Public Policy Lead — Food Systems & Nutrition

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO for vacation, sick leave, and volu

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

401k - 100% match up to 4%

Job summary

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) is seeking a lead federal policy advocate for food systems and nutrition. You will translate member priorities into legislative, regulatory, and funding strategies, lead the Food Systems and Nutrition Committee, and build relationships across state departments of agriculture.

You will monitor federal actions, prepare policy materials, and collaborate with NASDA teams to advance priorities. A hybrid schedule with travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Experience with federal agricultural policy and Congress or federal agencies (USDA/FDA).
• Ability to track and analyze legislation, regulations, funding proposals, and emerging issues.
• Translate complex issues into concise briefs, testimony, letters, talking points, and presentations.
• Build credibility with NASDA members, congressional and government officials, partners, and coalitions.
• Manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and deliverables with accuracy and accountability.
• Collaborate across teams and represent NASDA with sound judgment and nonpartisanship.

Responsibilities

• Lead NASDA’s federal policy portfolio for food systems and nutrition, focusing on funding/implementation of state-led programs.
• Serve as staff lead for the Food Systems and Nutrition Committee; prepare agendas and policy materials.
• Translate member priorities into legislative, regulatory, and appropriations strategies and advocate before Congress and agencies.
• Monitor federal legislation, regulations, funding opportunities, and emerging issues; provide guidance to members and leadership.
• Build relationships with state agriculture officials; facilitate consensus across state interests.
• Develop partnerships with stakeholders to advance NASDA priorities.
• Draft high-quality policy briefs, testimony, letters, talking points, and presentations.
• Manage projects, timelines, deliverables, and reporting with sound judgment.
• Demonstrate readiness for increasing responsibility and broader committee leadership.
• Collaborate across NASDA’s policy, communications, trade, and partnerships teams; travel as required.

Skills

Congressional policy

Policy analysis

Advocacy

Relationship building

Project management

Collaboration & integrity

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) is seeking a lead federal policy advocate for food systems and nutrition. You will translate member priorities into legislative, regulatory, and funding strategies, lead the Food Systems and Nutrition Committee, and build relationships across state departments of agriculture.

You will monitor federal actions, prepare policy materials, and collaborate with NASDA teams to advance priorities. A hybrid schedule with travel is expected.