Director, Government Affairs

About the role

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) represents the corn refining industry in the United States, producing sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts and feed products from corn components. It also administers the Plant Based Products Council (PBPC), an organization representing companies making non-food products from renewable, plant-based inputs. The Director, Government Affairs leads the advocacy strategy for assigned policy issues, ensuring the associations' advocacy is bipartisan and effective, and manages CRA's Political Action Committee and PBPC's Government Affairs Committee.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as a registered lobbyist, networking with policymakers and presenting policy positions, supporting information and action requests to congressional offices and executive branch officials.
• Organize and take part in meetings, events and briefings to educate policymakers, stakeholders and NGOs on policy issues and the corn refining industry.
• Cultivate strong working relationships with external influencers and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with federal lobbying disclosure, ethics and campaign finance laws.
• Provide regular updates and strategic advice to senior leadership on government relations matters.
• Supervise the government relations intern.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, testimony and communications supporting policy objectives.
• Collaborate with the communications team and members to run grassroots activations and outreach campaigns.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree.
• 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public policy or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with policymakers and stakeholders.
• Experience supporting advocacy strategies, industry coalitions or association committees.
• Knowledge of Congress, Executive Branch decision-making, advocacy experience and industry knowledge, especially food and agriculture.

Required skills

• Strong writing, communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, able to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What we offer

• Full-time position in a hybrid office environment, requiring local residency in the Washington, D.C. metro area.
• Health, life, short- and long-term disability insurance, 401(k), sick, vacation and holiday leave, public transit assistance and parking.
• Support for professional and personal growth.