Strong executive presence; experience briefing boards and the C-suite
Responsibilities
Develop and execute a state and federal government relations strategy; manage relationships with the CA legislature, county/city officials, and external stakeholders
Represent the company in industry trade associations including food processing, agriculture, and manufacturing coalitions
Lead community and public affairs initiatives across five divisions' operating footprints, focusing on politically sensitive issues
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and translate them into risk/opportunity briefings for the C-suite
Manage crisis communications and reputational risk in coordination with Corporate Communications/PR
Collaborate on corporate philanthropy, community investment, and external messaging
Build coalitions with local chambers of commerce, economic development groups, and agricultural associations
Benefits
Opportunity to influence policy at both state and federal levels
Engagement in high-stakes issues like water access and labor
Strategic role linking community affairs with corporate goals
Collaboration with various industry trade associations
Involvement in organizational reputation management and public relations
Chance to build a strong network with influential stakeholders and policymakers
Full Job Description
Responsibilities:
Develop and execute a state and federal government relations strategy; manage relationships with the CA legislature, county/city officials, external stakeholders, and relevant regulatory bodies
Represent the company in industry trade associations (e.g., food processing, agriculture, and manufacturing coalitions)
Lead community and public affairs across the five divisions' operating footprints - critical in a region where water access, labor, and land use are politically sensitive
Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments (food safety, environmental, labor/immigration, trade policy) and translate them into business risk/opportunity briefings for the C-suite
Manage crisis communications and reputational risk in coordination with Corporate Communications/PR
Collaborate and provide strategic recommendations on corporate philanthropy, community investment, and external messaging
Build coalitions with local chambers of commerce, economic development groups, and agricultural associations
Represent the company on relevant boards/commissions as needed
Manage external and internal team and department budget, as applicable.
Minimum:
10-12+ years in government relations, public affairs, or regulatory roles, ideally within food/beverage, agriculture, or CPG manufacturing
Established relationships with California state officials and/or the federal delegation; Central Valley/Sacramento network a strong plus
Experience navigating multi-division or multi-plant manufacturing operations
