Vice President, Government Relations & Political Affairs

Job Description

Job 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.