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

jobs@ifdaonline.org

. Please do not call. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

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