Director, Federal and State Government Affairs

February 6, 2026

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If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We’re looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. Apply Now!THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.At Smithfield Foods, we produce good food the right way. As a member of our Corporate Affairs group, you’ll be part of a team that engages the company’s most important stakeholders, including our employees and communities, media, policymakers, customers, consumers, investors, business partners, and others.The Director of Federal and State Government Affairs leads the company’s public policy strategy and government engagement across the United States. This role is responsible for shaping, advocating, and communicating the company’s positions on legislative and regulatory matters that affect the food manufacturing industry, including agriculture, food safety, trade, environmental policy, labor, transportation, and tax. The director serves as a primary liaison between the company and elected officials, industry associations, and other stakeholders. This role can be located in Smithfield, VA, Richmond, VA, or the Washington, DC Metro Area.WHAT YOU’LL DO:The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.<ul><li>Government Affairs Strategy Leadership: Develop and execute comprehensive federal and state government affairs strategies aligned with corporate priorities to advance Smithfield’s business interests.</li><li>Policy Monitoring & Impact Assessment: Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and political developments; proactively assess impacts and recommend strategic actions to mitigate risks or capture opportunities.</li><li>Executive Advisory & Communications: Advise executive leadership on policy risks, emerging trends, and advocacy needs, communicating implications to ensure informed decision-making.</li><li>Issue Portfolio & Advocacy Campaign Management: Manage priority policy issue portfolios and lead advocacy campaigns to successful outcomes, including working with external consultants to build targeted relationships.</li><li>Cross-Functional Alignment & Collaboration: Coordinate closely with internal operational teams to align government affairs initiatives with business objectives and ensure cohesive execution.</li><li>Compliance & Accountability Oversight: Ensure government affairs activities comply with lobbying, ethics, and disclosure regulations, supporting internal processes that drive transparency and accountability.</li><li>Political Engagement & PAC Management: Manage HAMPAC and oversee political contribution strategies; collaborate with community development partners to highlight Smithfield’s investments to policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels.</li></ul>WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.<ul><li>Education & Credentials: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in public policy, law, political science or related discipline.</li><li>Experience & Expertise: 10+ years of progressively responsible government affairs, legislative affairs, regulatory policy, or related experience.</li><li>Leadership & Team Development: 5+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development.</li><li>Public Policy & Government Relations Background: Direct experience working with Congress, federal agencies, and state legislatures within government, corporate, or trade association environments; experience in food, agriculture, or CPG sectors strongly preferred.</li></ul>OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:Qualification List<ul><li>Strong understanding of federal and state legislative and regulatory processes.</li></ul><ul><li>Excellent communication, advocacy and relationship-building skills.</li></ul><ul><li>Ability to translate complex policy matters into clear business impacts.</li></ul><ul><li>Proven strategic planning capability and sound political judgment.</li></ul><ul><li>Ability to work independently while coordinating across multiple internal stakeholders.</li></ul><ul><li>High level of professionalism, discretion and ethical conduct.</li></ul>SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:This position manages Smithfield’s relationship with advocacy partners at the federal and state levels.PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Smithfield is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or any other protected group status or non-job-related characteristic as directed by law. Relocation Package Available No EEO InformationSmithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

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