Senior Director of Government and Industry Affairs

The successful applicant will be a key member of the Government, Industry Affairs and Legal team at the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA). This role provides senior policy expertise, government and industry affairs advocacy, and strategy development support. 

Based in the Kansas City area, LMA is the leading national membership organization dedicated to representing livestock auction markets and related businesses. We are looking for an experienced industry and policy professional who will be a key advocate for LMA member interests in federal and state legislative and regulatory environments. Further, this role will represent LMA’s interests at industry events and collaborate with the entire LMA team on creating and strengthening relationships with industry partners nationwide. 

A bachelor’s degree is required. Higher education is beneficial with additional value being placed on candidates with a Juris Doctorate. At least 5 years of relevant experience is required but nontraditional and internship experiences will be considered for exceptional candidates. Successful applicants will have a demonstrated knowledge of/experience in the livestock industry. Applicants with work history in state and/or federal government affairs will be prioritized.

This position will report to the LMA General Counsel and Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs.

Duties:

Work collaboratively with the General Counsel and Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs to represent LMA in federal and state government and industry affairs, advocating for LMA policy priorities. 

Act as a liaison with industry organizations on livestock industry issues at meetings, events, and in correspondence to maintain and expand relationships and to align advocacy strategies when possible. 

Work with LMA leadership, volunteer leaders, managers, and staff to develop, execute, and communicate LMA policy positions. 

Work closely with Region Executive Officers and GIA staff to coordinate and align state legislative and regulatory strategies.

Monitor, analyze, and respond to federal and state legislation and regulations that may impact livestock marketing businesses. 

Lead selected policy portfolios, providing subject matter expertise, strategic guidance, and execution support. 

Review proposed legislation and regulations for potential impacts, draft formal comments, letters, and testimony. 

Bring the livestock marketing sector’s positions on key issues to membership, the media, and public in coordination with LMA’s Communication and Membership Services teams. 

Expand grassroots and member engagement efforts, including market visits, action alerts, and direct engagement with elected officials.

Contribute to the planning and execution of LMA D.C. Fly In and all other GIA events. 

Contribute to the planning execution of the LMA Political Action Committee fundraising and spending. 

Requirements: 

Bachelor’s degree required. Higher education beneficial. 

At least 5 years of relevant experience. Nontraditional and internship experiences will be considered for exceptional candidates.

Demonstrated knowledge of/experience in the livestock industry.

Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.

Superior organizational and planning skills.

Benefits

Fully covered medical and dental insurance.

401k with generous match.

Annual discretionary bonus and profit sharing.

Work/life balance.

Required Education and Experience
 A minimum of a bachelor’s degree and 5 years relevant work experience are required. Additional education, particularly in the legal field is of value. Extensive understanding of and experience with the livestock industry are essential. 

Supervisory Responsibility 

There is no supervisory responsibility for this position. 

Work Environment 

This job operates in a clerical office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, printers, scanners and filing cabinets. 

Physical Demands 

In the office setting, this is a largely sedentary role and the employee in this position must be able to remain in a stationary position 90% of the time. The employee must occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office equipment and other employees. Some filing may be required which would require body positioning to move files and open file cabinets. Employee constantly operates a computer and other office equipment such as phones, photocopiers, printers and scanners.
 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
 This is a full-time position and typical work hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flexibility in hours and work location are allowed as approved by manager, but the employee must be available during the “core” work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Travel 

Frequent travel will be required in this position. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

About LMA 

At Livestock Marketing Association, we're committed to the support and protection of the local livestock auction markets. Auctions are a vital part of the livestock industry, serving producers and assuring a fair, competitive price through the auction method of selling.
  
LMA is the voice for the auction markets on legislative and regulatory issues and in providing member services to maintain successful, viable marketing businesses and better service to all of the livestock producers who sell at auction.

LMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.