Government Relations Director

Job Title: Government Relations Director

Reports To: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Hours: Full time - 40 hours/week

Location: Hybrid, based out of LSP’s Minneapolis office.

Note: This is not a union-represented position.

About Land Stewardship Project: Founded in 1982, LSP’s mission is to foster an ethic of stewardship for farmland, to promote sustainable agriculture, and to develop healthy communities. Our programs engage and serve the farming community to cultivate soil health; train and support new and emerging farmers: catalyze regional food systems; and increase access to land for small and mid-sized farmers. We translate the priorities of farmers into public policy, and advocate for programs and practices that further our mission. We think critically about the displacement and exclusion of people in agriculture based on race, gender and economic status, and we advocate for justice in farming and agriculture. Our sister organization, Land Stewardship Action (LSA), is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that works in support of office holders and candidates who are in alignment with LSP’s vision.

Position Summary: The Government Relations Director is a new leadership position in LSP, holding primary responsibility to cultivate and sustain relationships with elected and appointed decision makers, and to develop and execute legislative strategy. Initial priority is on Minnesota State Legislature, Executive and Administrative structures and will extend to federal activity as opportunity and strategy dictate. The Government Relations Director collaborates with staff in organizing, communications, and other capacities to integrate legislative and administrative strategy with LSP’s other strengths. The Government Relations Director works with member-leaders, farmers and partner organizations to plan and deliver legislative and administrative tactics that further the objectives of LSP.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as LSP primary representative in legislative and administrative decision-making venues.
• Maintain open, collaborative communication within the organization to leverage capacities and resources in service of the organization’s objectives, and in the development of campaign plans, coordinated workplans, and member communications.
• Build multi-year legislative and administrative strategies to achieve ambitious goals.
• Establish and utilize strong relationships with networks and partners. Exercise strategic insight and judgement in cultivating shared purpose and action.
• Ensure compliance with all laws and manage reporting requirements regarding lobbying activity for both LSP and LSA.

Supervisory Responsibilities: LSP may hire additional government relations staff, contract for lobbying assistance, and/or engage interns depending on need. The Government Relations Director will assist in determining that need and will supervise these positions as needed.

Necessary Skills/Education/Experience:

• You have experience in government relations - Minimum two years professional experience working in a government relations role at the state or federal level.
• You are a long-term, strategic thinker – Experienced in building and executing ambitious, multi-year legislative agendas.
• You are a leader – Able to work independently, take initiative, and exercise sound judgement.
• You are a persuasive communicator – An active listener and effective speaker, who understands the essential role that integrity and trust play in this professional function.
• You know the subject matter- Familiar with agricultural practices and policy.
• You are aligned with LSP’s mission - Committed to sustainable agriculture and food systems, the health and vibrancy of small/mid-sized farming operations, and rural community development.
• You are committed to justice – A sound analysis of systemic barriers to accessing resources and opportunities in agriculture based on race, gender and economic status. A solutions-orientation for addressing those injustices.
• You are team-oriented
• Specific experience working collaboratively and across differences to achieve substantial outcomes.
• You lower barriers to civic engagement - Familiar and comfortable with enlisting and engaging constituents, members, and partners in the work of building and exercising relationships with decision-makers.

Travel: Expected travel for rural office visits, field events and meetings, plus occasional out-of-state travel. Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active registration and insurance. Mileage reimbursement is compensated at the federal standard.

Work Environment: This is a hybrid work position and will require work from the LSP Minneapolis office, work in the field, and work from home. This job requires substantial evening and weekend work in and around the Capitol in St Paul, Minnesota during the state legislative session. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and virtual conferencing technology. We will provide you with or support the technology necessary to complete your job duties.

Physical Demands: This role requires an active, physical presence in the Minnesota Capitol building complex. Other physical demands could include setting up for events and loading and unloading materials for presentations. This would require the ability to lift and carry at least 20 lbs, and bend or stand as necessary.