US Meat Export Federation, a trade association focused on enhancing demand in export markets for the U.S. beef, pork, and lamb industries, is hiring an Assistant Director of Industry Relations in Denver, CO.
USMEF collects and analyzes market intelligence, implements promotional programs, and collaborates with industry stakeholders and governmental agencies to increase U.S. red meat exports. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, USMEF has 19 offices and regional representatives in key markets around the world. USMEF has the most diverse membership of any trade association in the meat and livestock industry. USMEF represents beef/veal producers and feeders, pork producers and feeders, lamb producers and feeders, packers and processors, purveyors and traders, oilseeds producers, feed grains producers, farm organizations, and supply and service organizations.
The Assistant Director of Industry Relations will support the development and growth of funding for USMEF’s export marketing programs, contribute to strengthening USMEF’s position within the U.S. agricultural industry, and assist with membership growth and retention efforts. You will work collaboratively with the Industry Relations team and other departments to establish revenue development initiatives, member engagement, and program execution.
Specific Responsibilities:
Member & Industry Relations
- Support the development and growth of funding sources for export market development programs and special initiatives, including the development of new funding sources with export-associated industries, grain and oilseed organizations, agribusinesses, and associations
- Maintain revenue development plans, membership tracking tools, and related documentation
- Present membership funding proposals and program updates to stakeholders
- Prepare funding proposals, contracts, and required reporting
- Support the development of annual budgets and revenue projections across multiple departments and revenue streams
- Coordinate with the Industry Relations and Marketing departments to review and update funding reports, and communicate the status of contracts and funding requests
Relationship Management & Outreach
- Serve as a point of contact and support liaison for designated state checkoff organizations and target accounts, assist with relationship development, project funding, and membership funding
- Participate in industry relations programs that communicate the value and impact of U.S. red meat exports to export-related businesses
- Attend relevant meetings and events for export-associated industries, grain and oilseed organizations, and agribusiness partners
- Participate in the development and execution of export marketing and funding strategies in coordination with Industry Relations and other internal teams
- Collaborate with the Industry Relations department to support departmental goals, including membership development, revenue development, and special projects
- Coordinate and participate in meetings with USMEF members to support USMEF’s mission and enhance member understanding of export market development efforts
Board of Directors & Administrative Support
- Assist with preparation for Board of Directors meetings as assigned
- Provide staff support to USMEF’s committee meetings, including agenda development, meeting preparation, and participation
Trade Teams and Trade Shows
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to support domestic and international trade shows
- Attend and represent USMEF at domestic trade shows and trade team visits to support relationship development, funding initiatives, and member engagement
- Coordinate logistics related to trade shows, trade teams, and market visits, as assigned
- Support follow-up and reporting related to trade show and trade team participation
Qualifications:
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture and 6-8 years of experience in industry relations, member relations, revenue development, association management, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience supporting funding development, sponsorships, or revenue-generating programs
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation and presentation of proposals and reports
- Demonstrated ability to effectively present to diverse audiences, both in person and online
- Experience working collaboratively across departments to support shared goals
- Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically as requested
Preferred
- Experience working in a trade or professional association, supporting volunteer leaders, committees, and Boards
- Strong background in U.S. agricultural, livestock, or export-related industries
- Proven relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
- Professional communication and presentation skills
- Proactive and detail-oriented, with strong organizational abilities and consistent follow-through to ensure projects and deliverables are completed accurately and on time
- Experience working with membership databases, CRM, or association management systems, Office 365 (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)
- Sound judgment and professionalism when working with members, partners, and volunteers
- Analytical skills, including tracking revenue, contracts, and budget management
- Ability to coordinate across teams and influence outcomes without direct authority
- Adaptability and comfort working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Benefits: USMEF offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and life insurance, both short-term and long-term disability, as well as voluntary supplemental insurance for vision, accident and more. USMEF offers a 401(k) plan with company contributions, generous paid time off, sick leave, parental leave and 11 paid holidays. Some of the other additional benefits include individual office space in our modern office in downtown Denver, a monthly parking or RTD pass, computer, cell phone or cell phone reimbursement, and other IT equipment as needed, plus a wellness stipend and support for ongoing training and development.
EEOC: USMEF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Compensation: Per Colorado C.R.S. § 8-5-101, the estimated salary range for this role is $105,000 - $120,000. Compensation will be determined by the education, experience, and abilities of the applicant.
