ABOUT POET

For over thirty-five years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled POET to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a global leader in bio-based products. While the size of our business and scope of our vision have evolved, we remain dedicated to growing American agriculture and bioprocessing, revitalizing the rural economy, and creating a brighter future for generations to come.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Public Affairs plays a vital role within the Corporate Affairs Team in shaping how external audiences ‒ including policymakers, key influencers, and the public ‒ perceive POET. The primary goals of the Director of Public Affairs are to raise awareness of the company’s unique role in solving societal challenges and galvanize support for government policies that benefit all Americans.

The Director of Public Affairs stays apprised of legislation, executive actions, regulatory proceedings, and political developments impacting POET's business and amplifies the company's voice in national and state policy conversations. This team member lends their expertise to guide POET’s public affairs campaigns, assemble issue advocacy materials and research, and cultivate relationships with a broad coalition of policymakers, industry partners, nongovernmental organizations, and influencers.

The Director of Public Affairs identifies opportunities for participation, publicity, and promotion of POET’s policy agenda, including strengthening relationships with stakeholders in agriculture, climate, energy, and transportation. This team member also provides support and works collaboratively with POET’s Corporate Affairs and regulatory teams, business units, and general managers.        

The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator with a passion for public policy and desire to make a difference. A candidate for this position must be a proactive self-starter with the demonstrated ability to succeed in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The Director of Public Affairs reports to the Vice President of Public Affairs and is based in POET's Washington, D.C. office.

DURING A TYPICAL DAY

• Execute POET’s strategic initiatives, public affairs activities, and issue advocacy campaigns
• Develop committee testimony, public comments, editorials, talking points, presentations, and other policy-related materials
• Drive engagement and strengthen relationships with elected and political leaders, industry associations, advocacy groups, and key influencers
• Monitor trends and identify national thought leadership events and speaking opportunities for POET executives and subject matter experts
• Work proactively to develop and amplify research, white papers, and reports, and coordinate rapid response to debunk misinformation
• Collaborate with POET’s federal affairs, legal, and public relations teams
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Communications, Marketing, or other related field is required
• 5-7 years of relevant experience is required
• Experience working in a senior role on Capitol Hill or within a federal agency, political campaign, or public affairs firm is strongly preferred
• Experience with agriculture, energy, transportation, or climate policy is a plus
• Extensive knowledge of the current broadcast, print, and digital media landscape
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills with the ability to develop persuasive messages for variable target audiences
• Strategic and creative thinking with the ability to grasp and condense technical subject matter
• Excellent organization and time management skills with strong attention to detail and ability to deliver high-quality work on tight deadlines
• Ability to maintain a professional, problem-solving disposition during contentious debates
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Culture is king at POET. We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET.
• Up to 10% travel may be required for this position. At times overnight travel may be required.
• This position operates in an office environment working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN POET

• At POET we believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). POET complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.