Associate Director, Government Relations

Who we are:

Farm Credit Bank of Texas is a $40.3 billion wholesale bank that has been financing agriculture and rural America for over 100 years. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, we provide funding and services to rural lending associations in five states, and we are active in the nation’s capital markets. 

While you may not be familiar with our name, Farm Credit Bank of Texas plays a critical role in supporting the businesses that make it possible for America to maintain access to an affordable and safe food supply, an industry which is one of the most innovative and evolving of our time. And while you help us deliver on our mission, we deliver on our commitment to you as a valued employee by providing competitive compensation, generous health and wellness benefits packages and a hybrid workplace. 

We seek out top talent in their fields, whether it be technology, finance, accounting, credit, human resources, or other administrative functions, and welcome you to join us in our mission to feed the world. 

Position Description: 

Position is responsible for assisting the Vice President of Government Relations in the coordination of federal legislative activities; political fundraising and reporting; member and public relations; and development of external working relationships that reflect a positive image and support the business objectives of the Farm Credit Bank of Texas. 

Day-to Day-Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Assist in the development and execution of government relations and public affairs strategies.
• Support the Vice President of Government Relations in the day-to-day activities of the department, including tracking legislative priorities, program planning and coordination, public relations with other System entities and industry representatives, formal written communications, etc.
• Meet with and develop relationships with elected and appointed government officials and their representatives to promote the bank’s legislative and political interests.
• Coordinate fundraising activities leading up to and during the bank’s annual stockholder meeting, including advanced communications and solicitations, maintaining donor database and reporting requirements, coordinating PAC awards, events and booth, 
• Participate in System meetings, including Legislative Officer meetings, conference calls and virtual communications
• Represent bank with key external organizations and attend sponsored events on behalf of the organization.
• Provide training, plus logistical and general support for bank and association representatives who travel to Washington to meet with Congress (e.g. schedule and lead congressional meetings and related activities, develop agendas and educational material, provide formal written communication as needed, etc.).
• Assist and help manage contract negotiations events with hotels and restaurants for group events such as leadership programs
• Provide support for lobbyist disclosure and reporting requirements.
• Other projects as assigned.

Other Duties:

• Serve on Government Affairs Committee of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives attend FCA and FCSIC board meetings 
• Attend congressional hearings
• Attend political fundraisers and related events

Skill Requirements:

Required skills include attention to detail, organizing, planning, project management, basic computer processing skills, exceptional written and oral communications as well as interpersonal relations skills.  Must have ability to speak comfortably among diverse audiences, have knowledge of federal legislative processes and be able to travel 10%-15%. 

What You Bring to the Team:

Our ideal candidate will live in the Washington, DC area and appreciates the value of the hybrid work schedule, while recognizing that the position requires regular onsite collaboration when needed.

It is an important role that covers many skills. This position requires: 

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, political science or equivalent with a minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience on Capitol Hill, with a national trade association, lobby firm, and/or corporate government affairs office.  Farm Credit System experience is a plus.

Our Benefits:

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer comprehensive, affordable, and competitive benefit options that are focused on health and wellness, financial security, and achieving a work-life balance:

• Flexible and affordable health and wellness benefits, including medical insurance, prescription drug coverage, dental insurance, vision care, flexible spending accounts, and more.
• 401(k) plan that includes an employer