CA Government Affairs Analyst
Description
You spend more than half of your waking hours working. Make these precious, fleeting moments matter by working for an organization and a cause you can believe in.
Western Growers exists for one reason only: to ensure the future viability of its members – the hard-working, salt-of-the-earth farmers who grow the fruits, vegetables and tree nuts that feed our nation and nourish our bodies.
Our members depend on us to help them remain competitive and profitable as they face challenges that make it increasingly difficult and expensive to do business. Our goal is to fight for them– heart and soul –every single day. We passionately advocate, facilitate technological advancements and provide insurance for our members. We do all of this, and more, from a position of leadership in the agriculture industry.
This mission requires a team of intelligent, inquisitive and innovative individuals connected for our common purpose.
The core company philosophy that strengthens our mission is that everything starts with people. Every employee of the organization has access to research-based training to encourage and support Outward Inclusion philosophy and our DEI initiatives. As an element of this training, employees are encouraged to recognize that there isn’t a work life and a home life, there is one life. This recognition throughout the organization emphasizes the value of finding a healthy and happy balance in every employee’s life. One way that is realized for employees of Western Growers is flexible work arrangements with work-from-home, in-office or hybrid options.
At Western Growers, we recognize and welcome the many qualities you can bring to the team.
Grow with us.
Compensation: $72,186 - $98,489 with a rich benefits package that includes profit-sharing.
Job Description Summary
The Government Affairs Analyst will represent Western Growers (WG) before the state Legislature, the Office of the Governor and all state agencies and departments. The incumbent will ensure proper monitoring, analysis, reporting and policy recommendations concerning legislative and regulatory matters are provided to senior staff and will assist in presenting information and recommendations to the Board of Directors. This position will work in collaboration with any contracted lobbyists and other consultants retained for legislative, regulatory and select legal services in California.
Qualifications
- BA/BS degree in law, economics, science, public policy, or political science and 2 (two) to 5 (five) years of experience working in legislative and or regulatory matters of state government, preferred.
- Ability to conduct thorough research, provide concise summaries, and make recommendations on complicated legislative/policy issues.
- Moderate knowledge of the fresh produce (specialty crop) industry, including vegetables, fruits and tree nuts (preferred) or other agriculture sector and demonstrated ability to advocate for the value of a healthy and sustainable agriculture industry.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to successfully develop and maintain strong working relationships with cross-functional colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Ability to communicate and frame issues in a bipartisan fashion, understanding the importance of operating with sound judgement and high ethical standards.
- Excellent writing, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Proven ability to effectively manage projects while meeting expected goals.
- Skilled at effectively managing multiple projects and changing priorities with attention to detail.
- Intermediate knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, calendaring, and presentation software.
- Verifiable, clean DMV record and the ability to travel to various locations throughout the U.S. (mainly California) up to 10% of the time.
Duties And Responsibilities
State Advocacy
- Operate as Western Growers advocate for legislative and regulatory matters in California.
- Monitor, analyze, and report on policy recommendations for WG positions and associated action plans.
- Meet regularly with senior WG lobbyists contract consultants retained by WG Government Affairs for California services to develop and implement effective advocacy strategies to attain policy goals.
- Assist in leading in developing, drafting and tactically implementing policy strategies or legislation affecting agriculture, specifically relating to the fresh fruit, vegetable and nut sectors in California.
- Draft formal comment letters in response to state legislation and regulatory proposals on behalf of WG and provide regular status updates to senior WG staff and to the WG board as requested.
- Respond to or direct incoming member inquiries to appropriate WG staff for follow-up and resolution.
- Build relationships/coalitions among other industry organizations and policy makers.
Political Action
- Assist in analyzing key California election contests (candidates and ballot measures) and making candidate and campaign recommendations to WGPAC Board.
- Keep key staff informed about political trends and developments.
- Work with communications department to engage and inform membership on issues of responsibility as well as engage with the public.
- Cultivate new and maintain existing legislative relationships.
Other
- Utilize all capabilities to satisfy one mission — to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of our members. Do everything possible to help members succeed by being curious and striving to understand what others are trying to achieve, planning, and executing work helpfully and collaboratively. Be willing to adjust efforts to ensure that work and attitude are helpful to others, being self-accountable, creating a positive impact, and being diligent in delivering results.
- Maintain a clean DMV record and the ability to travel to locations throughout the U.S. (mainly California and Arizona) up to 10% of the time.
- All other duties as assigned.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others. The employee frequently is required to travel to both indoor and outdoor areas that can vary in exposure and temperature. The employee is frequently required to operate a motor vehicle, use objects, tools, or controls, and/or required to lift up to 50lbs. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.