Director of Policy and Government Affairs

Job Function: The Director, of Policy and Government Affairs represents the interests of the foodservice distribution industry before Congress and federal agencies within a portfolio of issues. The Director is also responsible for managing activities within essential Policy and Government Affairs (P&GA) programs, including IFDA’s Fly-In and Fly-Out programs.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategies to advance IFDA policy and advocacy priorities on supply chain issues, primarily in the areas of food safety and transportation
• Engage with Congress and federal agencies on defined matters to support and protect IFDA members’ interests
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key lawmakers, congressional and committee staff, federal agency officials, and representatives of allied trade associations
• Assist in planning and executing IFDA’s Fly-In program, including helping to develop the agenda, securing speakers, preparing materials, and working with external firms to coordinate IFDA member meetings with key lawmakers and staff
• Assist in planning and executing IFDA’s Fly-Out program, including preparing briefing materials and participating in IFDA member facility tours with key lawmakers
• Draft presentations, issue summaries, fact sheets, letters, and talking points in support of IFDA’s policy and advocacy priorities

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with VP, Policy and Government Affairs, IFDA members, and outside counsel/ consultants to prepare comments on federal regulatory proposals related to food safety, transportation, and other issues, as necessary
• Serve as staff support for the Food Safety Leadership Committee, which advises the association on key food safety and security issues and develops compliance materials
• Support IFDA-led coalition activities and represent IFDA at various coalition meetings, as necessary

• Monitor and inform the P&GA team of daily congressional schedules, including relevant committee hearings and markups involving food safety, transportation, labor, and tax issues

• Maintain database of IFDA membership and corresponding congressional representation
• Assemble content for, and communicate with IFDA member companies through, the Daily Update, Federal Insight, Key Drop Alerts, and other association communications vehicles on supply chain issues
• Attend fundraisers and other political events on behalf of the association
• Serve as a resource to IFDA members and staff, including responding to government affairs inquiries

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience with, legislative and regulatory activities and processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong political understanding and attention to detail
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and activities effectively and on tight deadlines
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Exceptional skills in PowerPoint and Excel

MUST HAVE:

• 6+ years of experience in federal government affairs and handling supply chain issues—in particular, food safety
• Experience in a congressional office or committee and/or a trade association preferred

Hybrid remote-office opportunity. IFDA offers strategic flexibility, recognizing that much time is spent out of the office on Capitol Hill and in downtown Washington. Out-of-town travel is up to 20%.

IFDA offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience reflective of positions in the Washington, DC, area. It also provides an excellent benefits package, including medical, vision, and dental coverage; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; a 401(k)-retirement plan; a profit-sharing plan; vacation, personal, and sick leave; and flexible office hours. IFDA is located in the Tysons Corner area of McLean, Virginia.

To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to