Grassroots Advocacy Manager

Description

Minimum Knowledge and Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required, with preference for an agricultural related field or public affairs
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to make presentations to a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to coordinate projects and manage timelines across multiple stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in agriculture, rural development, or related policy areas.
• Familiarity with Indiana agriculture, commodity groups, rural communities, and the policy issues affecting them.
• Understanding of legislative and regulatory processes at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Skilled in translating technical or regulatory content into accessible materials for non‑expert audiences.
• Strong ability to analyze complex policy issues, synthesize information, and develop clear recommendations.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with elected officials, agency staff, and policy partners.
• Comfort representing the organization in public forums, hearings, or coalition meetings.
• Ability to identify emerging issues and communicate their relevance to members.
• Exceptional communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication.
• Proactive and self‑directed, able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Highly organized and detail‑oriented, with the ability to manage complex policy cycles, multiple deadlines, and large volumes of information with accuracy.

Job Functions

• Translate complex policy topics into accessible formats for member and stakeholder education.
• Assist counties and Regional Managers in creating opportunities for member engagement and leadership development in local, state and national advocacy.
• Ensure member input and feedback directly informs policy development and messaging.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to develop clear, accurate materials that highlight member‑driven policy priorities.
• Support cross‑team efforts to increase visibility and understanding of policies that advance Indiana agriculture.
• Coordinate efforts to share policy information with members, increase engagement in policy discussions, and support robust dialogue across the organization.
• Support the drafting of model policies, resolutions, and legislative proposals in collaboration with grassroots members, coalition partners, and the public policy team.
• Support policy planning cycles and annual agenda setting processes, including Issue Advisory Committees, the Resolutions Committee, Delegate Session preparation, and Annual Meeting policy activities for INFB and AFBF.
• Monitor emerging trends to identify issues and opportunities.
• Synthesize member feedback and policy insights into briefs, reports, and educational materials.
• Conduct research and analysis on key issues impacting INFB members.
• Track relevant legislation and regulatory developments at all levels of government.
• Work with County Farm Bureaus and Regional Managers to guide discussions, gather member feedback, facilitate grassroots input and ensure the diversity of Indiana agriculture is well represented throughout the policy process.
• Represent INFB in coalitions, legislative meetings, and public hearings on issues related to policy development and member priorities, in coordination with the public policy team.
• Provide policy briefings and updates to members through presentations, webinars, and written communications.
• Build relationships with elected officials, agencies, and policy partners.
• Support the implementation of grassroots lobbying strategies in collaboration with Regional Managers and public policy team to elevate member voices.

Working Conditions:

Position requires a valid driver’s license and physical mobility for effective job function while conducting INFB business including locations such as hotel meeting facilities, convention centers, and farms. May occasionally require the ability to lift 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position involves regular in‑state travel and occasional out‑of‑state travel. Additional evening and weekend work is expected during key policy and member‑engagement periods, particularly during Legislative Session, INFB’s Delegate Session, and the INFB Ag Gathering.