Environmental policy manager

Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is a statewide organization that strives to enable Illinois soybean producers to be the most knowledgeable and profitable soybean producers in the world.

The Environmental Policy Manager serves as ISA's lead subject matter expert on environmental, conservation, and regulatory issues impacting Illinois soybean farmers. This position manages governmental relations, stakeholder relationships, and community engagement efforts in support of ISA's Government Affairs strategic objectives. The Environmental Policy Manager provides technical expertise and strategic guidance on environmental policy matters, translates complex regulatory issues into actionable recommendations, and educates elected officials, agency personnel, farmer leaders, and stakeholders on issues affecting soybean production. This position will serve as a key advisor to ISA leadership and support advocacy efforts through credible subject matter expertise and relationship building.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor, prioritize and provide consultation to the Director of Government Relations & Strategy, CEO and legislative team on public policy developments where there may be an impact on agriculture and soybean production in Illinois; maintaining positive working relationships with internal and external colleagues, including lawmakers and staff; articulating positions with lawmakers, trade associations and other groups outside the organization; and communicating with appropriate internal colleagues to understand impacts and help formulate effective responses.
• Develop expertise in key areas such as environmental programs, USDA agency regulation, EPA agency regulation, ag inputs regulation, pesticide regulation, nutrient management regulation, water regulation, soil health, regulation and in addition to other areas as assigned.
• Write detailed public comments to federal and state agencies regarding environmental issues affecting the soybean industry.
• Develop and maintain an effective outreach program, working with consultants and subject matter experts from across the business, utilizing appropriate resources to strategically engage communities, associations, public policymakers, and others.
• Reviews and evaluates bills, maintains bill tracking system, participates in meetings with Government Relations Committee, ISA Board of Directors, and others.
• Advocates policy positions before the state legislature and state administrative agencies through direct lobbying, coordinating lobbying efforts among similarly interested groups, testifies at hearings, participates in meetings or through written correspondence.
• Researches, drafts, analyzes, and monitors proposed legislation and administrative regulations, and drafts amendments for the same. Analyzes and summarizes legislation for leaders, legislative publications, electronic publications, and ISA communications; provides information on pending legislation to the Government Relations Committee.
• Play a role in all relevant governmental affairs working groups with the appropriate trade and membership associations.

Competencies

• Able to work independently or cooperatively with others on a team.
• Ability to analyze problems, develop a path toward problem solving, and manage the process to completion.
• Capacity to make decisions and communication with tact and professionalism.
• Strong multi-tasking skills with a comfort in maintaining multiple, often conflicting priorities.
• Strong written and oral communications with internal and external audiences.
• Strong relationship building skills and ability to thrive within a rapidly changing environment.
• Experience in developing and implementing sponsored, community initiatives.
• Works well under pressure with an ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to focus both on detail and the larger picture. Exhibits a high level of critical/strategic thinking.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 7+ years in State or local government affairs, public policy, or corporate public affairs experience.
• Deep understanding of U.S and Illinois government; including structure, key decisionmakers, and process.

Physical Requirements

• Normal office working conditions.
• Must be available to travel offsite for meetings/events when necessary.
• Must be available after hours and weekends to trouble shoot problems that may arise.
• Some physical demands – may need to lift between 35-50 lbs.