Summary:  Position requires a broad skill set and encompasses a range of responsibilities that support the organizational goals of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation. This position is responsible for working with state and local policymakers on issues important to the agriculture industry in Montana, negotiating with lawmakers to achieve positive outcomes for Montana agriculture and engaging Farm Bureau membership in these efforts.

Position is located at the MFBF office in Bozeman, MT and is a permanent, full-time salaried position.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with the Senior Director of Governmental Affairs to organize and conduct lobbying efforts at the state level.
  • Engage Farm Bureau members in communicating with local and statewide lawmakers on issues of importance.
  • Serve as primary liaison between MFBF and state agencies.
  • Work with state agencies and attend legislative interim committee meetings.
  • Effectively communicate MFBF policy positions during the legislative session and the interim through public testimony, during meetings and through regular correspondence. 
  • Manage Voter Voice communication system to activate membership when appropriate.
  • Organize and prepare all election materials for MFBF Annual Convention.
  • Coordinate and facilitate Farm Bureau PAC, policy development activities and the Campaign Management School.

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

  • Knowledge and understanding of the mission, goals and organization of Farm Bureau is necessary but not required.
  • Previous experience in the field of governmental affairs is necessary.
  • Knowledge of agriculture is required; background in production agriculture is helpful but not required. 
  • Possess strategic and operational understanding of government procedures and processes at the state level and knowledge of public information and government relations concepts, principles, methodology, and techniques. 
  • Possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to deal credibly and effectively with state leadership, legislators, legislative staff, state agencies, other industry organizations and MFBF membership. 
  • Ability to exercise judgment, initiative, and independent decision-making. 
  • Ability to research the history, understand technical aspects, and provide detailed analysis of legislation.
  • Ability to read and analyze agency rules on diverse topics and develop comments for written and oral submission.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. 
  • Ability to travel in and out of state frequently.  
  • Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, boards of directors and MFBF membership.  
  • Possesses strong writing ability and is familiar with writing for blogs, press releases, opinion editorials and official comments on proposed regulations and rules.  

Possesses a keen attention to detail and exemplary time management skills.

Work Environment

  • MFBF fosters a supportive, fun and creative work environment. Employees are encouraged to utilize their own talents, experience and expertise to grow and develop programs and projects in their purview. 
  • Work is primarily independent, but must be able to work in a creative, collaborative style with other staff and often be willing to provide input, effort and time into projects and tasks as a group.
  • Communication, cooperation, and the ability to work as a team is essential.

Contact

For more information or to submit a resume contact: Scott Kulbeck, Executive Vice President, scottk@mfbf.org  with a copy to Diana Bailey, Executive Secretary/CFO, dianab@mfbf.org.