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 Public Policy Manager who will manage governmental relations, stakeholder relationships and community engagements in support of the ISA’s Government Affairs strategic objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor, prioritize and provide consultation to the Senior Director, CEO and legislative team on all 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 and implement issue management strategies working with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain an effective stakeholder outreach program, working with consultants and subject matter experts from across the business, utilizing appropriate resources to strategically engage communities, associations, influencers, and public policymakers.
• Play a role in all relevant governmental affairs working groups with the appropriate trade and membership associations.
• This position will be the point of contact for the Illinois Soybean Association on: 
  • Trade,
  • Tariffs
  • Transportation
  • Taxes
  • Federal/State Budget issues.

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. Recalibrates strategies in response to evolving political and policy landscape.
• Exhibits a self-starter mentality. Ability to work effectively on an individual basis and as a team member

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 10+ years in State or local government affairs, public policy, or corporate public affairs experience.
• Deep understanding of U.S., Illinois, and local 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.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required of personnel so classified.  Illinois Soybean Association reserves the right to amend the job description at any time.