Vice President of Internal/External Affairs

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a state and federal government relations strategy; manage relationships with the CA legislature, county/city officials, external stakeholders, and relevant regulatory bodies


• Represent the company in industry trade associations (e.g., food processing, agriculture, and manufacturing coalitions)


• Lead community and public affairs across the five divisions' operating footprints — critical in a region where water access, labor, and land use are politically sensitive


• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments (food safety, environmental, labor/immigration, trade policy) and translate them into business risk/opportunity briefings for the C-suite


• Manage crisis communications and reputational risk in coordination with Corporate Communications/PR


• Collaborate and provide strategic recommendations on corporate philanthropy, community investment, and external messaging


• Build coalitions with local chambers of commerce, economic development groups, and agricultural associations


• Represent the company on relevant boards/commissions as needed


• Manage external and internal team and department budget, as applicable.

Minimum:

• 10–12+ years in government relations, public affairs, or regulatory roles, ideally within food/beverage, agriculture, or CPG manufacturing


• Established relationships with California state officials and/or the federal delegation; Central Valley/Sacramento network a strong plus


• Experience navigating multi-division or multi-plant manufacturing operations


• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (public policy, law, MBA) preferred


• Strong executive presence; experience briefing boards and the C-suite