Director of Govermental Relations, San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce

Your SmartSource•San Luis Obispo, CA

2d•$75,000 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Governmental Relations leads the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce’s public policy and advocacy work, connecting member businesses with policymakers whose decisions affect the local economy and community. Reporting to the Chamber CEO / President, the director ensures business perspectives inform public decisions, develops well-supported policy positions, and builds coalitions to advance shared priorities. The role develops and executes advocacy strategies; monitors and analyzes legislative and regulatory developments, primarily in the City and County of San Luis Obispo, as well as consequential state and federal issues; gathers member input and prepares policy recommendations and advocacy materials; and maintains relationships with elected officials, government staff, agencies, members, and community partners. The director also guides Chamber committees and task forces, represents the Chamber at public meetings and events, organizes policy programs, and collaborates with the communications team to keep members informed. This is a full-time, exempt, onsite position in San Luis Obispo, California. The schedule includes frequent early-morning meetings and evening events, with weekend commitments as needed. The annual base salary is $75,000–$95,000, depending on experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a similar discipline.
At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in a similar role.
Understanding of legislative processes and public decision-making, particularly at the local level, with familiarity with state and federal policymaking.
Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to develop practical recommendations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and industry-related software applications.
Exceptional oral and written communication, public speaking, and facilitation skills.
Ability to build constructive relationships across differing interests and political perspectives.
Strong time management, organizational, problem-solving, attention-to-detail, multitasking, critical-thinking, and follow-through skills.
Political awareness, discretion, diplomacy, and integrity.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategies advancing the Chamber’s policy priorities and economic vision, with clear goals, measurable outcomes, and follow-through.
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, primarily in the City and County of San Luis Obispo, and track consequential state and federal issues.
Assess policy implications for businesses and the community and recommend where and how the Chamber should engage.
Gather member input, research issues, and prepare policy recommendations, position statements, testimony, and correspondence for consideration by Chamber leadership and the Board.
Serve as a primary liaison to elected officials, government staff, agencies, and community partners, maintaining constructive relationships across political perspectives.
Create opportunities for member businesses to share their experience and expertise in public policymaking.
Serve as staff liaison to the Business and Economic Council, Economic Development Committee, Legislative Action Committees, and ad hoc task forces.
Work with committee chairs to develop agendas, engage speakers, facilitate discussions, and move recommendations into action.
Build coalitions among business and community partners around shared priorities and solutions.
Speak for the Chamber and provide regular policy and advocacy updates at monthly Good Morning SLO events and other Chamber programs.
Present Chamber positions at public meetings, hearings, and community events.
Plan legislative visits, policy forums, and events connecting members with decision-makers and deepening understanding of consequential issues.
Collaborate with the communications team to provide timely policy updates, explain Chamber positions, and inform members about advocacy efforts and outcomes.

Benefits

401(k) with an annual company match on employee contributions up to 4%.
80 hours of annual paid vacation in years 1–3, accruing from the first of the month following 60 days of employment; increases to 120 hours annually thereafter.
96 hours of paid sick time annually, accruing from the start date and available for use after 60 days of employment.
Nine paid public holidays plus one floating holiday annually.
Medical coverage paid 100% for the employee; dependent coverage is available through employee payroll deductions.
$25,000 of life insurance paid for the employee.
$25,000 of Accident, Death & Disability insurance paid for the employee.
Expense account.
Flexible Spending Account.
Paid parking fees.
Tax-free car mileage reimbursement under an Accountable Plan.