Senior Government Affairs Specialist

About the role

The Senior Government Affairs Specialist will monitor priority legislation at the state level and develop and implement advocacy strategies as needed. They will also manage the Ocean Spray Political Action Committee and support the Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy on federal (U.S. and Canada) and global issues as needed.

Responsibilities

• Track key legislation on priority policy areas at the state-level to help assess the potential impact on the business.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for state-specific and regional trade associations, as well as national trade associations with state affairs functions.
• Participate in regular meetings, inform the business of movement of key legislation, seek input from the business, and share feedback with trade associations (as appropriate).
• Develop advocacy strategies for significant state-level legislation, as needed.
• Help legal colleagues prepare for compliance with new state laws by providing advance notice and information related to pending legislation.
• Monitor state and federal funding opportunities for the cooperative and individual growers and collaborate with other teams, including Sustainability and Grower Relations, to assist in applying for funds.
• Manage and prioritize Ocean Spray’s Political Action Committee (OSPAC) activities, including: Tracking contributions to elected officials and ensuring compliance with all Federal Election campaign (FEC) Act requirements, assisting with planning and execution of solicitation campaigns and disbursements, preparing OSPAC report filings to the Federal Election Commission, and supporting the Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy with federal (U.S. and Canada) and global advocacy efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in political science/public policy/government or related field.
• At least 3 years of experience.

Preferred

• Knowledge of several state-level legislative processes and politics.
• Experience managing a political action committee (PAC), including preparing all required Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings and disclosures, as well as leading solicitation campaigns.