Vice President, Government Relations

Role Overview

• Develop and implement IFPA’s annual U.S. Public Policy Agenda, advancing priority issues with Congress, the Administration, and key federal agencies.
• Serve as liaison to Members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive branch agencies on U.S. policy priorities impacting the fresh produce and floral industry.
• Leverage existing and develop new relationships with high impact policymakers to drive timely, effective advocacy outcomes.
• Identify and elevate emerging U.S. policy issues and opportunities to position IFPA as an early and influential voice in policy debates.
• Execute strategic initiatives to increase member investment in political, advocacy, and grassroots activities, including PAC participation and targeted issue campaigns.
• Serve as Treasurer of IFPA’s political action committee, FreshPAC, ensuring strong governance, compliance, and strategic growth.
• Build and sustain active volunteer leadership networks prepared to engage policymakers and advocates on behalf of IFPA and the industry.
• Organize and lead the IFPA U.S. Council ecosystem, including the U.S. Policy Committee, FreshPAC, and U.S. Grassroots Committee.
• Develop, strategically engage in, and lead, as appropriate, U.S.-focused coalitions to advance IFPA’s priority policy interests and build consensus across industry and allied stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to modernize IFPA’s political, fundraising, grassroots, and campaign strategies to strengthen advocacy effectiveness.
• Work collaboratively with the Vice President of Food Safety and Regulatory Affairs, the Vice President of Nutrition and Health, and other public policy leaders to advance integrated advocacy strategies.
• Partner across the association—including Communications, Science and Technology, and Events—to ensure visibility of U.S. policy priorities and effective delivery of member advocacy objectives.
• Provide strategic leadership, mentorship, and professional development for the Government Relations, Advocacy, and Political Affairs team.
• Drive clear deliverables aligned with IFPA’s strategic plan and ensure high functioning team performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; minimum of 10 years’ experience in government relations, political advocacy, or related public policy roles.
• Demonstrated ability to engage association members and industry stakeholders on their terms and at an appropriate conversational level, with a strong customer‑service orientation and commitment to IFPA’s mission.
• Knowledge of agriculture or the food industry; experience with specialty crops, fresh produce, or florals strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of leading teams to deliver against strategic policy priorities.
• Strong communication and networking skills, including written, verbal, public speaking, and effective use of multiple media formats.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities in a fast‑paced environment, lead under pressure, and maintain strong organizational discipline and attention to detail.
• Extensive experience navigating national public policy and political networks.
• Experience working with, and preferably in, the U.S. Congress and/or the Executive Branch.
• Understanding trade associations and their role in advancing industry priorities.
• Passion for advancing increased consumption and reducing barriers for the fresh produce and floral sector, with a clear understanding of their role in public health, sustainability, and economic prosperity.

Benefits

• Some business-related travel, including rare international travel, is required.