Government Relations Specialist

Under the direction of the Director of Programs & Government Relations, the Government Relations Specialist supports the El Paso Chamber’s government affairs, public policy, and business advocacy initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels. This position monitors legislative, regulatory, and governmental activity affecting the regional business community; conducts policy research; prepares legislative updates and briefing materials; coordinates meetings and advocacy activities; and maintains relationships with elected officials, governmental agencies, Chamber members, and community stakeholders. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Government Relations & Public Policy Support the development and implementation of the Chamber’s government relations and public policy initiatives. Monitor local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory activity affecting Chamber members and the regional business community. Track proposed legislation, ordinances, regulations, governmental actions, and public policy developments relevant to Chamber priorities. Assist with developing legislative priorities, policy positions, talking points, and advocacy materials. Provide timely updates to the Director of Programs & Government Relations regarding significant governmental or policy developments. Legislative Research & Analysis Conduct research on proposed legislation, regulations, ordinances, and public policy issues. Analyze information regarding the potential impact of governmental actions on businesses, employers, and the regional economy. Prepare legislative summaries, issue briefs, fact sheets, background materials, and policy updates. Research comparable policies and governmental actions in other communities or jurisdictions when appropriate. Translate complex legislative and regulatory information into clear and understandable summaries for Chamber members and stakeholders. Advocacy Support Assist with Chamber advocacy efforts before local, state, and federal governmental entities. Prepare briefing materials, talking points, presentations, correspondence, and supporting documentation for advocacy meetings. Coordinate meetings between Chamber leadership, members, elected officials, governmental representatives, and community stakeholders. Assist with preparing letters of support, position statements, public comments, and other advocacy communications. Track follow-up items resulting from governmental and legislative meetings. Support coalitions and partnerships addressing issues affecting the regional business community. Maintain appropriate professionalism and neutrality when representing established Chamber positions. Government & Community Relationships Develop and maintain professional working relationships with governmental offices and community stakeholders. Represent the Chamber at governmental meetings, public hearings, community meetings, and other designated activities. Identify opportunities for Chamber members to engage with elected officials and governmental representatives. Government Relations Events & Initiatives Assist with planning and coordinating Chamber government relations events and advocacy initiatives. Provide logistical and administrative support for activities that may include: Public policy forums Pints & Politics Legislative briefings Other advocacy and government relations activities Coordinate schedules, meeting locations, participant communications, registration, materials, speakers, and other logistical needs. Prepare event agendas, briefing books, schedules, presentations, and supporting materials. Provide on-site support for government relations programs and events. Assist with post-event follow-up and evaluation. Committee & Coalition Support Provide staff support to assigned Chamber committees, councils, coalitions, and working groups. Assist with the Government Relations Committee and other assigned policy-related committees. Coordinate meeting schedules, agendas, speakers, presentations, and supporting materials. Prepare and maintain meeting minutes and committee records. Track committee action items and conduct appropriate follow-up. Legislative Communications Prepare legislative updates and government affairs communications for Chamber members and leadership. Draft summaries, articles, alerts, newsletters, talking points, and other government relations communications. Ensure governmental and legislative information is accurate, timely, objective, and appropriately sourced. Coordinate with Marketing & Communications regarding government relations events and public policy messaging. Maintain consistency with established Chamber positions and organizational messaging. Member Engagement & Advocacy Engage Chamber members regarding business advocacy and public policy priorities. Gather member feedback regarding governmental and regulatory issues affecting their businesses. Connect members with appropriate government relations programs, committees, and advocacy opportunities. Encourage participation in government affairs meetings, legislative visits, surveys, and other initiatives. Communicate significant member concerns to the Director of Programs & Government Relations. Government Meeting Monitoring Monitor agendas and activities of relevant governmental entities as assigned. Attend or review governmental meetings when issues relevant to Chamber priorities are being considered. Maintain calendars of relevant legislative sessions, hearings, public meetings, and governmental deadlines. Notify appropriate Chamber leadership of significant developments requiring review or action. Research, Reporting & Administration Prepare government relations reports, presentations, legislative trackers, and briefing materials. Maintain government relations calendars, contact lists, databases, and files. Assist with annual planning and budgeting for government relations initiatives. Exercise appropriate confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive governmental or organizational matters. Perform other government relations, advocacy, program, and organizational duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of local, state, and federal governmental and legislative processes. Strong research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills. Excellent professional writing and editing skills. Strong verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to professionally interact with elected officials, governmental staff, business leaders, Chamber members, and community stakeholders. Excellent organizational, time-management, and follow-up abilities. Ability to manage multiple projects, meetings, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. Ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across Chamber departments. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams. Experience with GrowthZone, legislative tracking systems, CRM platforms, or similar technology preferred. Knowledge of the El Paso regional business and governmental community preferred. Bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred. Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Government, Business Administration, Communications, Economics, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combinations of relevant education and professional experience may be considered. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, governmental administration, community relations, advocacy, or a related field preferred. Experience conducting legislative or public policy research preferred. Experience coordinating meetings, programs, events, or stakeholder initiatives preferred. Experience working with elected officials, governmental agencies, business organizations, or community stakeholders is a plus. Experience with a Chamber of Commerce, membership organization, nonprofit, governmental entity, economic development organization, or similar environment preferred. Working Conditions Work is performed in professional office, governmental, community, and event environments. Travel to Austin and other locations may periodically be required in connection with legislative sessions, advocacy initiatives, or Chamber activities. May require prolonged periods of sitting or standing and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Occasional early morning, evening, and weekend work may be required for governmental meetings, legislative activities, Chamber programs, and events. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Eligible employees may receive benefits in accordance with the Chamber’s applicable benefit plans, eligibility requirements, and policies, which may include: 401(k) with employer matching Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable benefit plans and may be modified from time to time in accordance with organizational needs and applicable law. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the individual assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications, performance expectations, or working conditions. Responsibilities may be modified or additional duties may be assigned based on the operational needs and strategic priorities of the El Paso Chamber. #J-18808-Ljbffr El Paso Chamber