State Affairs Lead

About the job

The State Affairs Manager is responsible for managing and implementing Syngenta’s legislative and regulatory priorities across the Midwest and Central U.S. This role engages with elected and appointed officials at the state level and builds strategic relationships with key commodity groups, industry associations, and other stakeholders to protect and advance Syngenta’s business interests while supporting sound, science-based regulatory policy.
The State Affairs Manager will collaborate across Syngenta business units, including Crop Protection, Seeds, and SBI Sales, as well as State and Federal Registration teams, on key initiatives and projects as directed by the State Affairs Team Leader.
Working closely with the Stewardship Team, this position will support product stewardship initiatives across assigned states. The State Affairs Manager will also oversee Syngenta contract lobbyists and consultants within the region and serve as a primary point of contact for state commodity groups and regional trade associations.
Additionally, this role serves as a key Syngenta representative with State Secretaries, Directors, and Commissioners of Agriculture, other state regulatory officials, and university leaders.
Employees may work remotely in Indiana, with travel throughout the assigned Midwest and Central U.S. region as business needs require.

• Accountabilities
• Manage legislation in assigned states
• Enable Syngenta Freedom to Operate
• Coordinate initiatives with Key Commodity Groups, Agribusiness Associations, Farm Bureaus, and Farmer Unions at the state level
• Assist Sales, State Regulatory Affairs, and R&D with regulatory issues affecting Syngenta
• Develop a network of key contacts to promote Business Interests and Policy Priorities
• Develop and coordinate Syngenta comments on regulatory and legislative issues
• Direct contracted state lobbyists and consultants
• Support the Stewardship Team on water quality and other product stewardship projects

• Essential Skills & Knowledge
• Strong science, regulatory, and policy expertise, coupled with a deep understanding of other agricultural stakeholders' perspectives
• Strong oral, presentation, and written communication skills
• Excellent at networking, both internally and externally; readily gains support from many teams within Syngenta as well as external influencers
• High energy, a "can-do" attitude, leads by example, and is results-oriented
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Adapts readily and effectively to changing priorities
• Strong project management, organizational, and leadership abilities to initiate, manage, control, and complete objectives efficiently and effectively
• Proven leadership, networking, and teamwork accomplishments
• Existing knowledge of key regulatory and political issues
• Previous Crop Protection, Seeds, Government Affairs, or R&D experience is preferred
• Successful track record of managing complex issues and influencing key stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal experience

• BS or BA in Agricultural/Life Sciences or Agri-Business with 4-8 years of experience
• Broad knowledge of agriculture and general farming practices
• Public speaking experience
• Knowledge of crop production systems, food supply chains, agricultural businesses and markets
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for registration of pesticides and seed traits
• Experience with the political and regulatory process
• Working knowledge of the US regulatory environment and processes
• Strong writing skills

About Syngenta
At Syngenta Group, we're a global community of 56,000 innovators across 90 countries, united by a 250-year legacy of agricultural excellence. As the world's most local agricultural technology partner, we create tailor-made solutions that transform farming while protecting our planet, driven by our commitment to innovation, ethics, and integrity. Through our welcoming environment and varied perspectives, we pioneer breakthrough solutions for farmers, society, and future generations. Join our worldwide teams of agricultural pioneers in creating a more resilient and equitable food system for all.