Government Relations Manager -- GROWMARK

Government Relations Manager Employer: GROWMARK - Bloomington, IL Date: Friday, February 1, 2013 Job Type: Jobs outside of DC Description: GROWMARK is a regional cooperative with annual sales of $10 billion (FY2011 data) providing agriculture-related products and services, as well as grain marketing in 31 states and Ontario, Canada. GROWMARK is ranked fifth on the NCB Co-op 100 listing of the nation’s 100 highest revenue-earning cooperative businesses. GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by affiliated member cooperatives. GROWMARK is large enough to offer solid career opportunities, but small enough to provide a family-oriented, welcoming environment and great benefits. PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT Responsible to formulate, direct and communicate legislative/regulatory information and activities impacting the GROWMARK System. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Maintains awareness of regulatory and legislative activities with potential effect on the GROWMARK System. Communicates the impacts of regulatory program changes throughout the GROWMARK System. Directs and prepares the formulation of testimony and written comments on regulatory and legislative proposals to enhance system influence on public policy proposals. Participates in developing “Issue Papers” on emerging issues to enhance system awareness. Promotes and supports the GROWMARK System grassroots network. Provides direction and assistance to system personnel in the review and interpretation of current and proposed regulations to assure understanding and compliance. Coordinates Government Affairs participation in regulatory and legislative hearings and meetings on proposed legislation and regulations and has primary responsibility for the communication of GROWMARK positions to legislators and government agencies. Initiates and/or participates in coalitions to influence public policy issues impacting the GROWMARK System. Promotes Government Affairs teamwork in order to speed the development and dissemination of positions regarding regulatory/legislative positions including the timetable required to meet regulatory changes. Directs the formulation of legislation and regulatory issues guidelines supporting GROWMARK’s action on public policy issues. OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS Maintains contact with government agencies, trade associations, and special interest groups sharing information mutually beneficial to the GROWMARK System. Maintains knowledge of current lobbyist laws, industry trends and regulatory issues to enable the GROWMARK System to be pro-active in influencing the direction of governmental activities. Maintains a reference file for the assimilation and organization of statutes and administrative codes. Evaluates available publications and recommends materials necessary to remain current on various regulatory programs impacting the GROWMARK System. Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply. Performs all other duties as assigned. REQUIREMENTS Normally requires a college degree in political science or related field or equivalent thereof, and at least 6 years’ experience working with legislative and regulatory activities to demonstrate government affairs knowledge and experience. Knowledge and understanding of federal and state government, contemporary political issues, and public policy formation. Eligible to be a registered lobbyist as required. Proven ability in planning, researching, developing, presenting, and assessing government affair activities and programs. Proven ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment and the ability to achieve results through others. Proven professional communication, presentation, persuasion, interpersonal, and customer service skills and the ability to build relationships and influence external trade associations and government agencies. Proven computer skills and the ability to use the computer to enhance business processes. Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel independently and overnight as needed. Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position. GROWMARK, Inc. strives to provide a Total Rewards package that delivers exceptional pay for exceptional performance, recognizes your dedication to our mission and helps us attract and retain the highest caliber of talent. The cornerstone of our benefits package is the company paid, defined benefit pension plan along with health and disability insurance, an employer matched 401k plan, and other voluntary group benefit programs. We are an equal opportunity employer. Apply Online: https://performancemanager4.successfactors.com/career?career%5fns=job%5flisting&company=Growmark&navBarLevel=JOB%5fSEARCH&rcm%5fsite%5flocale=en%5fUS&site=NWpialJmTDh1N2c9&career_job_req_id=10083&selected_lang=en_US&jobAlertController_jobAlertId=&jobAlertController_jobAlertName=&_s.crb=xn4eXZ1IQGH7Gt325EoAJSrm2js%3d