Vice President, U.S. Government Relations

The Vice President, U.S. Government Relations leads IFPA’s U.S. public policy, grassroots, and political engagement strategy through strategic advocacy with Congress, the Administration, and key federal agencies. This role is responsible for developing and executing the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) government relations, grassroots, and political affairs team to implement a robust public policy and political action portfolio for the fresh produce and floral industry in the United States in alignment with IFPA’s Global Advocacy and Policy Strategy, while building strong relationships with elected officials, administration officials, coalition partners, and member leaders. The VP will also oversee IFPA’s political and grassroots programs—including FreshPAC and the U.S. volunteer leadership ecosystem—to translate policy priorities into effective advocacy and political action. The position provides strategic leadership to the Government Relations, Advocacy, and Political Affairs team; collaborates closely with peer vice presidents across the public policy function; and works across the association to ensure U.S. policy priorities are integrated into IFPA’s broader work. The incumbent will be a registered lobbyist. Position Responsibilities Leadership and Advocacy Develop and implement IFPA’s annual U.S. Public Policy Agenda, advancing priority issues with Congress, the Administration, and key federal agencies. Serve as liaison to Members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive branch agencies on U.S. policy priorities impacting the fresh produce and floral industry. Leverage existing and develop new relationships with high impact policymakers to drive timely, effective advocacy outcomes. Identify and elevate emerging U.S. policy issues and opportunities to position IFPA as an early and influential voice in policy debates. Political, Grassroots, and Coalition Engagement Execute strategic initiatives to increase member investment in political, advocacy, and grassroots activities, including PAC participation and targeted issue campaigns. Serve as Treasurer of IFPA’s political action committee, FreshPAC, ensuring strong governance, compliance, and strategic growth. Build and sustain active volunteer leadership networks prepared to engage policymakers and advocates on behalf of IFPA and the industry. Organize and lead the IFPA U.S. Council ecosystem, including the U.S. Policy Committee, FreshPAC, and U.S. Grassroots Committee. Develop, strategically engage in, and lead, as appropriate, U.S.-focused coalitions to advance IFPA’s priority policy interests and build consensus across industry and allied stakeholders. Identify opportunities to modernize IFPA’s political, fundraising, grassroots, and campaign strategies to strengthen advocacy effectiveness. Cross Functional Collaboration and Team Leadership Work collaboratively with the Vice President of Food Safety and Regulatory Affairs, the Vice President of Nutrition and Health, and other public policy leaders to advance integrated advocacy strategies. Partner across the association—including Communications, Science and Technology, and Events—to ensure visibility of U.S. policy priorities and effective delivery of member advocacy objectives. Provide strategic leadership, mentorship, and professional development for the Government Relations, Advocacy, and Political Affairs team. Drive clear deliverables aligned with IFPA’s strategic plan and ensure high functioning team performance. Other duties as assigned. Miscellaneous Position Information Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Bachelor’s degree required; minimum of 10 years’ experience in government relations, political advocacy, or related public policy roles. Demonstrated ability to engage association members and industry stakeholders on their terms and at an appropriate conversational level, with a strong customer‑service orientation and commitment to IFPA’s mission. Knowledge of agriculture or the food industry; experience with specialty crops, fresh produce, or florals strongly preferred. Proven track record of leading teams to deliver against strategic policy priorities. Strong communication and networking skills, including written, verbal, public speaking, and effective use of multiple media formats. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities in a fast‑paced environment, lead under pressure, and maintain strong organizational discipline and attention to detail. Extensive experience navigating national public policy and political networks. Experience working with, and preferably in, the U.S. Congress and/or the Executive Branch. Understanding trade associations and their role in advancing industry priorities. Passion for advancing increased consumption and reducing barriers for the fresh produce and floral sector, with a clear understanding of their role in public health, sustainability, and economic prosperity. Measures for Success Position IFPA as a credible, influential voice in U.S. public policy affecting the fresh produce and floral industries with Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies. Advance IFPA priority positions through legislative and regulatory outcomes that support member and industry interests. Build and sustain trusted relationships with key Members of Congress, congressional staff, and federal agencies to drive timely, proactive advocacy. Maintain visible leadership on priority issues, ensuring IFPA as a trusted and influential voice with policymakers and allied stakeholders. Lead or strategically leverage coalitions to build consensus and deliver measurable advocacy results. Expand and activate grassroots engagement, translating policy priorities into effective member action and policymaker outreach. Grow political and grassroots investment across the membership, including PAC participation, fundraising, and first‑time engagement. Strengthen volunteer leader engagement, cultivating a prepared network of member advocates and credible industry messengers. Identify and elevate emerging issues early, positioning IFPA to shape U.S. policy debates impacting produce and floral. Deliver clear, effective advocacy communications, with strong executive‑level and public‑facing leadership. Lead a high‑performing Government Relations and Political Affairs function, aligned to strategic priorities with strong coordination and staff development. Travel Some business‑related travel, including rare international travel, is required. Work Environment & Location Requirement This position is primarily remote but requires the candidate to be based in Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Candidates must be available to commute to the D.C. office, U.S. federal agencies, and Capitol Hill regularly. #J-18808-Ljbffr