Congressional Research Service - Healthcare Financing Analyst

Washington, D.C.

Description:

• The Congressional Research Service (CRS) Office of Domestic Social Policy Division (DSP) is seeking an Analyst in Health Care Financing for its Health Insurance and Financing (HIF) Section, a unit that covers Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, and private health insurance.

Duties:

• We expect this analyst to work on HIF’s Medicaid team, which covers all aspects of the program including eligibility, benefits, service delivery, and financing.
• CRS analysts work in a dynamic environment providing real-time support to Congress across all phases of the legislative process including preparing written analysis and providing information through consultations, formal briefings, and other meetings. The work often requires rapid response to emerging policy issues during the legislative process.
• DSP’s Health Insurance and Financing Section covers Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, and private health insurance. We expect this analyst to work on the section’s Medicaid team, which covers all aspects of the program including eligibility, benefits, service delivery, and financing. Applicants should have experience conducting analysis of issues related to one or more areas covered by the section (Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, and/or private health insurance). While all candidates with substantive knowledge in any of these areas are encouraged to apply, the ideal candidate will have substantive knowledge of the Medicaid program—including relevant legislation and regulation—and experience researching Medicaid policy issues.
• Strong research, writing, and presentation skills and the ability to work as part of a collaborative team and to be responsive under time pressure are essential for success in this position. Experience with quantitative research is desirable, but not required.
• Analyst duties include:
• Preparing objective, non-partisan analytical studies, descriptive background reports, memoranda, and other written materials on public policy issues of national significance that are within the employee's area of professional knowledge.
• Providing personal consultation to congressional committees, Members, and staff on public policy issues throughout the legislative process by providing information and analysis orally and in writing, and applying professional subject-area knowledge.
• Participating in CRS seminars, workshops, and/or outreach programs for committees, Members, and staff.
• Participating in or leading team research projects and seminars.
• Locating and providing information requested by Members and committees of Congress or their staff.
• The employee is also expected to develop over time the skills necessary to provide public policy and legislative analysis and consultation to congressional committees, Members, and staff at increasingly sophisticated levels. Given the breadth of Medicaid policy that DSP covers for Congress, analysts must be capable of working on a range of issues in a portfolio that will likely evolve over time.
• CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for over a century.
• CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation’s best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and committees.

Requirements:

• Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.
• Knowledge of Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, and/or private health insurance.
• Ability to analyze public policy issues.
• Ability to write in a public policy context.
• Ability to convey analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations and other presentations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Ability to exercise objectivity in all phases of analysis and consultation.
• Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

For more information, click here.

Plant Based Foods Association - Policy Analyst

Description:

• The Plant Based Foods Association represents over 160 company members including many of the nation’s leading brands. Our mission is to build a solid foundation for the plant-based foods industry to succeed and thrive.
• We are seeking a talented, outgoing, experienced policy analyst, who can build on our early momentum and support our growing community of passionate business leaders. You will help advance our state policy agenda, with a focus on agriculture, in coordination with PBFA’s state-level lobbyist and reporting to the executive director. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to help grow this young industry.

Duties: 

• Research and maintain data to identify top agricultural ingredients in PBFA members’ foods
• Develop and maintain robust tools to map locations of PBFA members and ingredient supply chain
• Research potential agricultural policy levers to support input ingredients
• Develop relationships with key contacts in states to advance agricultural opportunities
• Develop relationships with PBFA ingredient supply members and non-members
• Assist with mobilizing members and non-members to support our state-level policy agenda.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, law, agriculture policy; graduate degree preferred
• At least three years of experience in legislative advocacy or similar policy experience
• Extensive knowledge of food and agricultural policy issues, especially at the state level
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with multiple stakeholders and in across political spectrum
• Exceptional writing and oral presentation skills, superior ability to communicate policy concepts
• Experience with mapping tools, or demonstrated ability to manage complex mapping projects
• Self-motivated, creative problem solver with ability to prioritize under multiple deadlines
• Passion for promoting plant-based foods.
•  Must be able and willing to work remotely. 
• Some travel required, may be extensive at times depending on activity.

For more information, click here.

Feeding America - General Counsel

Chicago, IL

Description:

• We are a national, nonprofit organization and the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, our mission is to feed America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger.
• The Chief of Staff and General Counsel will be responsible for working closely with the CEO to set strategic priorities and effectively manage the CEO’s time ensuring highest and best use in service of Feeding America’s mission and ensuring the efficient operation of the executive office. The Chief of Staff and General Counsel will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of board development and governance. This role will also be responsible for directing Feeding America’s legal affairs. The Chief of Staff & General Council will serve as a member of the Executive Team.

Duties:

• Chief of Staff
• Work with the CEO and other leaders to set strategic priorities for the CEO’s time and identify areas where the CEO should direct their focus. Working with the administrative support team, strategically manage the CEO’s calendar building long-term meeting and plans, assessing their fit against priorities.
• Ensure the CEOs' involvement in project or decision-making processes takes place at key times, where their input and authority are most needed. Coordinate access to the CEO with key internal and external stakeholders maintaining positive relationships and ensuring stakeholders feel valued and heard.
• Communicate directly, and on behalf of the CEO, with Board members, donors, Foundation staff, and others on matters related to the Office of the CEO. Attend key meetings and special events with the CEO, both on and off-site and represent the CEO at key meetings and events when required.
• Prepare the CEO for upcoming meetings by ensuring they have all the information necessary to be productive and engaged. Capture takeaways from meetings, identify key themes and implications for the CEO’s consideration. Ensure follow-up with relevant stakeholders as needed.
• Work directly with the CEO to plan, coordinate and conduct meetings of the Executive Team. Work with the Chief Human Resources Officer to plan, coordinate and conduct meetings of the Senior Management Group. Communicate with participants, ensuring objectives and agenda items are published in advance, materials needed to support key decisions are shared, and follow-up items are completed in a timely fashion.
• Conduct outreach to other national organizations and organize convenings on behalf of the CEO. Make high-level contacts of a complex and confidential nature both inside and outside the organization.
• Research, explore and develop new opportunities as requested by the CEO. Synthesize data, draft proposals, write reports and respond to requests for information, including answering complex inquiries requiring detailed knowledge of organizational strategies, policies and priorities.
• Board Governance
• Direct the development of a plan for the board and its respective committees for each fiscal year, including focus areas and key decisions that will guide the design of each board engagement throughout the year and oversee the implementation of that plan.
• Direct the development of board agendas for quarterly board meetings with an emphasis on generative discussion and clear board actions. Ensure the EVP & COO, CFO and CHRO are engaged to incorporate the priorities and progress of various board committees into the design of board agendas.
• Work with the CEO to develop agendas for monthly call between board chair and CEO ensuring the supporting materials are available.
• Oversee the design and execution of strategic retreats to help the board reassess vision and mission, evaluate and establish outcomes, understand and help shape key strategies.
• General Counsel
• Serve as the top legal officer for the organization providing legal advice and counsel, engaging external counsel as needed for support.
• Direct the development and implementation of policies and procedures that ensure organizational compliance with best practices related to trademark registration and protection, third-party contractual arrangements and other legal matters.
• Oversee Feeding America’s supplier diversity program.

Requirements:

• BA/BS and a JD degree or relevant experience
• Significant experience working in complex administrative roles (chief of staff or similar role) working directly for a CEO or other C-Suite leader
• Foundational Competencies
• Mission Focused - Embodies Feeding America’s mission to end hunger and brings the mission to life through words and actions. Sets organizational vision and strategy keeping people facing hunger at the center. Makes organizational and strategic decisions focused broadly on what is best for our shared mission.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Demonstrates a commitment to an organization that values different backgrounds and life experiences through word and action. Builds culture and process to ensure that everyone can bring their authentic self to work and feels welcome and valued. Builds equity into vision, strategy and operating goals focused on our employees and the communities we serve. Builds equity into structure, systems and processes for our employees and the communities we serve. Committed to continuous personal EDI development and shares personal journey openly with others to support organization and individual growth.

For more information, click here.

American Farmland Trust - Mid-Atlantic Regional Director

Washington, D.C.

Description:

• American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. 
• Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of farmland and ranchland, and reduced development pressure on over 300 million additional acres. We have championed environmentally sound farming practices that are used on farms of all sizes across the nation and we've had a positive impact on over 500,000 farmers and ranchers.
• The Mid-Atlantic Regional Director (Director) position offers an exciting opportunity to help shape and carry out the strategic agenda of a growing, forward-looking conservation organization. The Director will provide strategic leadership for American Farmland Trust’s programs in the Mid-Atlantic Region, with an emphasis on Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
• The Director will report to the Vice President for Programs and have the option of working in AFT’s National Office in Washington, DC or at a home office in the region.  The Director will initially be responsible for managing two staff and a network of consultants and a budget of approximately $550,000 with substantial opportunities for growth in the future.

Duties:

• Primary responsibilities for the Mid-Atlantic Director will include:
• Programs
• Develop and lead programs to advance AFT’s mission to save the land that sustains us by protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land.  Of significance will be playing a leadership role in AFT’s programs focused on improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay while sustaining agricultural viability. 
• Work closely with the Vice President for Programs and National Initiative Leaders to adapt and integrate AFT’s national initiatives with opportunities in the Mid-Atlantic Region. 
• Build and manage relationships with external stakeholders including agriculture, food and public health, environment, economic development and other constituencies.
• Experience working with diverse communities of farmers, landowners and other stakeholders is preferred.
• Fundraising
• Play a leadership role in fundraising for AFT across the Mid-Atlantic Region.
• Coordinate with AFT’s development staff regarding individual and institutional fundraising strategy, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop funding proposals and reports and completion of other activities within identified deadlines.
• Communications
• Work with AFT’s Communications staff to develop and implement strategies to raise the visibility of the organization’s programs in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
• Management and Administration
• Develop annual workplans and budgets for the Mid-Atlantic Region.
• Achieve goals identified in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Workplan and staff individual development plans. 
• Supervise and support a diverse team of AFT staff and consultants.
• Manage project budgets, financial statements and reports.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• The Director must be outgoing and energetic and have direct professional experience working with primary constituencies, such as farmers, landowners, public officials, agricultural and conservation organizations and land trusts.  The individual must have knowledge of agricultural stewardship and viability, farmland protection, and/or farmland access and farm transfer techniques, preferably in the Mid-Atlantic Region.  It is also strongly preferred that the Director have direct experience working with diverse communities of farmers and landowners such as farmers of color, beginning farmers and women landowners. 
• The Director must be entrepreneurial, self-motivated, and willing to work in a fast-paced work environment. The successful candidate will have work experience in developing programs as well as creating and executing effective fundraising strategies. Excellent communication skills (public presentation, phone, writing, partner relations) and creativity are essential. Facility with the Microsoft Office is required – additional computer skills preferred.
• A BA or BS degree and a minimum of 7 years of related work experience in public policy, planning, agriculture, land conservation or natural resource planning. Or, 5 years of related work experience with an advanced degree in one or more of the disciplines noted.
• Understanding of effective fundraising with individual and institutional funding partners.
• Previous experience with supervising staff and consultants, including from remote locations, is beneficial.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating projects and budgets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to work independently and travel across the Mid-Atlantic Region. 

For more information, click here.

National Ag Law Center - Staff Attorney Positions in Fayetteville, Arkansas

The National Agricultural Law Center, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas is seeking two new staff attorneys, with work focusing on Finance & Credit and on Food Law.

Finance & Credit Position:

The Staff Attorney will assist with research and writing activities that further the national mission of the National Agricultural Law Center, with a primary emphasis on agricultural finance and credit issues impacting the agricultural and food sectors. This includes relevant aspects of the Uniform Commercial Code (i.e., Article 9 and Article 2), agricultural liens (including statutory trusts under Packers and Stockyards Act and the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act), and bankruptcy/debt management. Staff Attorney will report to Senior Staff Attorneys and, as needed, oversee work of one or more Center Research Fellows. Staff Attorney must have demonstrated excellent legal research and writing skills, and have the ability to work independently as well as closely with Center staff, as needed. This is a 2-year position contingent upon continued funding and performance.

https://jobs.uark.edu/postings/37684

Food Safety and Labeling Position:

The Staff Attorney will assist with research and writing activities that further the national mission of the National Agricultural Law Center, with an emphasis on food safety and labeling issues impacting the agricultural and food sectors. Staff Attorney will report to Senior Staff Attorneys and, as needed, oversee work with one or more Center Research Fellows. Staff Attorney must have demonstrated excellent legal research and writing skills, and have the ability to work independently as well as closely with Center staff, as needed. This is a 2-year position contingent upon continued funding and performance.

https://jobs.uark.edu/postings/37683

New Mexico Legal Aid - Agricultural Worker Program Staff Attorney

Description:

• NMLAs Centro Legal Campesino provides free civil legal aid to agricultural workers throughout the state -- predominantly in the south and southeast. NMLA case priorities include wage theft, employment discrimination and harassment, workplace health and safety violations, civil rights abuses, and immigration relief for survivors of violence and human trafficking.

Duties:

• The Staff Attorney will provide effective legal services to enforce agricultural workers rights. Advocacy tasks include:
• Multi-faceted advocacy to support project initiatives (Wage Justice Agricultural Guest Workers, Workplace Health & Safety, Labor Trafficking)
• Outreach in rural areas and at farmworker community centers across New Mexico and at the El Paso/Juarez border
• Case development and litigation in federal and state courts for claims under the Agricultural Worker Protection Act and federal and state wage laws
• Advice, counsel, and representation as appropriate for farmworkers before administrative agencies for wage theft and health and safety violations
• Advice, counsel, and representation as appropriate for farmworkers in poverty law practice areas (public benefits, unemployment insurance, housing, and consumer)
• Development of community legal education materials and conduct Know Your Rights presentations and participatory workshops
• Work in strategic partnerships, including co-counseling relationships, with other legal services and advocacy organizations
• Development and strengthening relationships with community agencies
• Participation in state-wide, regional, and national coalitions and taskforces

Requirements: 

• Fluency (or high proficiency) in Spanish and English
• Ability to work effectively as part of team
• Collaborative work ethic
• Passion and energy to confront systemic injustices faced by farmworker communities
• Experience working with marginalized individuals and populations, especially immigrants
• Commitment to a client-centered approach to advocacy and working on challenging issues in a compassionate and sensitive manner
• Willingness and ability to do evening and weekend work, especially in harvest season, and to travel throughout New Mexico and to the El Paso/Juarez border region.

For more information, click here.

National Farmer's Union - Government Relations Director

Description:

• The Government Relations (GR) Director’s primary focus is to supervise and lead the GR team, lobby members of Congress, congressional staff and appropriate federal agencies. The GR Director will provide background research, draft policy documents and correspondence, and disseminate information to Congress, the administration and National Farmers Union members. This individual will represent National Farmers Union with outside organizations, coalitions, and the media.

Duties:

• Supervise and lead the GR team on policy matters 
• Lobby members of Congress, congressional staff and federal agencies. Assist with developing and enhancing relationships with members
• Coordinate the development and implementation of a comprehensive policy strategy
• Create, lead and help execute strategic plans on issue campaigns, including direction of advocacy and relationship with legislators and federal agencies
• Represent National Farmers Union (NFU) at coalition meetings and coordinate joint efforts with outside organizations
• Draft correspondence to the administration, federal agencies and Congress on requested issues
• Provide issues updates via memo to NFU leadership and conduct research for background facts, history and data. Develop charts and graphs for use in testimonies, comments, press and talking points
• Research and prepare written testimony for congressional hearings and comments on federal rule making process
• Provide timely and substantive background materials for NFU communication needs. Work with the team to articulate NFU policy positions in a clear and compelling manner.
• Create background materials and draft outlines in conjunction with the Communications Department for all NFU presentations
• Represent NFU with the media on requested issues
• Communicate with the board of directors on policy issues
• Assist with the coordination and management of NFU events that impact policy advocacy which includes the Policy Committee, Fly-In and NFU Convention

Requirements:

• Strong knowledge and understanding of agricultural policy and practices
• Working knowledge of federal policy-making process
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and effective listing skills
• Superior interpersonal and relationship building skills. Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment and interact effectively with all levels across the organization
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement comprehensive strategies
• Exceptional planning, organizing and prioritization skills, and follow-up skills
• Outstanding attention to detail, knowledge retention and ability to recall large amounts of detailed information
• Professional presentation and demeanor. Ability to positively and professionally represent the organization at events and with the media
• Ability to be flexible, shift priorities and adapt quickly to changes
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage projects and assignments with competing priorities, deadlines and demands
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills. Ability to assess a situation, gather information and apply logic and critical thinking skills to evaluate risks and determine an appropriate course of action
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to understand when to escalate matters to the next level and/or seek guidance
• Strong leadership abilities, and ability to learn and acquire new concepts and/or skills quickly
• Ability to travel to domestically, as needed
• Bachelor’s degree required. Additional education is a plus
• Relevant legislative experience and/or experience working with federal agencies’
• Prior experience developing and implementing short-term and long-term strategies

To apply,  please submit a cover letter and resume to employment@nfudc.org by November 15, 2019. Please add “Government Relations Director” in the subject line of the email.

American Farmland Trust - New York Policy Associate

Saratoga Springs, NY

Description:

• American Farmland Trust is a national organization dedicated to saving the land that sustains us by protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land.  Since our founding, AFT has helped protect more than 6 million acres of farmland and led the way for the adoption of conservation practices on millions more.  AFT’s New York State office was established in 1990 as the state is home to some of the most threatened farmland in the nation.
• The New York Policy Associate position offers an exciting opportunity to help carry out the policy agenda of a growing, forward-looking agricultural conservation organization. The Policy Associate will work closely with the New York Policy Manager, the AFT Policy team, consultants and external partners to advocate for policies and programs that save the land that sustains us, including:
• Permanently protecting farmland in New York;
• Supporting a new generation of farmers in finding land and getting started in farming in New York;
• Building the ability for public institutions, like K-12 schools, to increase their purchasing of NY grown, fresh and minimally processed food;
• Accelerating siting of renewable energy to support farm businesses while protecting productive farmland; and
• Helping farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change.
• The Policy Associate will support broader efforts to develop and grow these programs. They will have the opportunity to work across teams within AFT’s New York Office, as well as with external partners including farmers, landowners, agricultural professionals, and institutional leaders.   

Duties:

• The New York Policy Associate’s duties and responsibilities will include:
• Attending and participating in advocacy meetings including handling scheduling; assisting with preparation of materials, agenda, and presentations; notetaking during meetings; and supporting follow-up communications;
• Coordinating event logistics for advocacy days, such as scheduling meetings, reserving event space, coordinating catering;
• Organizing signatures from partner organizations for letters of support for key policies and programs;
• Drafting emails and event invitations to key state leaders and lawmakers;
• Assisting with policy research among a growing portfolio, including farm to institution, farmland protection, farmland access, renewable energy siting, and soil health initiatives that help farmers combat climate change;
• Helping to coordinate programs for a diversity of stakeholders across multiple formats, such as webinars, networking events, and educational workshops;
• Responding to email and phone inquiries from farmers, landowners, organizations, and the public;
• Assisting with coordinating internal meetings and communications to ensure timely completion of program activities;
• Helping to build farmer engagement with advancing AFT’s policy agenda by phone or email and attending conferences with the Policy Manager;
• Assisting with content development and delivery for social media campaigns, virtual lobby days, regular email updates, and other digital communications; and
• Supporting the development and drafting of stories of farmers and others that are engaged in AFT’s programs.

Requirements:

• The New York Policy Associate must be outgoing and energetic, organized, a good researcher, and capable of working well independently as well as part of a team. 
• The Policy Associate will need to be comfortable regularly interacting with a diverse audience - including elected officials and their staff; state leaders; farmers; organizations in the agricultural, environmental, school, public health, and renewable energy sectors; and others.  Additional qualifications include:
• Work experience equivalent or degree in political science, policy, agriculture, environment, natural resource planning, food systems or related fields;
• Excellent research skills and ability to summarize difficult concepts succinctly;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks, stay organized and ability to work independently;
• Facility with Microsoft Office is required;
• Additional computer skills, including experience with web design, Salsa, social media or GIS are preferred;
• Familiarity with State and/or Local policy making process; and
• Willingness to undertake limited work travel by car. 

For more information, click here.