Vice President of State Government Affairs

Vice President of State Government Affairs

Reports to: Chief Strategy Office, Chief of Staff

Status: Exempt

The Vice President of State Government Affairs is the Chamber’s lead advocate at the Statehouse and primary representative of the Indy region business community to the Indiana General Assembly, Governor’s Office, and statewide officials. The role drives state-level policy development, marshals’ coalition support, and coordinates message discipline with marcomms. Success is measured by progress on the Chamber’s state policy agenda, effective testimony and relationship management, endorsement outcomes tied to state races, and contribution to organization wide Accelerate Indy 2030 strategic pillars.

Leads the Indy Chamber’s state-level advocacy, policy development, and political strategy—owning key state government relationships. Manages state advocacy portfolio, budget, and vendors. Co-stewards Policy Councils and BAC/PAC strategy with the VP of Local Government Affairs.

• Lead the Indy Chamber’s state-level advocacy strategy and execution at the Indiana General Assembly and statewide agencies; serve as chief Statehouse lobbyist.
• Develop and advance state policy (tax/fiscal, economic development, infrastructure/transportation & utilities, health, education/workforce, public safety, environment): produce briefs, talking points, amendments, and bill language.
• Own the state advocacy calendar and communications cadence, partnering with Marcomm/contractors to plan proactive pushes, rapid response, op-eds, member alerts, and digital advocacy.
• Coordinate executive engagement: prepare and brief the CSO/COS, CEO, VPLGA Executive Team, board leaders, and stakeholders for legislator/executive-branch meetings, committee testimony, and other actions tied to state priorities.
• Steward BAC/PAC strategy for state races in concert with the Vice President of Local Government Affairs: develop endorsement recommendations, manage campaign-finance compliance, and drive fundraising with clear ROI reporting.
• Manage vendors and budget for the state portfolio (contract lobbyists, research/writing support); ensure scopes, performance, with IN.gov ethics/lobbying filings are accurate and timely.
• Integrate state advocacy with Chamber business units (regional economic development, talent, story, membership and business services, marketing & communications) to align priorities and deliverables.
• Brief boards and policy councils; build and lead coalitions with business, civic, and community partners to advance state objectives.
• Coordinate and when appropriate represent the Chamber in media and public forums on state policy issues; deliver clear, credible testimony and remarks.
• Maintain legislative tracking discipline (Hannah Net) and produce concise progress and impact reports for leadership.

• Bachelor’s in public Affairs, Business, Political Science, or related field;
  Master’s a plus.
• 5+ years in Indiana state government affairs, legislative leadership staff, or equivalent advocacy role.
• Demonstrated wins drafting/advancing state legislation or budget items, vendor and budget management experience.
• Exceptional relationship management and bipartisan credibility.
• Mastery of Indiana legislative process, ethics, and campaign-finance rules.
• Strategic communicator able to distill complex policy for executives and members.
• Strong presentation/testimony skills; data-driven and deadline-reliable.