Senior Director, Government Affairs

Title: Senior Director, Government Affairs Department: Operations Reports To: CEO FLSA Status: Exempt Location: Davenport Summary: 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 Duties: 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 Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, the individual in this position must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skills and ability required. Education/Experience: 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. Experience working for a municipal or non-profit organization preferred. Must possess a strong interest in state public policy and processes. Statehouse experience or familiarity with state elected officials a plus. 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. Language Skills: 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 Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages Reasoning Ability: 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 Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Must possess a valid driver's license Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 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 Occasional early-morning and after-hours work commitments Some Travel required Vision: Must have clear vision near and far, with or without corrective measures. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Environmental - There is little to no exposure to hazardous environmental conditions. Noise- Moderate (i.e. typical office noise - computers, printers, phones, fax machines, etc.) Note: This job description is subject to change and is not designed to be a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee. TO APPLY: PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR RESUME AT THE LINK PROVIDED OR EMAIL hr@quadcitieschamber.com #hc217039