Constant Contact)

Benefits: Full-time employees will be eligible for all benefits including vacation, sick days, and organizational holidays. NOPA offers medical, dental and vision, and other benefits including 401(k) plan(s) pursuant to the terms and conditions of company policy and the 401(k) plan document.

Additional Notes: This position may require occasional travel and flexibility in working hours based on operational needs.

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