Government Affairs Director, State Relations

Benefits Overview

A career at CoBank can offer you the opportunity to make a personal impact on the people and communities where we do business. In order to be the best, we hire the best!

Benefits Offered by CoBank

• Careers with a purpose
• Time-Off Packages, 20 days of vacation, 10 paid sick days and 11 paid holidays
• Competitive Compensation & Incentive
• Hybrid work model: flexible arrangements for most positions
• Benefits Packages, including Medical, Dental and Vision coverage, Disability, AD&D, and Life Insurance
• Robust associate training and development with CoBank University
• Tuition reimbursement for higher education
• Outstanding 401k: up to 6% matching and additional 3% non-elective contribution & Student Loan Match
• Community Impact: United Way Angel Day, Volunteer Day and Associate Directed Contribution
• Associate Resource Groups: creating a culture of respect and inclusion
• Recognize a fellow associate through our GEM awards

Job Description

Serves as the lead liaison on state governmental issues. Reports to Vice President of Government Relations. Represents CoBank at various state legislative events. Monitors and helps develop industry relations, political engagement and grassroot support for CoBank-supported policy positions at the state level of government. Represents CoBank externally and works with state elected officials and industry partners. When state legislatures conclude for the year, supports the Government Relations team in other activities.

Essential Functions

• Represents CoBank in state capitols and at state industry meetings. Works with and represents the government affairs team with state industry organizations and coalition partners.
• Utilizes credibility and experience to execute real-time decision-making in a complex and fast-paced legislative environment. Lobbies at the state level when necessary.
• Tracks relevant legislation and regulatory developments on the state level. Works with government affairs team to develop and execute legislative strategy. Leads strategic plan when executing various legislative proposals and works with industry groups on strategy.
• Maintains full awareness and knowledge of activities in state legislatures working to protect CoBank’s mission.
• Utilizes strong network-building to establish grassroots coalitions on legislation that impacts CoBank’s business outcomes.
• Participates in special projects and performs duties that support the execution of the government affairs responsibilities. Serves as the lead and often the sole representative of CoBank at state legislative events.
• Hosts customers and external organizations in the office, managing reservations and meeting planning.
• Coordinates with banking teams to identify and then address state level policy challenges and support the team in their state-focused business development activities.
• Identifies and cultivates potential champions among stakeholders in states of significant interest to the business lines to link the bank and the stakeholders to advance our opportunities in policy and business.
• Works closely with corporate communications to monitor, coordinate and deliver social media engagement when appropriate for state activities.
• Facilitates collaboration with Farm Credit partners on legislative issues, leading CoBank’s participation in each state’s legislative plan.
• Ensures compliance with relevant political and election law requirements (state or federal), filing reports on behalf of the government affairs team when required.
• Facilitates regular meetings with affiliated Farm Credit associations and manage team calendars for collaboration and team meetings.
• Assists in training advocacy class for the yearly CoBank Ambassador Program, helping with website creation and content development.
• Performs minor administrative tasks, when appropriate.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Agriculture, or Business required

Work Experience

• 12 years of experience related to policy monitoring or crafting required
• Experience working with state legislative bodies and statewide organizations that represent industry leaders and groups preferred
• Has strong relationships with Farm Credit and a background in agriculture policy.
• Able to work collaboratively and build partnerships and lasting relationships.
• Must be comfortable with working remotely and traveling when needed to address state issues.

Travel Requirement Details

Regular Travel occurs on a consistent basis (typically, once a week or every other week).

About CoBank

The base pay range for this role is between $146,500 - $180,100. Compensation may vary based on individual job-related knowledge, skills, expertise, and experience. This position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive program driven by organization and individual performance.The listed salary, other compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. This job will be posted for a minimum of five (5) business days or until the position is filled. CoBank reserves the right to adjust compensation for all positions and to modify or discontinue benefits programs at any time in its sole discretion, subject to applicable law.

CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 76,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country. CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

We are committed to ensuring that our online application process provides an equal employment opportunity to all applicants, including qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are an applicant with a disability, or are assisting an applicant with a disability, and require accessibility assistance or would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any aspect of the application process, including completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please submit a request by emailing Include your contact information and specific details about your requested accommodation.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

CoBank is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.