A$ A' "A' ?The National Association of Counties (NACo) announces an opening for an Associate Legislative Director for Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Under the general guidance of the Director of Government Affairs and Chief Government Affairs Officer for the National Association of Counties the Associate Legislative Director for Agriculture and Rural Affairs in directing NACo's policy agenda. The position requires knowledge and understanding of agricultural and rural development policy issues affecting local governments, especially the Farm Bill. It also requires the ability to promote NACo's policy positions by developing and maintaining effective relationships with federal government officials, Members of Congress and their staffs, and other stakeholders and advocates working for public interest organizations.Position Responsibilities and Activities:Develops and implements legislative and advocacy strategies on issues falling within the Agriculture and Rural Affairs section of the American County Platform;Serves as liaison and primary point of contact for county officials serving on the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Policy Steering Committee;Plans, prepares and conducts meetings and seminars held during NACo conferences and other association events;Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the legislative process"A cents € including the federal budget and appropriations;Represents NACo policy positions, in written and oral communication, on legislation and regulations affecting counties and monitors and analyzes such legislation to the Legislative and Executive branches;Relays relevant legislative information to county officials, writes testimony for presentation at committee hearings, attends mark-ups and works as liaison with public interest groups to coordinate advocacy efforts and build support for NACo advocacy priorities;Works closely with other associate legislative directors and assists them as directed in developing grass roots lobbying strategies on NACo legislative priorities across a broad set of issues;Presents issues in both oral and written communication to the NACo membership and meetings of state associations of counties in a format that: (1) imparts information and (2) provides guidance for grassroots support of lobbying efforts in Washington;Regularly prepares written communications, including County News articles, blog posts, email communications with the congressional offices and legislative updates for county elected officials;In coordination with the Public Affairs department, develops media strategies and press communications related to advocacy goalsServes as liaison with state associations and NACo affiliated organizations, communicating pertinent legislative activities;Performs administrative duties such as developing and maintaining files on legislative activities, maintaining records for the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Steering Committee and providing answers to membership inquires on legislative mattersKnowledge, Skills and Abilities:Bachelor's degree plus four years' experience, or seven years of related experience;Thorough knowledge of intergovernmental relations and functions of government at all levels;Experience working with elected officials strongly preferred;Thorough knowledge of the legislative process and how the system can be impacted by grass roots advocacy;Detailed knowledge of county structure and government;A team player that is self-motivated, creative, and innovative;Excellent oral and written communication skills;Strong advocacy skills and good political judgment;Sensitivity and tact in dealing with others;skills in computer word processing, spreadsheets and Internet use competence in Microsoft Office applications.Employees of NACo enjoy a fun and challenging environment with a wide range of competitive benefits. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision and dental insurance; generous paid leave and federal holidays, transportation subsidy, tuition assistance, group life insurance, 401(k) match, pension plans, pet insurance, credit union membership, short/long term disability coverage including applicable parental leave and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.NACo is an equal opportunity employer. Our jobs are open to all applications regardless of race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.