Programs & Policy Manager

Job Title:

Programs & Policy Manager

Location:

Madison, Wisconsin (Hybrid)

Organization:

Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association

About Us

WCMA is a leading national trade association representing the interests of dairy processors and their supplier partners in industry.  We are dedicated to supporting the growth, innovation, and sustainability of dairy businesses, and we work to ensure our members have the resources and representation necessary to thrive in a dynamic and competitive global marketplace.

Job Overview:

WCMA seeks a dynamic, skilled Programs & Policy Manager to join our close-knit, productive team.  This role provides the opportunity to shape and advance our legislative and regulatory priorities, while effectively communicating our mission, values, and achievements to stakeholders and government leaders.  The position also includes communications and events support work, connecting you with dairy industry leaders.  The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who cares about the details, a team player, and service-oriented. Strong verbal and written communications skills are a must, and past working experience in state or federal government is preferred.  Our new hire will report directly to WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy Rebekah Sweeney.

Responsibilities:

Advocacy

• Assist the Senior Director in the development and implementation of legislative strategies at the local, state and federal level.
• Meet and collaborate with elected officials to support WCMA’s expanded advocacy efforts.
• Support the Senior Director in advocacy efforts by coordinating activities to identify and deepen relationships with key stakeholders, including elected officials and government agencies, including but not limited to WCMA’s annual Advocacy Day event, summer processing plant tours, and media events to increase awareness and secure support for WCMA priorities. Develop new activities with the Senior Director.
• Identify and research legislative and regulatory issues of concern to WCMA members at the local, state, and federal level.
• Assist the Senior Director by drafting briefings, comments, and policy documents to be shared with legislators and regulators or delivered as testimony by members in hearings.
• Support Senior Director’s efforts to partner with other manufacturing and agricultural entities, attending relevant meetings with external stakeholders as a representative of WCMA.
• Create, update annual legislative directory for WCMA members.
• Write, distribute new state- and federal-level Capitol newsletter-style briefings on a quarterly basis, to boost WCMA profile and increase awareness of our policy priorities.
• Identify opportunities for grassroots engagement, and support member outreach efforts to boost direct advocacy participation.
• Report lobbying activities as required.

Communications

• Manage WCMA website updates, including content pages, events pages, and jobs board postings.
• Support creation and execution of social media content.
• Support creation of newsletters, Constant Contact emails, and news releases.
• Assist in member database maintenance projects.
• Support execution of WCMA webinars.

Other Program Support

• Manage WCMA scholarship programs.

• Manage online event/registration pages on WCMA website for WCMA. Committees/Workgroups/Trainings/Annual Meeting.  
• Support technical execution of WCMA Committees/Workgroups/Trainings/Annual Meeting .
• Support execution of World and U.S. Championship Cheese Contests.
• Support execution of CheeseExpo and CheeseCon.
• Second on phones, web inquiries, mail processing.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience in federal or state government, policy advocacy, and/or communications roles.
• Exceptional written and verbal skills with the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, accessible language.
• Proven ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders of all political perspectives, including industry leaders, government officials, and media representatives.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including generous paid leave, premium health care coverage, and more!
• A positive, collaborative, and supportive work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A hybrid schedule, meaning an individual may choose to work remotely up to two days per week.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample demonstrating your ability to communicate policy issues effectively to rsweeney@wischeesemakers.org.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Note:

WCMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to offering an inclusive environment for all employees.