Public Affairs & Leadership Development Director

JOB FUNCTION: Public Affairs and Policy – To drive policy and advocacy initiatives and communications to progress the strategic priorities of the Chamber. To support business advocacy programs, events, and initiatives of the Chamber with event management, research, and resource development.

Programs & Events – To promote and grow active partnerships with existing and new members, demonstrating the value the Rochester Area Chamber brings to their organization. To develop and implement annual events and advocacy programming that inform the business community, encourages member engagement and support for the organization. The Public Affairs & Leadership Development Director will also serve as staff to the Chamber’s Leadership Greater Rochester program.

This is a full-time, onsite position in Rochester, Minnesota. Benefits include 401k, dental insurance, health insurance, vision insurance, and paid time off. B ase annual salary of $60,000-$68,000.

Public Affairs and Policy:

• Research assigned topics and develop summaries and/or articles that communicate the impact to employers and sharing information with Chamber staff and membership.
• In partnership with the Vice President, Public Affairs, President, and Chamber staff, communicate policy details and issues to Chamber members.
• Track and monitor legislation identified as priorities of the Chamber.
• Assist in the development of the annual legislative agenda.
• Assist in developing relationships at the local, state, and federal level, encouraging engagement between members, elected officials, and staff.
• Interact with local, state, and federal elected officials and departments/agencies.
• Attend meetings of local, state, and federal governmental entities as needed.
• Serve as staff lead in the development and execution of the annual Rochester Area Chamber Day at the Capitol.
• Development of a strategic sales plan to acquire and retain sponsor ships for advocacy related events.
• Actively assist in the planning and execution of Chamber advocacy related events, including Economic Summit, Day at the Capitol, Eggs & Issues, Linking Leaders & Industry, and others.
• Serve as staff lead to the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Hospitality Committee. This includes the preparation of calendars, agendas, and meeting minutes. Also provide support to the Local Government Affairs Committee (LGAC).
• Represent the Chamber in public events, hearings, and forums as assigned.

• The Public Affairs & Leadership Development Director must be visible and engaged in the community, attending Chamber events and being a positive representative of the Chamber in the Rochester community and surrounding areas.
• Budget development for programs and events.
• Assist the Rochester Area Chamber team in the development and implementation of Rochester Chamber events.
• Participate in membership retention initiatives.
• Serve as staff to the Chamber’s Leadership Greater Rochester program.
• Other projects and duties as assigned by the Vice President, Public Affairs and President.

The ideal candidate for this role will possess:

• A bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, marketing, communications, or related field.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with business members.
• Knowledge of event planning and promotion.
• Strong organizational practices to ensure project timelines and standards are met.
• Experience and ability to effectively communicate with various audiences, listen, speak, write, present, and interact appropriately with public and private individuals and groups.
• Ability to collect and analyze data to identify opportunities and courses of action.
• Guiding policy initiatives from development to execution to achieve advocacy goals.
• Strong organizational practices to ensure project timelines and standards are met.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Experience in advocacy work, political campaigns, or other relevant experience is welcomed. Adobe CS (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Excel, PowerPoint, and Word experience are welcome, and will be considered when choosing the best applicant for this position.

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce is business member organization dedicated to providing resources, information, advocacy, and opportunities to connect to the Rochester area business community.