Director, International Programs and Policy

POSITION DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

ASTA represents nearly 700 members in the U.S. seed industry and works with partners in the U.S. and globally to promote international policy alignment on issues affecting seed trade.  As a member of the ASTA international team, the Director will serve as the lead on implementing ASTA’s international programming across five continents to ensure that activities move forward in a timely and successful manner. The Director will have an opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics impacting the seed sector; travel to international and domestic meetings with seed companies, government representatives, and stakeholders; and lead implementation of ASTA’s grant programs to promote U.S. seed exports.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the administration and implementation of ASTA’s international programs to support ASTA international policy priorities. Working with ASTA’s senior staff, the Director will:
  • Manage ASTA’s export promotion activities that receive funding support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development (FMD) program, Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), and others.
  • Lead contracting, budgeting, accounting, and record keeping related to ASTA programming. Manage and approve expenditures, coordinate documentation for compliance, and lead ASTA’s review and implementation of programs.
  • Schedule meetings, prepare itineraries, and draft required documents for ASTA delegations traveling overseas.
  • Draft strategy documents and grant applications that support ASTA’s international programming.
  • Develop internal and external communications related to ASTA’s international activities, including, but not limited to materials for ASTA’s website and Better Seed Bulletin Newsletters, success stories and annual reports, and reports for monthly, quarterly, or semiannual meetings of ASTA committees and working groups.
  • Serve as the administrative and program liaison between ASTA and partners implementing international activities.
• Manage several ASTA country working groups that provide strategic policy direction on issues impacting U.S. seed trade.
• Assist in drafting policy recommendations for use with domestic and foreign government officials on a range of scientific and technical issues, including plant breeding innovation, intellectual property rights, sanitary and phytosanitary policies, and others.
• Travel to and provide administrative support at ASTA’s annual domestic meetings.
• Perform other duties as may be requested.

REPORTS TO:

ASTA’s Senior Director of International Programs and Policy and Senior Vice President of Scientific Affairs and Policy. This position is non-exempt.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates with a background in the agricultural sector and the ability to engage on scientific and technical issues related to the seed sector are strongly encouraged to apply. Strong candidates will be able to demonstrate the ability to write grants and analyze international market trends related to agricultural trade. Candidates should be detail-oriented, excel at working in teams, and have excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.  The candidate must be people oriented and willing to work closely with ASTA Staff, ASTA members, and foreign delegations.  Foreign language skills are beneficial.  Domestic travel will be required (3-4 trips per year), and the candidate will be expected to participate in international travel as their role progresses (1-3 trips per year).

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years of relevant post-graduate experience in agricultural policy, grant management, and/or government affairs interacting on regulatory and trade issues; or

Candidates with a Ph.D. in an agricultural-related field and 1-3 years in post-graduate experience working in science policy or a related field.

POSITION LOCATION:

Alexandria, VA

Please send a resume, cover letter, and references to ajorss@betterseed.org. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.