Government Affairs
This position will be based in Alexandria, VA at ASTA’s headquarters. Candidates must be available to attend an ASTA meeting, dependent upon the internship term: Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference (January/February); Leadership Summit (June); Field Crop Seed Convention (December).
Key duties/job functions include:
- Monitor Congressional Activity
- Attend House and Senate Hearings
- Track and analyze priority legislation
- Assist with tracking and mapping Members of Congress
- Identify Members that are key seed industry representatives through constituency and leadership positions
- Monitor Administration Activity
- Participate and monitor Agency briefings and stakeholder events
- Track and analyze priority regulatory activity at agencies including USDA and the EPA
- Support ASTA Policy Efforts
- Support efforts in ag industry coalitions
- Help with policy research on key issues, including Farm Bill priorities
- Assist in the management, coordination, and execution of projects within ASTA’s internal committees
- Identify and collaborate with grower/farmer partners
- ASTA Conference Support
- Assist with pre-conference logistics and marketing
- Attend the conference and provide on-site support as assigned
- Participate in relevant student programming, including leadership development and advocacy sessions
Key desired skills include:
- Strong verbal and written communications skills
- Interest in agriculture and policy; completion of some agriculture policy coursework preferred
- Basic research experience preferred
- Ability to work independently and multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Willingness to take direction and learn new things
- Efficient in MS Office and Excel
- Organized, detail oriented and highly self-motivated