Summary: Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) is a progressive, grassroots membership organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for farmers, rural communities and all people through advocacy, education and cooperative endeavors. Wisconsin Farmers Union works with individuals at the county, state, and national level to support economic democracy, sustain economically viable family farms, support new farmers, reduce concentration in the market, protect ecological systems, increase transparency in the value chain, and ensure that the voices of family farmers and rural allies are heard by policymakers.
Brief Description: The Policy Coordinator works under the direction of the Government Relations Director. The coordinator engages WFU members and other stakeholders in policy initiatives that reflect the priorities of WFU's grassroots membership, in particular the Special Orders of Business adopted annually at the State Convention.
Responsibilities include:
- Advocate and lobby for WFU's grassroots policy at the state and federal level.
- Communicate regularly with members of Congress, state legislators, staff and government agencies.
- Build relationships and work in coalition with diverse groups of stakeholders to advance WFU's policy priorities.
- Engage WFU members in state and federal policy by providing opportunities to meet with lawmakers, testify at hearings, and submit written comments.
- Hold conference calls, webinars, and in-person meetings and events to educate and engage farmers in policy issues.
- Assist with the grassroots policy development and resolutions review process.
- Coordinate the annual WFU Farm and Rural Lobby Day and assist with the National Farmers Union Fly-In.
- Facilitate and provide support to issue-based campaigns, such as the Dairy Together initiative and any future projects.
- Respond to media inquiries and represent WFU's positions in print, radio, and television publications.
- Collaborate with the WFU Communications Team on newsletter articles, press releases, statements, and editorials about current policy initiatives.
- Attend meetings, conferences, and events around Wisconsin and outside of the state.
Experience:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
- Ability to work as a member of a team.
- Self-starter, capable of working with minimal supervision.
- Experience interacting with farmers and rural residents is beneficial.
- Knowledge of and experience in agriculture is highly valued.
- Interest in the news and current events on both the state and federal level.
- Understanding state and federal government and their processes is required.
- Lobbying, legislative, or organizing experience preferred.
- Sensitivity to racial and economic justice is a must.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in agricultural economics, agricultural communications, political science, public relations, public administration, public affairs, or comparable education and experience is required. Two years of experience in a related field is preferred.
Compensation & Work Environment:
Salary $45-52,000/year. Position based in Madison, WI. Regular work day hours, with flexibility to attend evening and weekend events as required, especially during the legislative session. Medical, dental, vision, life, long and short-term disability insurance, employer contribution to a Simple IRA retirement account, and generous paid time off package provided.
Application process:
Please submit a PDF cover letter, résumé, one to three-page writing sample, and three references to Michelle Ramirez-White, WFU Government Relations Director (mramirezwhite@wisconsinfarmersunion.com) by July 14, 2024.
Non-Discrimination Statement:
Wisconsin Farmers Union prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, family/parental status, age, disability, socio-economic or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These include employment, youth and adult programs, membership, selection of vendors, appointment of board members and selection of grantees, volunteers and representatives