Manager, Government Affairs

John Deere John Deere · Industrial · Washington, DC +1 · Law Svcs and Gov't Affairs (CA)

John Deere is seeking a Manager, Government Affairs to advance the company's policy priorities across agriculture, smart industrial, and manufacturing sectors. This role will focus on issue advocacy and engagement, developing and executing federal government affairs strategies, and building relationships with policymakers. The ideal candidate will have policy experience, political acumen, and strong bipartisan relationships, with a focus on Democratic policymakers. Responsibilities include monitoring legislation, developing policy positions, coordinating advocacy efforts, and supporting political engagement. Experience in agribusiness, smart industrial policy, manufacturing, competition, self-repair, and biofuels is preferred.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop and execute federal government affairs strategies related to agriculture, smart industrial, and manufacturing policy, with a focus on Democratic policymakers and related organizations.
  2. Build and maintain relationships with Democratic Members of Congress, Congressional staff (e.g., Agriculture, Ways & Means, Finance, Energy & Commerce, Commerce, Transportation, Environment & Public Works, etc. Committees).
  3. Monitor, analyze, and report on legislation and regulatory actions related to:
  4. Develop policy positions, comment letters, briefing materials, and talking points for internal leadership.
  5. Support political engagement efforts, including PAC strategy, stakeholder mapping, and compliance with lobbying and campaign finance regulations.

Skills

Required

  • 5–8 or more years of experience in government, Capitol Hill, federal agencies (e.g., USDA, EPA, Treasury Department, Department of Commerce, Department of Labor), trade associations, or corporate government affairs.
  • Demonstrated experience working with or within Democratic political offices, campaigns, or policy organizations.
  • Strong understanding of: U.S. legislative and regulatory processes, Agriculture policy, Smart industrial policy, Manufacturing and supply chain issues
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including policy analysis and stakeholder messaging.
  • Ability to translate complex policy developments into business implications.

Nice to have

  • Existing relationships with Democratic policymakers and staff strongly preferred.
  • Experience in agribusiness, food production, smart industrial, manufacturing, or related sectors.
  • Experience and policy expertise related to competition, self repair, and biofuels.
  • Knowledge of energy and climate frameworks impacting agriculture and manufacturing.
  • Experience coordinating multi-state or federal advocacy campaigns.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and sound political judgment.
  • Advanced degree would be ideal.

What the JD emphasized

  • focus on Democratic policymakers
  • policy expertise related to competition, self repair, and biofuels
  • compliance with lobbying and campaign finance regulations