Director of Governmental Affairs and Engagement

Overview

Cook County Farm Bureau® is seeking an employee to work on behalf of the organization in the areas of Governmental Affairs, Public Relations and Communications, and Young Leader engagement to fulfill the goals and objectives of the organization and the strategic plan of the Board of Directors.

• Support, advocate and engage organization leaders in policy development, strategy planning and grassroots mobilization for policy implementation through member beliefs, opinions, and views.
  • Help identify key issues, concerns, and trends that will impact agriculture and member lives in Cook County and seek ways to solve/improve.
  • Assist in drafting organization policy comments, statements, communications, talking points, testimony statements, etc. for legislators, policymakers, agencies, and regulators based on policy.
  • Serve as the primary lobbyist for the Cook County Farm Bureau® in Cook County, Chicago, and state and national legislators in the House and Senate.
• Build relationships with local elected officials and staff including:
  • Cook County Board and Forest Preserve District
  • Assessor, Sheriff, Building Zoning and Planning, Board of Review, MWRD
  • Municipal governments
  • State/National Legislators and staff
• Assist members in problem‑solving related to local government ordinances or actions.
• Partner as appropriate with Illinois Farm Bureau® legislative staff, county Farm Bureau staff, affiliated companies, and the American Farm Bureau Federation® in Legislative issues, communications, ACTIVATOR® and Adopt-a-Legislator program.
• Use the county Farm Bureau® publications and electronic communication tools to educate and inform members.

• Coordinate PAC Executive Committee plans and activities as primary administrator for meetings, budget, D‑2 quarterly reports to the Illinois State Board of Elections and communications.
• Communicate to candidates regarding interviews, support, advertising and designations.

• Coordinate the Cook County Farm Bureau® Public Relations activities and functions on behalf of the Cook County Farm Bureau® Board and Public Relations Team to enhance general public/consumer understanding, appreciation and image of modern agriculture.
  • Help build partnerships and serve as liaison between Cook County Farm Bureau® and other entities for the purpose of improving area agriculture, strengthening the organization’s reputation, and providing opportunities for membership growth.
  • Lead development and implementation of Cook County Farm Bureau® electronic news communications for public consumption.
  • Assist in maintaining and upgrading materials and concepts of the CCFB website to provide information to the general public about Cook County Agriculture and to enhance services to members.
  • Use CCFB publications, social media, and technology to effectively communicate to members and the general public.
• Coordinate with the Illinois Farm Bureau, efforts with the media, advertising campaigns and spokesperson training.
• Enhance urban agriculture and innovative producer awareness through support, resources, information, and problem‑solving to grow the urban producer community within Cook County Farm Bureau® organization.

• Support the Young Leaders Team in meetings, program planning, leadership training, IFB events and competitions.
• Support collegiate Farm Bureau members and seek to transition them from college involvement to Cook County Young Leaders Team.
• Support Cook County Farm Bureau® Foundation scholarship recipients in involvement in Collegiate Farm Bureau® and/or Young Leaders Team.

Note:

The job description is comprehensive, reflecting key strategic priorities within organization. Expectations are for an employee to transition and grow into various responsibilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, communication or related.
• Two years of experience working in government relations or advocacy.
• Knowledge of local and state legislative and regulatory processes.
• Strong relation shipbuilding skills.
• Proficiency in social media platforms.
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills and ability to effectively prioritize competing demands and projects.
• Agricultural knowledge and background.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and databases.
• Some required travel using personal vehicle within the area and to occasional regional or state events with IRS standard mileage expense reimbursement.
• Individual will need to manage a flexible, demanding schedule including some evening and weekend work activities.