Senior Director, Government Affairs

Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce•Davenport, IA

About The Position

The Senior Director, Government Affairs will provide expert non-partisan government affairs services to support business and economic growth in the Quad Cities region. This position is responsible for directing all areas of advocacy, public policy, and political affairs. The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives, elevate the voice of the business community, and make a tangible impact across a bi-state region. Essential job duties for this position include the following items. Other duties must be performed as assigned or required. Essential Functions to be performed with or without a reasonable accommodation Direct Government Affairs efforts in support of the Chamber's work plan and priorities to advance business and economic growth in the Quad Cities region Direct Government Affairs strategies, including committees and action center communications, public policy priorities, advocacy engagements and events Provides strategic leadership regarding policies and legislation that impact regional infrastructure, mobility, taxation or related topics that impact the business community Represent the Chamber in affiliated groups, including Iowa Chamber Alliance Research, write, and manage a focused agenda of issues that is influenced by the needs of the business community Participate in state organizations; one-on-one & small group meetings with lawmakers and officials; letters to the editor; phones calls and correspondence with elected officials and departments Actively engage Chamber members in "calls to action" and other advocacy efforts Directs Government Affairs councils and committees Fulfill contracted government affairs services Ensures Chamber leaders, staff and members are well informed on local, state, and federal issues and actively engaged in communicating Chamber positions with our legislators, governors and state agencies Build and maintain working relationships with elected officials/staff representing the Quad Cities region Organize activities such as Government Affairs programs and events, advocacy trips to Des Moines, Springfield and D.C. as needed, and State of the State gubernatorial events for members to better understand state public policy, processes and decision makers Register (as needed) as a state lobbyist in Iowa and Illinois, file all required lobbying reports on a timely basis, and strictly adhere to all laws and regulations pertaining to gifts to elected officials, ethics, campaign finance disclosure and lobbying activity in Iowa and Illinois - whether or not a registered lobbyist Determine scope of work for state lobbyist(s) contracts and brief Chamber leaders on their activities on a regular basis. Provide staff leadership to the political action committees as needed Perform other related duties as required

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or Business Administration, or closely related field is required.
Minimum 3-5 years' experience working or volunteering with committees focused on political action, community development and/or experience working with city councils.
Must possess a strong interest in state public policy and processes.
Strategic thinker with a strong focus on details.
Proactive self-starter who is able to work independently.
In-depth knowledge of the Quad Cities including local governments, individual communities and infrastructure.
Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Must be knowledgeable about programs and activities of the Chamber, taking initiative to educate him/herself on new programs and events.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and membership database software.
Must be able to operate standard office equipment, including telephone, calculator, computer, printer & copier.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions
Must possess a valid driver's license
Standing -Approximately greater than 1/3 of on-the-job time.
Walking -Approximately greater than 1/3 of on-the-job time.
Sitting -Approximately greater than 2/3 of on-the-job time.
Use of hands to finger, handle or feel -Approximately greater than 2/3 of on-the-job time.
Reaching with hands and arms-Approximately less than 1/3 of on-the-job time.
Climbing or balancing-Approximately less than 1/3 of on-the-job time.
Stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling-Approximately less than 1/3 of on-the-job time.
Talking or hearing -Approximately greater than 2/3 of on-the-job time.
Travel- Approximately greater than 1/3 of on-the-job time.
Availability to travel overnight to Des Moines, Springfield or Washington DC and work occasional non- traditional hours (early AM; evenings, weekends) to attend public hearings and other public affairs meetings.
Weight lifted/Force exerted - An average of approximately 40 pounds, 1/3 of on-the-job time, non-continuously
Must have clear vision near and far, with or without corrective measures.

Nice To Haves

Experience working for a municipal or non-profit organization preferred.
Statehouse experience or familiarity with state elected officials a plus.

Responsibilities

Direct Government Affairs efforts in support of the Chamber's work plan and priorities to advance business and economic growth in the Quad Cities region
Direct Government Affairs strategies, including committees and action center communications, public policy priorities, advocacy engagements and events
Provides strategic leadership regarding policies and legislation that impact regional infrastructure, mobility, taxation or related topics that impact the business community
Represent the Chamber in affiliated groups, including Iowa Chamber Alliance
Research, write, and manage a focused agenda of issues that is influenced by the needs of the business community
Participate in state organizations; one-on-one & small group meetings with lawmakers and officials; letters to the editor; phones calls and correspondence with elected officials and departments
Actively engage Chamber members in "calls to action" and other advocacy efforts
Directs Government Affairs councils and committees
Fulfill contracted government affairs services
Ensures Chamber leaders, staff and members are well informed on local, state, and federal issues and actively engaged in communicating Chamber positions with our legislators, governors and state agencies
Build and maintain working relationships with elected officials/staff representing the Quad Cities region
Organize activities such as Government Affairs programs and events, advocacy trips to Des Moines, Springfield and D.C. as needed, and State of the State gubernatorial events for members to better understand state public policy, processes and decision makers
Register (as needed) as a state lobbyist in Iowa and Illinois, file all required lobbying reports on a timely basis, and strictly adhere to all laws and regulations pertaining to gifts to elected officials, ethics, campaign finance disclosure and lobbying activity in Iowa and Illinois - whether or not a registered lobbyist
Determine scope of work for state lobbyist(s) contracts and brief Chamber leaders on their activities on a regular basis.
Provide staff leadership to the political action committees as needed
Perform other related duties as required