Legislative Affairs Officer

Description/Job Summary

Join a team focused on the success of our customers, the success of our communities, and the success of each other. Farm Credit East (FCE) is the leading provider of loans and farm advisory services to farm, forest product, fishing, and other agricultural business owners across the northeast with $11.7 billion in total loan volume and $29 million in annual financial services revenue from 18,000 customers across our 8-state territory. We are One Team Working Together with a focus on our five pillars: Outstanding Customer and Employee Experience, Quality Growth, Operational Excellence, Commitment to our Communities, and Protecting Customer Information.

As a member of the Knowledge Exchange team, the Legislative Affairs Officer advances the organization's public policy priorities and represents the cooperative before state and federal policymakers. This role plays a critical part in shaping legislation and regulations affecting agriculture, rural communities, and the Farm Credit System.

The ideal candidate combines policy expertise, strong relationship building skills, and a passion for advocacy on behalf of farmers and rural stakeholders.

Come join a collaborative, customer-focused team at Farm Credit East!

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Farm Credit Council, CoBank, and FCE leadership to develop and implement public affairs strategies that align with FCE goals.
• Support public policy and stakeholder outreach in connection with the Association's overall public affairs program.
• Advocate for policies that support the ag community in the northeast.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on state and federal legislative and regulatory developments impacting Farm Credit East, agriculture, and rural economies.
• Represent Farm Credit East at meetings, hearings, and events to promote its interests.
• Cultivate a network of contacts within the agricultural and legislative communities to enhance FCE's influence and effectiveness.
• Keep internal teams informed about legislative developments and their potential impact. Prepare clear concise communications including reports and presentations.

Job Qualifications and Requirements:

• This position requires a Bachelor's degree in agriculture, public policy. economics, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience to perform the essential functions of the job.
• 5+ years of experience in legislative affairs, government relations, public policy, or a related advocacy role.
• Strong understanding of state and federal legislative processes; familiarity with agricultural, financial services, or rural policy issues strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to build credibility and trust with policymakers and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy issues for diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required.
• We offer hybrid work options after two weeks of employment with Farm Credit East. Hybrid work options are determined based on job role and balancing the needs of the customers, the team, and individual work performance. This will be reviewed based on manager discretion.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary range: $75,000 - $120,000 commensurate with experience
• Short Term Incentive to reward business results
• Retirement Contributions:
  
  
  
  • 401(k) match up to 6% of salary; or for those unable to take full advantage of the 401(k) match, verified student loan payments may qualify for an employer match in your 401(k) up to 6% of salary
  • Defined Contribution retirement plan funded at 2-9% of salary depending on years of service
  
  
  
  
• Time Off:
  
  
  
  • 15-25 days of vacation leave per year, depending on years of service
  • 12 days of holiday leave per year
  • 7.5 days of sick leave in your first year , followed by 12 days of sick leave per year thereafter; unlimited rollover of unused sick leave year to year
  • Paid Parental Leave: Up to 80 hours of paid leave for birthing, non-birthing, and adoptive parents
  • Family Care Leave: Additional leave options available under FMLA and company policy
  
  
  
  
• Health and Insurance:
  
  
  
  • programs to support your overall health and well-being
  • Health Savings Account
  • Life insurance at 2x base pay
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance at 2x base pay
  • Long-term disability insurance at 2/3 base pay
  
  
  
  
• Additional Benefits:
  
  
  
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Continuing education and training
  • Employee Assistance Program offering a wide variety of tools and resources
  
  
  
  
• Benefits Eligibility
  
  
  
  • Eligibility Begins: First of the month following your hire date
  • Eligible Employees: Full-time employees working 30+ hours per week; Part-Time employees working 20+ hours per week.