Vice President of Public Policy

Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce•San Antonio, TX

13h

About The Position

The Vice President of Public Policy is the primary interface between the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) and local, state, and federal elected officials and government agencies on issues impacting the Chamber’s members and the San Antonio business community. The priority issues for the Chamber are primarily local so engagement is heaviest with the City and County, then the State, and finally federally. The Vice President of Public Policy collaborates with the principal staff of the Chamber and leads an active group of member volunteers in shaping, developing, and fostering policies that respond to the needs of the business community. This work requires a dynamic and dedicated individual with a vision as a thought leader to drive conversation within membership and the community at large. The successful candidate should have strong knowledge and proven experience on policy issues, especially involving local infrastructure such as water, transportation, energy, housing, etc. The ability to develop, articulate, and deliver well written/researched policy positions that provide vision and advocacy for regional long-term infrastructure initiatives that enhance business growth and development in the context of current events and political environment is a critical job requirement. The individual must possess excellent communication and planning skills to create and implement the Chamber’s State and Federal legislative policy agendas and execute special events including, but not limited to SA to DC, Viva, State of the City and State of the County. The VP is the primary point of contact for elected officials and their staffs and will collaborate with other chamber team members when they want elected officials to attend events, get involved in initiatives or work on policy issues pertaining to their area. Like all Chamber staff, the VP of Public Policy focuses on engaging, supporting and growing our membership base and selling our special events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Government Relations, or related area
Master’s in Public Policy, Public Administration, Government Relations, or related area
At least five years of public policy and/or advocacy experience
Management and supervisory experience
Familiarity with local, state and federal government
Knowledge of local elected officials
Awareness of substantial local businesses
Awareness of policies and issues that impact the business community and the community at-large
Effective oral and written communication
Team building and collaboration
Planning and organizing
Critical thinking
Managing small teams
Must have reliable transportation
Must have flexibility for attending meetings or responding to inquiries outside of traditional office hours.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing volunteers or working in a membership organization

Responsibilities

Lead and direct the Public Policy Department staff and inputs to Chamber budget.
Develop positive relationships with elected officials and staffs and serve as a resource on business-related concerns and respond to priorities of Chamber members.
Facilitate monthly staff meetings for the Public Policy Council as well as the other committees under the Public Policy umbrella, including the Infrastructure, Economic Development and Small Business Councils.
Identify and facilitate discussions on timely issues
Develop Chamber position statements with input from volunteer leaders and members
Distribute meeting notices, agendas, and minutes for all council and committee meetings
Develop talking points as needed for council and committee leadership
Evaluate and recommend candidates for public advisory boards such as CPS Energy, San Antonio Water System (SAWS), VIA Metropolitan Transit and other agencies
In collaboration with other senior staff and Chamber membership, develop and execute proactive policy agendas for all levels of government and craft strategies for effective advocacy.
Monitor local and state governing bodies such as the San Antonio City Council, Bexar County Commissioners Court, San Antonio Water System (SAWS), CPS Energy, and VIA board meetings, as well as other community meetings for policy issues relevant to the Chamber.
Review state and federal legislation, agency regulations, and local ordinances for potential relevance to the Chamber and provide analysis.
Enhance brand awareness and reputation through the attendance at Chamber and community events on behalf of the Chamber, as directed.
Manage the Chamber’s state contract lobby team.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Chamber members, sponsors, elected officials and their staff, and other stakeholders.
Write timely, persuasive and engaging content for all the Chamber’s communication platforms, related to the policy goals of the Chamber.
Help plan and coordinate policy-related special events including:
Contact and engage sponsors, coordinate and engage participants, and develop run of show for receptions or other events related to policy goals of Chamber.
Attend all major Chamber events and represent the Chamber at community events.
Contact and engage sponsors, craft the run of show and script, and develop event descriptions for the State of the City, State of the County, SA to DC, VIVA, and other political/governmental special events.
Coordinate the participation of candidates, determine moderator participation, and develop run of show for debates or candidate forums.