Federal Government Affairs ManagerRISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), a trade association representing the specialty (non-agricultural) pesticide and fertilizer industry, is seeking a full-time Federal Government Affairs Manager based in Arlington, Virginia, near our nation's capital. The successful candidate must register as a federal lobbyist. As a member of the public affairs team, this position will strengthen RISE's federal advocacy presence on Capitol Hill and help ensure the association is a force multiplier for the industry. This role offers direct exposure to congressional policymaking and the opportunity to help shape advocacy outcomes for an industry with a broad national footprint. Responsibilities include supporting federal advocacy strategies that integrate grassroots engagement and communications to engage members, allies, congressional offices, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
Coordinate with the RISE team to develop and implement effective grassroots engagement strategies that mobilize members and allies on federal issues. With the Executive Director, help lead RISE's congressional advocacy initiatives by cultivating relationships with national partner associations, key congressional offices, and committee staff, and positioning RISE as a subject matter expert on issues affecting its membership. Help lead educational meetings with congressional staff on behalf of the Pesticide Policy Coalition, focusing on foundational pesticide regulation education and the benefits of specialty pesticides and fertilizers. Support the development and execution of RISE's federal appropriations strategy, including building congressional resource materials, identifying key House and Senate targets, and supporting a national campaign. Track congressional developments, hearings, markups, member priorities, committee activity, and relevant political dynamics to help inform RISE's advocacy strategy. Assist in the development and delivery of public policy presentations and updates on behalf of RISE at industry conferences. Assist in composing and distributing informative and compelling correspondence, testimony, policy positions, grassroots alerts, congressional briefing materials, meeting notes, follow-up summaries, reports, toolkits, and background materials to support engagement on priority issues. Prepare for, participate in, and follow up on meetings with Members of Congress, congressional staff, committee staff, coalition partners, and member company representatives. Assist with planning and execution of RISE fly-ins, including member preparation, scheduling, materials development, congressional meeting logistics, and follow-up. Collaborate closely with RISE colleagues and members to advance federal advocacy, grassroots engagement, and communications initiatives. Participate in political fundraisers, industry events, coalition meetings, and other stakeholder engagements outside normal business hours, as needed. Other responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements:- Education and Work Experience:
- Minimum of a BA/BS degree in political science, communications, public relations, environmental science, or a similar field.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in public policy, legislative affairs, government affairs, or advocacy is required; at least 1 year of experience working in Congress, with a congressional committee, or in a congressional-facing advocacy role is preferred
Additional Qualifications:
Ability to self-start projects and independently manage assignments while meeting established timelines.
Drive to become a subject matter expert on legislation and regulations broadly impacting the specialty pesticide and fertilizer industry.
Ability to monitor federal legislative activity, identify emerging congressional trends, and summarize implications for members and internal stakeholders.
Ability to proactively develop and maintain key relationships with congressional offices, committee staff, members, allies, RISE contract lobbyists, coalitions, grassroots stakeholders, teammates, and other stakeholders.
Ability to build trust and work effectively with congressional offices, committee staff, coalition partners, and stakeholders across the political spectrum.
Ability to exercise political acumen in assessing congressional dynamics, stakeholder interests, and opportunities for effective Hill engagement.
Embodies flexibility, sound judgment, and discretion.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including strong writing, proofreading, editing, and the ability to distill complex or technical information into concise, effective, and influential materials.
Experience tracking legislation and summarizing policy proposals.
Familiarity with the U.S. pesticide regulatory system and current policy issues is preferred but not required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legislative tracking tools.
