Request for Proposal (RFP) for Wyoming Government Relations and Lobbying Services
Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) is a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for family farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers, and rural communities in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Founded in 1907, RMFU has a long history of promoting sustainable agriculture, advocating for fair farm policies, and fostering strong rural communities.
Independent Contractor Position
RMFU is seeking a Government Relations Advocate (contract lobbyist) to support our advocacy work in Wyoming.
Location
The Government Relations Advocate may be based anywhere in Wyoming but is expected to attend the Wyoming Legislature in Cheyenne during its legislative session and interim committee meetings throughout the state.
Purpose of Position
RMFU is seeking a dynamic contractor to serve as the Government Relations Advocate in Wyoming. The independent contractor will work for and represent RMFU and its members. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading lobbying efforts in the state of Wyoming and will be guided by the RMFU Wyoming Policy adopted annually by its members in the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Policy. The Government Relations Advocate will work in concert with the RMFU Government Relations team to monitor and influence legislative developments in Wyoming, communicate with elected officials and regulatory agencies officials in Wyoming, update RMFU members and staff on legislative and regulatory issues in Wyoming, and other assigned duties related to legislative developments, rules, and regulations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- File all appropriate papers to register legally as lobbyists and representatives of RMFU.
- Monitor all appropriate hearings and meetings during the regular session of the General Assembly and communicate legislative developments to RMFU leadership on a regular basis in each of the topical areas adopted for coverage by the Wyoming Policy Manual (each, a “Topical Area” and collectively, “Topical Areas”), including without limitation issues related to government programs; cooperatives; water, land, & conservation; energy policy; economic & social policies; and rural development policy.
- Monitor the activities of the offices of the Governor and the Department of Agriculture and other relevant or assigned government committees, offices and agencies, and communicate developments to RMFU leadership on a regular basis.
- Analyze legislation and regulatory issues for their potential effect on agriculture and rural Wyoming and advise RMFU leadership accordingly.
- Develop proposed legislation and supporting materials, seek and secure legislative sponsorship, and develop and coordinate lobbying campaigns for issues of importance to RMFU and its members.
- Represent RMFU as its Government Relations Representative (including but not limited to working for RMFU as its lobbyist in Wyoming) during the state legislative session, including preparing and testifying and/or coordinating testimony before legislative committees and regulatory agencies, as appropriate.
- Prepare written material topical areas on legislative and regulatory issues and activities for RMFU’s publications, such as Legisletter, Leader Letter, news releases, web site, and other publications.
- Draft for RMFU’s review and possible use, in RMFU’s sole discretion and subject to RMFU’s exclusive control, opinion editorials or letters to the editor during the legislative session relating to a Topical Area.
- Draft for RMFU’s review and possible use, in RMFU’s sole discretion and subject to RMFU’s exclusive control, electronic communication to the RMFU membership, such as a blog post, social media post, email or other type of communication.
- Coordinate and conduct legislative and regulatory drive-ins and meetings for RMFU members during the state legislative session and, as needed, throughout the year, as schedule allows.
- Monitor interim state legislative and regulatory issues and coordinate coverage of interim hearings and meetings that involve issues of importance to RMFU and its members.
- Develop and maintain a network of members of the legislature and government relations representatives concerned with agriculture and rural issues, with such government relations staff from agricultural organizations, agribusiness and other organizations, involving such matters as conservation, environment, health, renewable energy and education.
- Participate in meetings of the Wyoming Agriculture Council and/or coalitions, as schedule allows.
- Meet with RMFU leadership, including, as appropriate, the board of directors, to discuss legislative and regulatory issues and keep them informed of legislative and regulatory activities.
- Remain in contact with RMFU’s state office, including as schedule allows, conference calls and staff/contractor meetings through at least monthly phone calls.
- Assist with development of RMFU policy, meet with RMFU’s policy committee, provide issue information, and attend and assist with the debate and adoption of policy by the delegates at RMFU’s annual convention.
- Work with RMFU staff to keep county members of RMFU informed on legislative and regulatory issues, urge their participation in state legislative and regulatory drive-ins and legislative and regulatory fly-ins to Washington D.C., and assist them in developing resolutions to be presented to the RMFU convention, as needed.
- Promote the philosophy, policy, benefits and membership growth of RMFU.
- Keep informed about the organization and programs of The Farmers’ Educational and Co‑operative Union of America (“National Farmers Union”) and their relationship to RMFU.
- Conduct your business affairs in a highly responsible and reputable manner designed to further the interests of RMFU and its members.
- Be an active participant on the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union team.
Required Qualifications
- Possess an understanding of agricultural and rural issues in Wyoming.
- Thorough understanding of the policy development and legislative processes in Wyoming.
- Ability and willingness to engage in the legislative process from policy formation through final rulemaking.
- Ability to advocate for a position that you may not personally agree with.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in interpersonal, group, and public settings.
- Ability to work independently, organizing and prioritizing tasks to carry out government relations activities.
- Excellent problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills using a collaborative approach.
- Good administrative aptitude, including computer skills with Microsoft Office products.
- Strong listening, facilitating, and relationship-building skills.
- Creative thinker with the ability to generate innovative ideas, to elicit participation, and build trust.
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and communicate efficiently with RMFU staff.
- Valid Driver’s License and willingness to travel throughout Wyoming.
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union and its mission.
- Experience as a lobbyist.
- Experience working on a farm or ranch.
Proposal Requirements
All proposals should include the following items:
- Letter of Interest
- Name of individual(s) who will serve as RMFU Wyoming Government Relations Advocate as outlined above.
- Experience and qualifications of the individual(s) named above, highlighting their previous work, areas of expertise, and capacity to fully execute the functions outline in the proposal.
- A list of clients or references that include their name, email address, phone number, and, if a client, the organization they represent.
- A complete list of current clients and those served within the preceding 12 months of the submission date.
- A short narrative (1 page or less) of your experience in agriculture and/or your experience advocating for agricultural or rural issues.
- A proposed fee structure for lobbying services.
Submission of Proposals
Please submit your proposal electronically to Tyler Garrett—Director of Government Relations—at tyler.garrett@rmfu.org no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, November 22, 2024. If any of the submission requirements are not met, the proposal may not be considered.
If you have any questions, please contact Tyler Garrett—Director of Government Relations—at tyler.garrett@rmfu.org or 479-427-2420.
