TITLE: Regulatory and Technical Affairs Associate Director

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Policy & Industry Advancement

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Full-time; Exempt

LOCATION: Remote Eligible

BASE SALARY RANGE: $93,755 - $140,633

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: For more information, visit www.irrigation.org, www.irrigationandlighting.org or www.irrigationtoday.org. Please submit a resume, brief letter introducing yourself, and any other relevant credentials by email to krisritter@irrigation.org.

About Us

The Irrigation Association is the leading trade association for irrigation equipment and system manufacturers, dealers, distributors, designers, consultants, contractors, and end users. We are committed to ensuring the Irrigation Association remains a central point for collectively elevating our interests and a unifying voice on the value that irrigation brings to green spaces and the food, fuel, fiber and feed that our nation and globe need. As the Irrigation Association positions itself to meet the future demands of its stakeholders and capture growth opportunities, we are improving our efforts to listen to and learn from our members so that we can become more agile and responsive and lead with foresight. 

We're driving innovation in sustainable irrigation practices while serving as the unified voice for our industry. As we evolve to meet future challenges and opportunities, we're seeking a tech-savvy, agile professional to join our dynamic team.

About You

The Regulatory and Technical Affairs Associate Director serves as a strategic bridge between the expertise that drives the irrigation industry and the programs, policies and outcomes that deliver value to the irrigation industry. This role requires a strong understanding of regulatory affairs, standards-setting processes and technical guidance, as well as the advocacy needed to influence these areas. Rather than acting as the subject matter expert or technical specialist, the Associate Director leverages, mobilizes and aligns subject matter experts, technical experts, and thought leaders to inform and amplify the IA’s work. By connecting industry knowledge and technical content to IA’s programs, the Associate Director will forge consensus, influence positive outcomes and ensure member priorities and innovation efforts are reflected in practical and usable resources, advocacy and guidance. With a focus on collaboration and strategic leadership, the Advisor will advance initiatives that foster a thriving industry, driving forward the research, standards, policies, and innovation that power IA’s mission and long-term impact.

We operate within a matrixed environment that places a strong emphasis on collaboration and adherence to established norms and business rules. As part of our team, you will manage and execute work across multiple business units and cross-functional teams, requiring you to navigate and contribute within a dynamic organizational structure. Success in this role hinges on your ability to communicate effectively, work cooperatively with diverse teams, and drive projects forward in alignment with our shared goals. We highly value teamwork, the ability to build strong relationships and a commitment to upholding our business principles.??

 Core responsibilities will include:

Regulatory Affairs

• Manage the IA’s federal, state and local regulatory agency engagement on programs and rulemakings to advance the IA’s policy positions and achieve desired regulatory outcomes, leveraging the full scope of the IA’s capabilities and demonstrating value to members.
• Develop constructive, respectful and effective relationships with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to achieve positive regulatory outcomes.
• Work across the policy team to ensure a coordinated approach to federal, state and local government relations activities.
• Create and execute strategic communications and thought leadership content to advance initiatives, including informing and collaborating on compelling messaging, collaborating on industry publications, and building partnerships to amplify organizational impact through various content formats and channels.

Research and Innovation

• Develop and help execute a robust, cohesive and focused standards and codes program.
• Manage industry’s participation in standards and code development initiatives, working with ASABE and/or other standard-setting bodies, volunteers and consultants.
• Manage IA and industry strategy and engagement with other policy-making organizations that impact the industry.
• Collaborate to ensure practical, and usable industry resources, as well as industry-leading technical and best practices
• Develop strategies to implement and advance the IA’s research program

Technical Advisement and Capacity Building

• Facilitate enterprise-wide technical advisement across the IA’s programs, products and services.
• Cultivate and engage industry subject matter experts, technical experts, and thought leaders in support of IA priorities.
• Lead and support member volunteer groups, including advocacy, education and technical advisory groups, instructors, and subject matter experts, as well as technical consultants.
• Develop productive relationships within the industry and increase the visibility and credibility of the IA.

Our Regulatory and Technical Affairs Associate Director will likely possess many of the following skills and traits, though we will evaluate each candidate on their individual merits in a holistic way:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant technical field, policy or business, or equivalent.
• At least 6 years of experience working in standards and codes, regulatory affairs, or similar background.
• Trade association experience.
• Experience in agriculture, the green industry or manufacturing.
• Persuasive written and oral skills. This position requires the ability to analyze technical issues and identify/summarize key components of the issue that are salient to industry interests.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage technical expertise to advance organization priorities.
• Exceptional interpersonal and diplomacy skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders and engage in successful negotiation, collaboration, consensus building and conflict resolution.
• Strong technical acumen and analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft products and the ability to learn and integrate new and emerging technologies to simplify and improve business practices.
• Experience with CRM and Association Management Systems.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Able to effectively and efficiently prioritize a heavy workload and work well under pressure.
• Positive outlook, high personal standard of excellence and ethics, ability to build trust and interact with all organization levels.

About Irrigation Association

The Irrigation Association is the leading membership organization for irrigation companies and professionals. Together with our members, we are committed to promoting efficient irrigation and to long-term sustainability of water resources for future generations.

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