Director, Federal and State Government Affairs

Director, Federal and State Government Affairs

Join the Director, Federal and State Government Affairs role at Smithfield Foods
.

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

A great job and a great future await you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We’re looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us.

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. At Smithfield Foods, we produce good food the right way. As a member of our Corporate Affairs group, you’ll be part of a team that engages the company’s most important stakeholders, including employees, communities, media, policymakers, customers, consumers, investors, business partners, and others.

The Director of Federal and State Government Affairs leads the company’s public policy strategy and government engagement across the United States. This role is responsible for shaping, advocating, and communicating the company’s positions on legislative and regulatory matters that affect the food manufacturing industry, including agriculture, food safety, trade, environmental policy, labor, transportation, and tax. The director serves as a primary liaison between the company and elected officials, industry associations, and other stakeholders.

This role can be located in Smithfield, VA, Richmond, VA, or the Washington, DC Metro Area.

The below statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not exhaustive.

• Government Affairs Strategy Leadership:
  Develop and execute comprehensive federal and state government affairs strategies aligned with corporate priorities to advance Smithfield’s business interests.
• Policy Monitoring & Impact Assessment:
  Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and political developments; proactively assess impacts and recommend strategic actions to mitigate risks or capture opportunities.
• Executive Advisory & Communications:
  Advise executive leadership on policy risks, emerging trends, and advocacy needs, communicating implications to ensure informed decision‑making.
• Issue Portfolio & Advocacy Campaign Management:
  Manage priority policy issue portfolios and lead advocacy campaigns to successful outcomes, including working with external consultants to build targeted relationships.
• Cross‑Functional Alignment &
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Coordinate closely with internal operational teams to align government affairs initiatives with business objectives and ensure cohesive execution.
• Compliance & Accountability Oversight:
  Ensure government affairs activities comply with lobbying, ethics, and disclosure regulations, supporting internal processes that drive transparency and accountability.
• Political Engagement & PAC Management:
  Manage HAMPAC and oversee political contribution strategies; collaborate with community development partners to highlight Smithfield’s investments to policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels.

• Education & Credentials:
  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in public policy, law, political science or related discipline.
• Experience & Expertise: 10+ years of progressively responsible government affairs, legislative affairs, regulatory policy, or related experience.
• Leadership & Team Development: 5+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development.
• Public Policy & Government Relations Background:
  Direct experience working with Congress, federal agencies, and state legislatures within government, corporate, or trade association environments; experience in food, agriculture, or CPG sectors strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of federal and state legislative and regulatory processes.
• Excellent communication, advocacy and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to translate complex policy matters into clear business impacts.
• Proven strategic planning capability and sound political…