Associate Director of Federal Relations--Agriculture & Natural Resources

Job Open Date	02-14-2013
Position Title	Associate Director of Federal Relations--Agriculture & Natural Resources
Hiring Unit	Administration
NOV Number	06699
Job Type	Full-Time
Salary	Commensurate
Pay Basis	Monthly
Budgeted?	Budgeted - with benefits
Position open to internal candidates only?	No
Location	Washington DC
District (required for AgriLife Extension County Programs Positions only)
County (required for AgriLife Extension County Programs Positions only)
Major/Essential Duties of Job	The Associate Director will represent the Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M Forest Service, and Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory before Congress, the Executive Branch, and trade and advocacy organizations on research, extension, service, and policy issues impacting agriculture, life sciences, and natural resources. In addition, the incumbent may, as needed and appropriate, provide similar support to other members of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) that have related programmatic priorities (e.g. 1862 and 1890 land grant institutions, non-land grant institutions, and Hispanic-serving agricultural universities). Identify opportunities for the System and the four TAMUS agencies to impact federal policy and to compete for federal funding. Provide strategic direction on how best to engage the System and four TAMUS agencies in the national and international dialogue on relevant issues. Engage the federal administration through agencies and engage the Congress via committees on issues impacting national agricultural policy, research and extension funding, and international agricultural development. Advocate for the inclusion of appropriate language in federal legislation, and analyze and interpret the implications of federal legislation. Serve on national advisory committees. Engage industry, universities, and associations that are involved in agricultural and natural resource policy development and advocacy.
Occasional Duties
Required Education:	Bachelor's degree
Preferred Education:	Master's degree or higher
Required Experience:	Five or more years working in government, governmental relations, or similar field.
Preferred Experience:
Required licenses, certifications, or registrations:
Preferred licenses, certifications, or registrations:
Required special knowledge, abilities, and skills:	Ability to use computers and knowledge of Microsoft Office; excellent verbal and written communication skills; knowledge of issues affecting agriculture, life sciences and natural resources at the federal level; and knowledge of the federal legislative process. Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.
Preferred special knowledge, abilities, and skills:
Other requirements or other factors:	The incumbent will jointly report to the TAMUS Director for Federal Relations, who leads the Washington, D.C.-based TAMUS federal relations office and team, and to the Vice Chancellor for Agriculture and Life Sciences, who is responsible for the four TAMUS agencies and is based in College Station, Texas. The Director for Federal Relations will provide day-to-day supervision and guidance. The Vice Chancellor and the Director for Federal Relations will jointly provide direction on strategic priorities and focus. Both will be involved in performance evaluations and both will be in frequent communication with the incumbent. The incumbent will be located in and receive support from the TAMUS Federal Relations Office, and will be an integral part of the TAMUS federal relations team. Staff assistance also will be provided in College Station to support local administrative tasks (e.g. facilitating in-state coordination and communication with district offices and others, assisting with coordinating travel by TAMUS personnel to D.C., and organizing local logistics of visits by elected officials and others). The incumbent will work closely with the Texas A&M AgriLife Assistant Vice Chancellor for External Relations, who is focused on Texas-based issues.
Documents associated with this posting	Cover Letter - required Resume - required Other Documents C.V. - required CV Continued - optional Transcript - optional Reference Letter 1 - optional Reference Letter 2 - optional Reference Letter 3 - optional
Comments to Applicants	Employment is contingent upon the agency's verification of credentials and/or other information required by agency procedures, including the completion of a criminal history check. Cover letter and resume or CV are required. Finalists may be required to furnish a copy of official transcript documenting degree conferred. Texas law requires all males 18-25 show proof of compliance with federal Selective Service law to be eligible for employment. Questions may be addressed to: Valerie Brak, Assistant to Scott Sudduth 1747 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 400 Washington, D.C. 20006 202-461-3486 or 202-466-3050 email: vbrak@tamus.edu
Does this position accept online applications?	Yes
Quicklink for Posting	greatjobs.tamu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=188724
Security-Sensitive Designation	All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the agency's verification of credentials and/or other information required by agency procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
EEO Statement	Equal Opportunity Employer