Director of Govermental Relations, San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce

Your SmartSource•Santa Luis Obispo, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce is seeking a Director of Governmental Relations to lead its public policy and advocacy work. Reporting to the Chamber CEO / President, this position connects member businesses with policymakers and works to ensure business perspectives inform public decisions. The Director develops well-supported policy positions and builds coalitions to advance shared priorities. The role focuses primarily on legislative and regulatory matters affecting the City and County of San Luis Obispo, while also monitoring consequential state and federal issues. The Director gathers member input, researches issues, analyzes potential implications, and recommends where and how the Chamber should engage. The position also represents the Chamber in public settings, leads policy programs and committee work, 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.

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 locally, with familiarity with state and federal policymaking.
Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to develop practical recommendations.
Proficiency in the MS Office suite 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 that advance the Chamber’s policy priorities and economic vision, with clear goals, measurable outcomes, and consistent follow-through.
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, primarily for the City and County of San Luis Obispo, and assess 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.
Connect member businesses with policymaking by creating meaningful opportunities for their experience and expertise to inform public decisions.
Serve as staff liaison to the Business and Economic Council, Economic Development Committee, Legislative Action Committees, and ad hoc task forces.
Partner with committee chairs to develop substantive agendas, engage speakers, facilitate productive discussion, and move recommendations into action.
Build coalitions among business and community partners around shared priorities, identify common ground, and build support for progress.
Represent the Chamber as a public speaker and spokesperson, including providing regular policy and advocacy updates at monthly Good Morning SLO events and other Chamber programs.
Present the Chamber’s positions at public meetings, hearings, and community events.
Plan legislative visits, policy forums, and events that connect members with decision-makers and deepen understanding of consequential issues.
Collaborate with the communications team to provide timely policy updates, articulate Chamber positions, and keep members informed about advocacy efforts and outcomes.

Benefits

401(k) with an annual company match of employee contributions up to 4%.
80 hours of paid vacation annually during years 1–3, accruing beginning the first of the month after 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.
9 paid public holidays and 1 floating holiday annually.
Medical coverage paid 100% for the employee; dependent coverage 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.