Director of Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives

Director of Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives
Southwest Michigan First

Southwest Michigan First is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and community-driven professional to join our team as the Director of Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives. This role will advance key partnerships and collaboratively lead our public policy and legislative activities all in service of the people, businesses, and communities that make Southwest Michigan a remarkable place to live and work.

Our organization is a nonprofit, nonpartisan entity with a mission to advance economic prosperity throughout Southwest Michigan. If you’re deeply rooted in or passionate about this region, energized by connecting with neighbors and community leaders, and have a track record of advancing strategic initiatives through partnership building and coalitions, we invite you to apply and build upon our long track record of success.

• Collaboratively advance a regional public policy agenda and facilitate all Public Policy Committee activities, always centering the unique needs and priorities of Southwest Michigan’s communities.
• Serve as a visible, engaged ambassador for Southwest Michigan First attending community events, building authentic relationships with residents, civic organizations, and local leaders, and championing the region’s interests at every level of government.
• Lead community outreach efforts that expand awareness of and participation in Southwest Michigan First’s work, including direct engagement with underrepresented communities across the region.
• Develop regular written and oral communications with the Public Policy Committee, Board of Directors, Chamber members, State and local elected officials, and Municipal leaders.
• Work closely with state and local elected officials to build strong public and private partnerships addressing the priorities detailed in the regional public policy agenda with particular emphasis on deepening engagement and influence at the local level, where expanding our presence and relationships is a key organizational priority.
• Cultivate partnerships, coalitions, and stakeholder engagement that reflect the breadth and diversity of our regional community.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to produce content for Southwest Michigan First’s regional digital publication and social media channels that authentically reflects the voice and values of our communities.
• Track legislative activities and research advocacy issues at the local, state, and federal levels, ensuring the Public Policy Committee has the information needed to develop position recommendations.
• Represent Southwest Michigan First on regional coalitions focused on issues such as housing, childcare, workforce development, and other quality-of-life priorities that directly impact Southwest Michigan families.
• Support strategic initiatives and organizational planning.

• Ability to effectively communicate and represent Southwest Michigan First’s position, programs, and services to the public, media, and membership.
• Proven experience with local government regulations, federal, state, and Michigan campaign laws, economic and community development, and regional history including demonstrated success building relationships with local elected officials and municipal leaders.
• Familiarity with Southwest Michigan its communities, culture, challenges, and opportunities or a clear commitment to becoming deeply embedded in the region.
• Strong understanding of regulatory issues that affect businesses in our industry.

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, business, public administration, economics, or related field.
• At least five years of experience in governmental affairs, lobbying,…