Manager, Grassroots & Policy Outreach

Job Description

Salary:

Position Summary

The Manager, Grassroots & Outreach provides planning, oversight, and execution of robust grassroots and external advocacy for IFPA priorities. This critical position manages strategies and engagement with volunteer leaders, members and allies regarding their advocacy and participation in public policy events and advocacy campaigns and supports efforts such as The Washington Conference, Advocacy in Action, and policy activities.

Position Responsibilities

Design and develop grassroots-based advocacy and engagement strategies that directly align association members with government policy processes, facilitating a place for their voices to be heard, including developing a grassroots action plan that accelerates the success and effectiveness of the Advocacy in Action (IFPA grassroots network).

Identify, develop, and maintain grassroots and outreach tools to most effectively influence and impact outcomes on key industry issues and priorities.

Initiate, catalog, and leverage association member assets, e.g., Advocacy in Action, related to grassroots and outreach activities.

Establish and cultivate strong working relationships with multiple external influencers and stakeholders.

Seamlessly collaborate with the public policy team to develop and implement a grassroot action plan consistent with the priorities of IFPA’s annual Public Policy Agenda, Strategic Plan action plan.

Collaborate across the organization to implement grassroots activations and outreach campaigns.

Support the Chief Public Policy Officer (CPPO) and Vice President, U.S. Government Relations (VP, USGR) the active engagement of IFPA’s Political Affairs and U.S. Government Relations Councils, volunteer member-leader advisory groups, including meetings, agenda, and priority planning.

General

Supports the public policy team in the strategic identification grassroots action and outreach on policy concerns and opportunities, and in execution of IFPA’s Public Policy Agenda.

Other related duties as assigned.

Position Information

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Bachelor’s degree or higher, plus two (2) years of food or agriculture or related industry experience (or combination of equivalent education & experience).

Experience managing political campaigns and or political action committee (PAC) strongly preferred.

Experience and understanding of grassroots and advocacy IT programs.

Keen understanding of government, policy, and politics.

Skillfully able to articulate the value of grassroots and policy outreach to volunteer leaders, general members, and industry allies.

Strong communication and networking skills, including written, verbal, and public speaking.

Ability to manage multiple ongoing obligations in a fast-paced environment and prioritize competing projects.

Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to lead and interact with association members/customers including the ability to interact within the industry on their terms and at a conversational level.

Member-service focused, motivated, and a positive attitude toward IFPA’s mission.

Ability to work independently on projects and collaborate internally and externally with allies and stakeholders.

Proficient in Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Zoom, Quorum, with ability to quickly adapt to using new technologies.

Measures for Success

Successfully develops and executes plans, work product and actions related to grassroots and outreach.

Expand industry participation in advocacy and grassroots events for the association.

Grow personal expertise and growth in grassroots and outreach efforts.

Create new and successful programming around grassroots and advocacy activities.

Location

This position is based out of our Washington D.C. office.

Travel

Business travel is required within the US, approximately 4 - 6 times per year with advance notice.