Vice President, Government Relations & Political Affairs

Vice President, Government Relations & Political Affairs

About the Organization FMI represents food retailers and wholesalers and develops and promotes policies, programs and forums supporting its members, their customers and supplier partners, and other industry stakeholders in the areas of:

• government relations
• food and product safety and defense
• education
• industry collaboration and networking
• research
• health and wellness
• social, environmental and sustainability programs; and
• communications

By pursuing these activities, FMI provides leadership and advocacy for the food and consumer product industry worldwide as the industry innovates to meet the changing needs of its customers.

Description

Primary Purpose:

To advance the interests of FMI members by leading high-impact advocacy initiatives and strengthening member engagement with policymakers. Serve as a key member of the FMI Government Affairs team designing and executing organization wide priorities, goals and strategies that advance both the association and industry reputation. Build and maintain relationships with member company executives to increase participation in PAC and advocacy initiatives. Advise association on political engagement strategy, opportunities and industry-wide campaigns. Influence policies by helping FMI engage strategically in the political landscape.

Essential Job Functions

Legislative

• Plan and implement lobbying activities and strategies on industry issues to influence the outcome of legislative and regulatory actions. Analyze issues in relation to FMI, the food industry, and the political landscape. Determine actions and positions to be taken by FMI. Build and maintain coalitions of associations on related issues.
• Provide information to other lobbyists, FMI management, and the Government Relations Committee on assigned issues upon request.
• Manage FMI contacts with assigned Senators and Representatives for lobbying and fundraising issues. Keep Congress and the Executive Branch informed about food industry concerns, perspectives, and positions.
• Communicate regularly with FMI membership including FMI Government Relations and Public Affairs Committees and FMI Board of Directors. Provide guidance to members on individual concerns regarding legislation, regulations, and public policy. Write position papers, letters, testimony, and other issue-related materials to communicate and articulate FMI’s position to members and congressional and regulatory decision-makers.
• Develop, prepare, monitor, audit, review, and approve budgets related to lobbying efforts.
• Represent department and FMI to internal and external events.
• Develop and implement strategic lobbying plans and participate in developing and implementing division-wide strategies.
• Draft timely and professional board strategies and communications on policy and political issues.
• Plan and execute productive FMI Government Relations and FMI Public Affairs Committee meetings, calls, and communications. Seek a diverse group of members representing the breadth of FMI membership when possible.
• Serve as a spokesperson for FMI and the industry on legislative, regulatory, and political issues important to the industry.
• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships and involvement in coalitions including other associations, business interests and House, Senate and agency and White House leadership leading issues important to the FMI membership.
• Ensure FMI leadership and members are aware of developments on priority or impactful federal issues on a timely basis and the role that FMI played in achieving that development. Ensure assigned staff has a plan to understand and communicate those developments even if they occur outside of business hours or on weekends or holidays.
• Work with other lobbyists to identify Members of Congress and elections that are critical to FMI and create plans for industry involvement.
• Ensure assigned staff is communicating with Members of Congress & Senate; House and Senate Committees and developing and maintaining relationships as well as leveraging relationships of FMI member companies via both written communication and in person meetings.
• Monitor bills, work with legislators, and advocate for or against proposed legislation.

FoodPAC/LEAD Management and Fundraising

• Oversee fundraising and disbursements of FoodPAC and LEAD in accordance with the direction of the FMI FoodPAC Advisory Committee (Board level) to maximize FMI influence and goals while ensuring bipartisan, bicameral support. Ensure federal laws are followed and appropriate reports are filed by the organization, FoodPAC and registered lobbyists. Ensure donors are recognized. Ensure FMI is identifiable in our presence at key events and support our champions and develop new champions.
• Develop and execute a successful fundraising strategy for FoodPAC and LEAD.
• Work with lobbyists and FMI members to host and plan fundraising events for Members of Congress extensively utilizing the FMI townhouse.
• Responsible for all administration and compliance for FoodPAC and LEAD.
• Manage the collection and accounting process to ensure appropriate procedures and guidelines are in place and followed.
• Maintain working knowledge of Federal Election Commission campaign law and Internal Revenue Service regulations to ensure FMI compliance.
• Work with the Chief Public Policy Officer to engage the FoodPAC Advisory Committee.
• Coordinate FoodPAC and LEAD fundraising and development events to include the golf tournament at FMI’s Midwinter conference.
• Foster and maintain relationships with party organizations and other industry political action committees (PACs). Conduct regular meetings with industry PACs, particularly those of FMI member companies to maximize outreach and effectiveness.
• Provide FMI Political Action Committee with information and make recommendations regarding FoodPAC contributions for assigned Senators and Representatives.

Other Job Requirements

• Maintain professional skills and contacts with various professional and trade associations.
• Develop and implement strategic lobbying plans and participate in developing division-wide strategies.
• Respond to requests for information both internally and externally regarding assigned issues or issue-related activities.
• Other duties and projects as requested or required.

Position Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Normal office environment requiring the use of typical business equipment (e.g., computer, telephone, fax, copier, security system).
• The person in this position will be eligible to work a hybrid work schedule Monday through Thursday requiring a minimum of two days in the office per week in our Arlington, Virginia headquarters during that four-day period. Every Friday will be a remote workday (unless business needs require the person to be in the office).?This person will also be required to be in the office for a minimum of three days per quarter for all‑staff "In-Service" days.
• May require evening or weekend work hours to respond to member requests.
• Ability to travel independently for key meetings that may include overnight or weekend travel.

Education, Skills, and Experience

• Minimum of 10 – 15 years of government affairs experience with significant experience in lobbying and executive branch procedures.
• College degree in government affairs or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• At least 15 years prior management experience including budget and staff management. Experience on Capitol Hill, in Executive Branch agencies, and trade associations very helpful.
• Extensive knowledge of the political process including legislative and regulatory initiatives, legislative and executive processes, legislative communication techniques, and the dynamics of politics at the federal and state levels.
• Must have experience helping an organization use the political process to engage more strategically with key stakeholders. Must have campaign experience (industry and/or congressional).
• Minimum 10 years professional management experience, including strategic planning, financial management, talent management and business development responsibilities.
• Budget management experience with an ability to stay within budget and find savings where possible.
• 10-15 years’ experience with significant experience in lobbying and fundraising.
• Computer literacy with understanding of and ability to use and oversee website/digital efforts, grassroots database, and portals.
• Ability to influence lawmakers.
• Ability to develop and execute strategies and objectives.
• Excellent communication skills including interpersonal, presentation and public speaking skills.
• Strong customer service and team orientation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills including strong negotiating and influencing skills. Public speaking experience and skills. Ability to represent the association professionally to members, industry partners and FMI staff, in addition a variety of external stakeholder communities.
• Exceptional problem-solving, prioritization, communication, and organizational skills.
• Must be highly adaptable and able to respond to business circumstances as they arise.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and accomplish multiple tasks at a fast pace with attention to detail.

Pay Range: $190,000 to $250,000 (annually)

*The annual salary range listed reflects the minimum and maximum annual compensation for this position and has been established in good faith and in accordance with Virginia and federal law. Individual salary offers within this range will be based on the candidate's relevant experience, education, skills, certifications, and other job-related factors.

Number of Openings 1

EOE Statement FMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will consider applicants for this position without regard to any category protected by applicable federal, state or local law, including but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status or uniformed service member status.

This position is currently accepting applications.