Policy Manager

Downtown Spokane Partnership•Spokane, WA

4d•$55,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Policy Manager is an advocate and steward for downtown Spokane as a key member of the DSP team. The ideal candidate has experience in the political process, dynamic skills and effective relationships to manage policy and project initiatives for the organization. This position monitors and analyzes policy matters at the local, state, and federal levels of government, advises the President & CEO, and manages public policy and advocacy efforts that support an economically healthy downtown core. This position also supports programs focused on growing economic vitality downtown and DSP membership retention and recruitment. The Downtown Spokane Partnership engages in non-partisan advocacy focused on advancing downtown economic vitality, community safety, and livability. The Policy Manager represents the organization’s adopted policy positions and does not engage in partisan political activity.

Requirements

Minimum bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, communications and/or related field with minimum 3 years of experience working in external affairs for a place management organization, chamber of commerce, legislative body or similar organization.
Knowledge of all levels of government and policy making process, especially the City of Spokane.
Excellent research and persuasive writing skills with an ability to translate policy concepts to, and effectively collaborate with, colleagues and stakeholders who do not necessarily understand issues.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 suite and understanding of online platforms, including Google Workspace, Dropbox, and AI is a plus.
Able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time with occasional lifting/pulling/pushing up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English effectively to complete job duties.
Proficient with mobile phones and smart devices.
Pass background & drug screening.
This position is regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week but may be required to work more to meet deadlines, finish assignments, or attend events and meetings.
This position may require occasional morning, evening and/or weekend work as needed for various downtown related events/meetings and travel may be required.
While the DSP offers flexible work schedules and occasional remote work options, this position is primarily based in the office located in downtown Spokane.

Responsibilities

Tracking for Downtown: Monitor local, state, and federal rules, regulation, and legislation that will affect economic and community health of downtown Spokane and provide timely and accurate summaries of important issues for President & CEO, Board of Directors, Policy Committee, and DSP members, as needed. Track policy trends and identify emerging downtown issues. Conduct research to develop policy recommendations and organization positions, including sufficient background information outlining the impact issues will have on downtown. Attend meetings of local government bodies, commissions, and councils as necessary to monitor, provide background or follow-up info on issues relevant to the DSP.
Maintain and nurture relationships with key community leaders, elected officials and municipal / county staff, including meeting with elected officials and community leaders as needed.
Advocating for Downtown : Execute strategies for advancing positive priorities to advance downtown issues while mitigating the effects of negative proposals. Provide advocacy support during the legislative session, including oral and/or written testimony as appropriate, and organize participation in regional advocacy programs. Annually review and update the DSP’s Policy Platform, update as necessary with the Policy Committee. Coordinate advocacy activities with Economic Vitality Specialist to integrate data, member feedback and relevant information to build positions and deepen education with policymakers. Manage communications of policy positions and advocacy with the Communications Dept. for member emails and alerts, ensure accuracy of advocacy messaging on the website and social media channels, and support publicizing the DSP’s positions. Draft compelling written content including fact sheets, position statements, action alerts, articles and other policy briefs. Answer media questions on applicable legislative and regulatory issues.
Representing Downtown : Participate in downtown, city, and regional planning efforts to advocate for downtown interests. Represent downtown interests in relevant policy-focused activities of peer organizations, including the GSI regional advocacy committee. Collaborate with local, regional, and statewide stakeholders, creating coalitions when appropriate. Coordinate agendas, speakers and sponsorships for the DSP’s policy programs and other events, as needed. Manage the Policy & Strategic Development Committee and Ad Hoc committees, as needed, with support from the President & CEO.
Supporting Downtown: Serve as an ambassador to the community, visible and active at DSP events, and continuously seek resources and partnerships helpful to executing the DSP’s mission. Manage special projects, including Downtown Plan initiatives, transportation programs and ad hoc initiatives. Support DSP membership renewal and retention efforts. Support development of new DSP member leads. Support member engagement initiatives, communications and events. Assist in development and execution of capital campaign initiatives, where appropriate. Prepare and deliver written and verbal reports to senior management, committees and Board of Directors. Other duties may be requested/assigned.