Senior Director, Government Affairs

Title

Senior Director, Government Affairs

Operations

CEO

Exempt

Davenport

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…