Government Relations Manager - National Association of Wheat Growers

Paid • Washington, D.C. / Hybrid

Overview

The Government Relations Manager is responsible for advancing the National Association of Wheat Growers’ (NAWG) federal policy priorities through direct, day-to-day engagement with congressional offices and federal agencies. This position manages a defined policy portfolio— primarily farm programs, conservation, crop protection, regulatory compliance, biotechnology and research—and serves as a key advocate for wheat growers before Congress, the Administration, and regulatory agencies.

Working closely with the Vice President, Policy & Communications, NAWG leadership, and state associations, the Manager plays a central role in implementing NAWG’s legislative and regulatory strategy, supporting grassroots advocacy, and ensuring wheat grower perspectives are effectively represented in federal policymaking.

Key Responsibilities

Congressional & Agency Engagement

• Conduct regular, direct engagement with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and committee staff on issues affecting wheat growers.

• Maintain ongoing working relationships with federal agencies, including USDA, EPA, and other relevant departments, to influence rulemaking, guidance, and program implementation.

• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and proactively identify risks and opportunities within assigned policy areas.

• Represent NAWG at meetings, briefings, hearings, coalition discussions, and stakeholder events.

Policy Portfolio Management

• Lead NAWG’s policy work on farm programs, conservation policy, crop protection, regulatory compliance, biotechnology and research.

• Analyze legislation, regulations, and agency actions to assess impacts on wheat growers and develop clear recommendations for action.

• Draft policy summaries, position statements, comment letters, testimony, and briefing materials aligned with board-adopted policy.

• Support development of advocacy strategies for key legislative vehicles, including the Farm Bill and appropriations process.

Grassroots & Member Support

• Support NAWG’s grassroots advocacy efforts by providing issue expertise, timely intelligence, and member-ready materials.

• Prepare growers and state association leaders for meetings with policymakers, including Hill visits and fly-ins.

• Engage with state wheat associations to gather feedback and ensure federal advocacy reflects regional priorities and on-the-ground realities.

Coordination & Collaboration

• Work closely with NAWG’s communications staff to ensure policy positions are clearly and consistently communicated.

• Collaborate with allied agricultural organizations and coalitions to advance shared policy objectives.

• Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to the Vice President, Policy & Communications and NAWG leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, government, economics, agriculture, or a related field.

• 1-2 years of experience in federal government relations, public policy, or advocacy, preferably within agriculture, a trade association, Capitol Hill, or a federal agency.

• Demonstrated experience engaging directly with congressional offices and federal agency staff.

• Solid understanding of farm programs, conservation policy, crop protection issues, and federal regulatory processes.

• Excellent analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple issues simultaneously and respond quickly in a fast-paced policy environment.

Core Competencies

• Strong relationship-builder with congressional and agency stakeholders

• Detail-oriented policy practitioner with sound political judgment

• Clear, concise communicator on complex regulatory and legislative issues

• Collaborative team player with a strong service mindset

• Commitment to advancing wheat growers’ interests through effective, bipartisan advocacy

How To Apply

Send resume and cover letter to careers@wheatworld.org.