POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Government Relations is responsible for lobbying and grassroots advocacy efforts on behalf of the American seed industry and serves as a liaison within outside coalitions to advance ASTA’s strategic policy goals. He/she is responsible for monitoring issues and legislation of importance to the Association. This position is instrumental in driving the Association’s legislative policy development, engagement, and implementation with Congress. This position also coordinates with the SeedFirstPAC Board.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as lead on ASTA legislative policy issues interacting with Capitol Hill. Works individually, with member companies, and through coalitions to advance seed industry priorities.
• Establish seed industry relationships with key offices and committee staff.
• Identify, track, and monitor legislation. Draft comments and testimony for Congressional hearings
• Organize and facilitate ASTA’s annual fly-in and ad-hoc issue specific fly-ins. Facilitate Congressional visits to ASTA member companies.
• Serve as staff liaison to ASTA committees and working groups. This position has primary responsibility for conservation issues as they relate to the seed industry including but not limited to interaction with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management.
• Write and distribute PoliSEEDS, ASTA’s quarterly domestic affairs newsletter.