Government Relations Associate Manager - GROWMARK, Inc. - Bloomington, IL

SALARY RANGE: $79,500.00 - $109,287.50

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Responsible for evaluation, negotiation, and preparation of responses and presentations for legislative and regulatory issues in a pro-active approach for the GROWMARK System.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Evaluates proposed State legislation and regulations across Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, and other assigned states to determine the impact to the GROWMARK System.

Advises GROWMARK and member cooperatives of the proposal and gathers feedback to develop positions for influencing outside contacts.

Negotiates and Communicates with elected officials, government agencies and industry groups to convey GROWMARK's position and obtain acceptable regulations and legislation.

Develops written and oral testimony on public policy proposals for presentation during the government hearing process and assists member cooperatives in communicating grassroots issues with government officials to influence public policy. Researches and develops “Issue Papers” as assigned on emerging and developing issues to enhance system awareness.

Communicates government changes to the affected divisions of GROWMARK and member cooperatives.

Responds to GROWMARK System regulatory issues and influences change to enhance compliance.

Maintains contact with government agencies acting as liaison when addressing GROWMARK System concerns. Maintains contact with trade associations and special interest groups for information and coalition building when mutually beneficial.

Promotes formulation of public policy issues guidelines supporting GROWMARK’s position on these issues.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Maintains knowledge of the current lobbyist laws and operates within legal and ethical guidelines.

Develops forms, charts, and other visuals to support effective governmental affairs persuasion.

Supports the maintenance of the Government Affairs reference library applicable to public policy issues affecting the GROWMARK System.

Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Normally requires a Bachelor’s degree in political science, agricultural communications, or related degree or equivalent thereof, and at least 3 years experience working with public policy issues to demonstrate government affairs knowledge and experience.

Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Ability to acquire knowledge and understanding of federal and state government, contemporary political issues, and public policy formation.

Eligible to be a registered lobbyist as required.

Proven ability in planning, researching, developing, presenting, and assessing government affair activities and programs.

Proven ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment and the ability to achieve results through others.

Proven professional communication, presentation, persuasion, interpersonal, and customer service skills and the ability to build relationships and influence external trade associations and government agencies.

Proven computer skills and the ability to use the computer to enhance business processes.

Must have the ability to travel independently and overnight as needed.

Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.

At GROWMARK, we are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and parental leave, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law.  In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.

We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.

Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.