Job Overview:

The Vice President of Government Relations will play a critical role in UNFI’s impact. This role will serve as the primary leader of UNFI’s advocacy initiatives and work in a collaborative and integrated fashion with the CEO, the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and senior company leadership to develop and lead a multi-stakeholder national and state government affairs program that creates value for UNFI. 

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

·       Work with CEO, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, and other company leaders to shape and execute the company’s government advocacy agenda

·       Identify the government and regulatory issues that are most important to UNFI, UNFI’s vision for growth, and UNFI’s key stakeholders and develop policy positions accordingly

·       Identify the federal, state, and local government stakeholders that have the most jurisdiction and impact over the government issues that are most important to UNFI

·       Develop proactive education and advocacy plans around those government issues and policy positions that are most important to UNFI

·       Work collaboratively with the UNFI ESG and Social Impact team and the UNFI Communications teams in a 360-degree approach to advocacy

·       Develop company relationships with priority government officials with the most jurisdiction over important issues to the company and significant employee bases.

·       Work with key trade associations, including FMI and NGA, to influence industry advocacy priorities and scale UNFI advocacy impact

·       Create and manage a company Political Action Committee (PAC)

·       Steward insightful and timely reports to CCAO and other senior company leaders on current priorities and policy trends that may affect the company.

·       Be accountable for working with legal team on all required lobby disclosures and filings.

Additional Responsibilities

·       Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·       Bachelor required, post graduate degree in law, government and/or policy preferable

Experience:

·       12 - 20 years’ experience in government and/or government relations

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

·       Strong understanding of public policy and how it affects business

·       Strong understanding of federal, state, and local legislative process

·       Strong understanding for how to engage strategically with industry trade associations and manage government affairs consultants

·       Strong understanding of business processes, issues and opportunities within the food distribution industry.

·       Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans considering industry trends.

·       Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively influence and facilitate discussion between diverse stakeholders, including Board members and community leaders.

·       Outstanding written and verbal communications skills.

·       Effective organization and prioritization skills.

·       Analytical and critical thinking skills.

·       Self-directed with ability to problem solve.

·       Industry specialist.

·       Strong preference for location in Washington DC. Reside in Washington DC area.

·       Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment

·       Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal

·       While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. 

·       Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the course of normal workday

·       Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in completion of job duties

·       Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

•       This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.
•  Travel is required up to 25-30% for this position.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

·       Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

·       Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.

·       While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  

·       Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.

·       Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.