Vice President of Public Policy

The Vice President of Public Policy is the primary interface between the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) and local, state, and federal elected officials and government agencies on issues impacting the Chamber’s members and the San Antonio business community. The priority issues for the Chamber are primarily local so engagement is heaviest with the City and County, then the State, and finally federally. The Vice President of Public Policy collaborates with the principal staff of the Chamber and leads an active group of member volunteers in shaping, developing, and fostering policies that respond to the needs of the business community. This work requires a dynamic and dedicated individual with a vision as a thought leader to drive conversation within membership and the community at large.

The successful candidate should have strong knowledge and proven experience on policy issues, especially involving local infrastructure such as water, transportation, energy, housing, etc. The ability to develop, articulate, and deliver well written/researched policy positions that provide vision and advocacy for regional long-term infrastructure initiatives that enhance business growth and development in the context of current events and political environment is a critical job requirement. The individual must possess excellent communication and planning skills to create and implement the Chamber’s State and Federal legislative policy agendas and execute special events including, but not limited to SA to DC, Viva, State of the City and State of the County. The VP is the primary point of contact for elected officials and their staffs and will collaborate with other chamber team members when they want elected officials to attend events, get involved in initiatives or work on policy issues pertaining to their area.

Like all Chamber staff, the VP of Public Policy focuses on engaging, supporting and growing our membership base and selling our special events.

Essential Duties:

• Lead and direct the Public Policy Department staff and inputs to Chamber budget.
• Develop positive relationships with elected officials and staffs and serve as a resource on business-related concerns and respond to priorities of Chamber members.
• Facilitate monthly staff meetings for the Public Policy Council as well as the other committees under the Public Policy umbrella, including the Infrastructure, Economic Development and Small Business Councils.
• Identify and facilitate discussions on timely issues
• Develop Chamber position statements with input from volunteer leaders and members
• Distribute meeting notices, agendas, and minutes for all council and committee meetings
• Develop talking points as needed for council and committee leadership
• Evaluate and recommend candidates for public advisory boards such as CPS Energy, San Antonio Water System (SAWS), VIA Metropolitan Transit and other agencies
• In collaboration with other senior staff and Chamber membership, develop and execute proactive policy agendas for all levels of government and craft strategies for effective advocacy.
• Monitor local and state governing bodies such as the San Antonio City Council, Bexar County Commissioners Court, San Antonio Water System (SAWS), CPS Energy, and VIA board meetings, as well as other community meetings for policy issues relevant to the Chamber.
• Review state and federal legislation, agency regulations, and local ordinances for potential relevance to the Chamber and provide analysis.
• Enhance brand awareness and reputation through the attendance at Chamber and community events on behalf of the Chamber, as directed.
• Manage the Chamber’s state contract lobby team.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Chamber members, sponsors, elected officials and their staff, and other stakeholders.
• Write timely, persuasive and engaging content for all the Chamber’s communication platforms, related to the policy goals of the Chamber.
• Help plan and coordinate policy-related special events including:
• Contact and engage sponsors, coordinate and engage participants, and develop run of show for receptions or other events related to policy goals of Chamber.
• Attend all major Chamber events and represent the Chamber at community events.

• Contact and engage sponsors, craft the run of show and script, and develop event descriptions for the State of the City, State of the County, SA to DC, VIVA, and other political/governmental special events.
• Coordinate the participation of candidates, determine moderator participation, and develop run of show for debates or candidate forums.

Decision Responsibilities:

• Select issues and speakers for committee meetings
• Approve communications for department level events
• Set priorities on projects, events and invitations
• Approve communications for department level events

Education Requirements:

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Government Relations, or related area
• Master’s in Public Policy, Public Administration, Government Relations, or related area
• At least five years of public policy and/or advocacy experience
• Management and supervisory experience
• Familiarity with local, state and federal government
• Knowledge of local elected officials
• Awareness of substantial local businesses
• Awareness of policies and issues that impact the business community and the community at-large
• (Desired) Experience managing volunteers or working in a membership organization

Preferred:

Previous Experience Requirements:

Skills & Abilities:

• Effective oral and written communication
• Team building and collaboration
• Planning and organizing
• Critical thinking
• Managing small teams
• Must have reliable transportation
• Must have flexibility for attending meetings or responding to inquiries outside of traditional office hours.

Physical Requirements: