Federal affairs consultant

FMR is hiring a federal government affairs consultant to advance the development and adoption of winter-hardy oilseed crops.  

About FMR 

Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) is a leading nonprofit that protects, restores and enhances the Mississippi River and its watershed primarily in the Twin Cities region.

FMR's Water Program works to shape state and federal policy to protect our waters, with a focus on agricultural systems. A core element of our work is advancing 
market-based "continuous living cover" farming, including novel winter-hardy oilseed crops such as winter camelina and domesticated pennycress, in partnership with the University of Minnesotaʼs Forever Green Initiative and others.

Federal affairs consultant position description

The consultant will help design and execute a strategy to secure federal funding and supportive policies for winter-hardy oilseeds across the categories of agronomic research, supply chain development, and technical and financial assistance for farmer adoption. This contract position is right for a strategic, engaging and organized candidate who can effectively build relationships with Republicans and Democrats. Consultant reports to FMRʼs Agricultural Policy Manager and will collaborate occasionally with other Water Program staff. 

This contract position is right for a strategic, engaging and organized candidate who can effectively build relationships with Republicans and Democrats.

Consultant reports to FMRʼs Agricultural Policy Manager and will collaborate occasionally with other Water Program staff.

Responsibilities

• Work with FMR and core external partners (the University of Minnesotaʼs Forever Green Initiative and the Minnesota Environmental Partnership) to identify and prioritize federal policy or funding opportunities for winter annual oilseeds.
• Create and execute a lobby plan targeting key members of Congress.
• Conduct outreach with program staff and leadership at USDA, DOE, and other relevant agencies.
• Meet with FMRʼs Agricultural Policy Manager on a regular basis (weekly/biweekly) to share updates and refine strategies accordingly; and draft quarterly progress reports.
• Assist FMR in creating and distributing outreach materials such as factsheets and letters.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in federal government relations/lobbying on sustainable agriculture, biofuels, energy policy, or related topics. Candidates will ideally have established relationships with relevant Congressional committees, USDA, and DOE.
• Strong experience with the federal appropriations process and developing legislation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to plan work, meet deadlines and balance multiple projects and priorities.

Contract terms 

This is a part-time, contracted position funded at $20,000. The initial term is for one year, with extension opportunities contingent upon funding and performance.

Learn more about Friends of the Mississippi River.