Reporting to the Senior Director, Government, Industry and Community Relations, this role performs multiple Government and Community Relations functions for Agrium at the Strategic Business Unit (SBU) and Corporate levels of the organization.  
In this capacity the role is responsible for:

• Managing US government relations programs at the local, state and federal levels (political contributions, issues management and lobbying),
• Developing and implementing community outreach plans for U.S. wholesale facilities,
• Conducting media and communications training,
• Providing communications support during a crisis, and
• Serving as the media spokesperson on selective issues impacting U.S. operations..

Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic advice in the areas of responsibility to help SBUs and Corporate Functions develop key government strategies. Key decisions are made based on the expert advice provided in these areas. This includes the development of company policy, investments, company messaging and, industry -wide programs and positions.
• Manage SBU and Corporate level government relations programs and policies. Monitor industry legislation that has passed at the federal and state level in the United States; secure government support for Agrium intiatives and lobby members of the U.S. Government on the impacts of proposed legislation.
• Periodically draft and secure passage of federal and state legislation in support of Agrium operations.
• Assist and provide advice to other SBUs with issues and activities that are influenced by government regulations.
• Identify and cultivate key contacts within all levels of government. Partner with government agencies to develop regulations and funding to support Agrium projects and initiatives that benefit society.
• Work with US industry associations in the management of industry wide issues and government relations programming.
• Provide Agrium's US and international operations leaders with community outreach strategy development, implementation, support and training. This includes supporting each site in the development of community outreach plans, messaging, communication materials, outreach activities (open houses, community meetings, tours, community advisory groups, etc.), sponsorships and site donations.
• Manage Community outreach programs and stakeholder engagement; recognizing the impact of engaging key stakeholders and managing related issues.
• Provide crisis and media communication training to US operations and provide communication support during a crisis.

Qualifications required for this position:

• Bachelor of Science or related degree combined with a minimum 15 years experience in government relations, social policy, public administration and fund development.
• Established and current network of influential contacts within US government and other community and industry leaders.
• Sound knowledge of US government funding processes and policy formulation.
• Proven track-record of partnering with government agencies, drafting legislation and regulations and securing funding
• Previous experience in external media communication and crisis management
• Demonstrated skills in diplomacy, negotiation, persuasiveness and influencing
• Ability to operates with high degree of autonomy on all work
• Effective communications, written and verbal
• Superior analytical skills
• Flexible, ability to work with diverse groups and individuals
• Mobile - requires frequent travel

Applicants can apply through our website at www.agrium.com/careers

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SOURCE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL 07/12/11