Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is a statewide organization that strives to enable Illinois soybean producers to be the most knowledgeable and profitable soybean producers in the world.

The Environmental Policy Coordinator will coordinate with relevant stakeholders and build relationships in support of the ISA’s environmental policy objectives. This position will handle the analysis of key issues and execute organization strategies to support farmers on environmental policy issues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with the ISA Gov. Relations and Agronomy teams to coordinate actions for and positions on key environmental policy. Serve as a liaison between the two departments and develop strong interconnection between policy and agronomic efforts.
• Develop expertise in key areas such as environmental programs, USDA agency regulation, USDA farm programs, crop insurance, ag inputs regulation, in addition to other areas as assigned.
• Represent the organization at industry and associated meetings eg. IEPA NLRS, NREC, ISAP, Soil Health Week, and other groups.  
• Supports ISG advocating policy positions before the state legislature and state administrative agencies through direct lobbying, coordinating lobbying efforts among similarly interested groups.
• Researches, drafts, analyzes, and monitors proposed legislation and administrative regulations, and drafts amendments for the same. Analyzes and summarizes legislation for leaders, legislative publications, electronic publications, and ISA communications; provides information on pending legislation to the Government Relations Committee.
• Works to apply agronomic data and perspectives into policy operations.
• Reviews, researches, and analyses impacts of carbon reduction programs on Illinois farmers and advises the organization on their impact.
• Play a role in all relevant governmental affairs working groups with the appropriate trade and membership associations.

Competencies

• Able to work independently or cooperatively with others on a team.
• Ability to analyze problems, develop a path toward problem solving, and manage the process to completion.
• Capacity to make decisions and communication with tact and professionalism.
• Strong multi-tasking skills with a comfort in maintaining multiple, often conflicting priorities.
• Strong written and oral communications with internal and external audiences.
• Strong relationship building skills and ability to thrive within a rapidly changing environment.
• Experience in developing and implementing sponsored, community initiatives.
• Works well under pressure with an ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to focus both on detail and the larger picture. Exhibits a high level of critical/strategic thinking.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, agronomy, ag policy, or related field.
• Graduate’s degree in agronomy or crop sciences is encouraged.
• 3+ years in agronomic programs, public policy, or corporate public affairs experience.
• Moderate understanding of U.S., Illinois, and local government; including structure, key decisionmakers, and process.

 

Physical Requirements

• Normal office working conditions.
• Must be available to travel offsite for meetings/events when necessary.
• Must be available after hours and weekends to trouble shoot problems that may arise.
• Some physical demands – may need to lift between 35-50 lbs.