International Fresh Produce Association

Vice President, Government Relations

International Fresh Produce Association

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Washington • District of Columbia • Washington • United States

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Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • Develop and implement IFPA’s annual U.S. Public Policy Agenda, advancing priority issues with Congress, the Administration, and key federal agencies.
  • Serve as liaison to Members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive branch agencies on U.S. policy priorities impacting the fresh produce and floral industry.
  • Leverage existing and develop new relationships with high impact policymakers to drive timely, effective advocacy outcomes.
  • Identify and elevate emerging U.S. policy issues and opportunities to position IFPA as an early and influential voice in policy debates.
  • Execute strategic initiatives to increase member investment in political, advocacy, and grassroots activities, including PAC participation and targeted issue campaigns.
  • Serve as Treasurer of IFPA’s political action committee, FreshPAC, ensuring strong governance, compliance, and strategic growth.
  • Build and sustain active volunteer leadership networks prepared to engage policymakers and advocates on behalf of IFPA and the industry.
  • Organize and lead the IFPA U.S. Council ecosystem, including the U.S. Policy Committee, FreshPAC, and U.S. Grassroots Committee.
  • Develop, strategically engage in, and lead, as appropriate, U.S.-focused coalitions to advance IFPA’s priority policy interests and build consensus across industry and allied stakeholders.
  • Identify opportunities to modernize IFPA’s political, fundraising, grassroots, and campaign strategies to strengthen advocacy effectiveness.
  • Work collaboratively with the Vice President of Food Safety and Regulatory Affairs, the Vice President of Nutrition and Health, and other public policy leaders to advance integrated advocacy strategies.
  • Partner across the association—including Communications, Science and Technology, and Events—to ensure visibility of U.S. policy priorities and effective delivery of member advocacy objectives.
  • Provide strategic leadership, mentorship, and professional development for the Government Relations, Advocacy, and Political Affairs team.
  • Drive clear deliverables aligned with IFPA’s strategic plan and ensure high functioning team performance.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree required; minimum of 10 years’ experience in government relations, political advocacy, or related public policy roles.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage association members and industry stakeholders on their terms and at an appropriate conversational level, with a strong customer‑service orientation and commitment to IFPA’s mission.
  • Knowledge of agriculture or the food industry; experience with specialty crops, fresh produce, or florals strongly preferred.
  • Proven track record of leading teams to deliver against strategic policy priorities.
  • Strong communication and networking skills, including written, verbal, public speaking, and effective use of multiple media formats.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities in a fast‑paced environment, lead under pressure, and maintain strong organizational discipline and attention to detail.
  • Extensive experience navigating national public policy and political networks.
  • Experience working with, and preferably in, the U.S. Congress and/or the Executive Branch.
  • Understanding trade associations and their role in advancing industry priorities.
  • Passion for advancing increased consumption and reducing barriers for the fresh produce and floral sector, with a clear understanding of their role in public health, sustainability, and economic prosperity.
Benefits
  • Some business-related travel, including rare international travel, is required.
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
government relationspolitical advocacypublic policystrategic initiativesfundraisinggrassroots campaigningteam leadershippolicy analysiscoalition buildingcompliance
Soft Skills
communicationnetworkingcustomer service orientationorganizational disciplineattention to detailmentorshipstrategic leadershiprelationship buildingpublic speakingability to manage multiple priorities
Certifications
Bachelor's degree