Associate Director of State Legislation - Illinois Farm Bureau

Company: COUNTRY Financial
Location: Bloomington
Posted on: January 12, 2021

Job Description:

The Associate Director of State Legislation works in the front line development and implementation of the state legislative program with the General Assembly and the State of Illinois on behalf of the members of the Illinois Farm Bureau (parent company to COUNTRY Financial). The employee will represent the Illinois Farm Bureau's positions and polices to state legislators, constitutional officers, legislative/executive branch staff members, and others. The position will also include interaction and presentations to the Illinois Farm Bureau membership and leadership and serve as a representative of the organizations Political Action Committees.This role develops and implements the state legislative program in the General Assembly. Implements Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) policy and the annual legislative priorities. Provides information to members on state legislative issues and coordinates related programs. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we are currently limiting the number of employees in our offices. This position will begin working in a remote capacity and will be expected to return to the assigned office location following a broader return to work announcement.Responsibilites:* Works closely with GAC staff in all phases of the state legislative program. Prepares legislation to implement IFB policy, prepares and presents testimony before General Assembly committees on assigned issues and reviews progress of assigned legislation.* Fosters positive relationships and communicates with legislators regarding the organization's positions on various legislative proposals and issues. * Represents the IFB at meetings with relevant state and federal agencies and interest groups. May also communicate with the media.* Prepares detailed analysis of legislation, fact sheets, and recommends IFB positions on legislation.* Performs thorough research and analysis, prepares reports, and provides information and counsel to the IFB Board of Directors, relevant committees and other entities, as requested.* Plans and executes state legislative educational programs for county farm bureaus, conferences and IFB meetings, as assigned.* Provides support and assistance in working with affiliated companies and providing information on related legislative matters of interest.Job Requirements:Preferred Qualifications:* Eight or more years of legislative/lobbying and/or Farm Bureau experience.* Experience in conducting and preparing detailed analysis of policy, legislation, and administrative rules.* Bachelor's degree in agriculture, government, or related field.* Able to relocate within an acceptable radius of the Illinois Farm Bureau Headquarters.* Extensive driving and mobility required to meet with legislators, Farm Bureau members and leaders, and attend appropriate meetings.* Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with the ability to drive a car.Required Qualifications:* Typically requires:* Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of lobbying or legislative experience, OR* Master's degree and at least 3 years of lobbying or legislative experience, OR* At least 7 years of lobbying or legislative experience.Physical Requirements:* Normal office environment. * Ability to work flexible hours as needed.* Regularly required to stand or walk.* Must have the ability to travel extensively to meet with legislators, Farm Bureau members and leaders, attend relevant events and meetings and fulfill job responsibilities throughout Illinois.Illinois Farm Bureau is the parent company of COUNTRY Financial. For more details about careers at Illinois Farm Bureau, please visit us online at www.ilfb.org/careers.Illinois Farm Bureau does not generally sponsor individuals for employment-based visas for this position.

Keywords: COUNTRY Financial, Bloomington , Associate Director of State Legislation - Illinois Farm Bureau, Executive , Bloomington, Illinois