Senior Vice President, Advocacy

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia brings area businesses and civic leaders together to promote growth and create opportunity in our region. Our members represent eleven counties, three states, and roughly 600,000 employees from thousands of member companies and organizations. The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia works together with members, investors, and stakeholders, to realize our bold vision: Greater Philadelphia is a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth. As the metro-regional chamber of commerce serving the 11-county, tri-state Greater Philadelphia region, we are the premier organization to convene and connect business, government, and civic leaders to drive economic growth and prosperity for all. The Chamber is made up of diverse member companies ranging from world-renowned Fortune 500 companies to small and mid-size firms. We advocate for regional development, business-friendly public policies, and economic prosperity. We support our members with practical, inspiring programs, resources, and events. All that we do serves one clear, bold goal: to make Greater Philadelphia a great place for good business.

Role Summary

In this highly visible and impactful role, the Senior Vice President, Advocacy (SVP) will manage and lead the Chamber’s local, state, regional, and federal public policy and advocacy efforts, while developing and maintaining strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including elected officials, business leaders, and public interest groups. The SVP is primarily responsible for working with the Chamber’s leadership, membership, and numerous stakeholders to develop and implement effective advocacy strategies that align with the organization’s strategic plan for the Greater Philadelphia region. The SVP will possess an astute understanding of the design and utilization of communications campaigns to influence policy positions and politics, coupled with the ability to weave advocacy opportunities with civic engagement. Reporting directly to President & CEO, Chellie Cameron, the SVP will manage a high-performing, engaged team and will partner strategically with other cross-functional departments and facilitate and manage high-level engagement with Chamber Board members. This executive will often need to act as the company spokesperson when needed.

Chamber’s Strategic Plan

The Chamber’s Executive Committee approved a five-year strategic plan in June 2023 which clarified the long-term vision of the Chamber and identified key priorities to focus on. The vision the Chamber aspires to is that “the Greater Philadelphia Region is a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth.” To realize this vision, the Chamber’s efforts will be propelled by three enduring strategic priorities:

1. Amplify the impact of business in the region.
2. Advocate for a competitive business climate.
3. Grow a vibrant and diverse business community.

A set of eight initiatives and five enablers provide detailed charters (i.e., work plans) for a targeted evolution of internal Chamber operations and ways of working over the next three years.

Committees Managed by the SVP

In partnership with their team, other Chamber colleagues, and numerous contracts which provide consultancy and lobbying services, the SVP will be responsible for setting the agenda and managing the following committees of volunteers:

• Policy Research and Legislation Committee (PRLC): Advises the Chamber on legislative and regulatory strategies, positions, and actions of interest to the business community; reviews the outcome of the Chamber’s policy research and monitors the development of governmental policies of interest to the business community; and coordinates politically related activities on behalf of the Chamber, including advocacy for the Chamber’s position on matters of interest to the business community.
• Electoral Politics Committee: A current ad hoc committee of the Chamber Board which was formed to advise the Chamber’s issues-based advocacy and communications efforts. It may continue in this capacity, as well as to inform the Chamber’s political strategy.
• State and Local Tax (SALT) Committee: Comprised of Chamber members who specialize in finance, taxation, and management. Members review the annual fiscal plans and tax legislation of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Philadelphia to assure that tax burdens are shared equally.

Additional Responsibilities

In addition, the SVP will work with the President and CEO of the Chamber, volunteer leaders, and partners from related advisory boards and committees, such as the CEO Council for Growth, the Inclusive Growth Coalition, and the PA Innovation Fund Coalition. This executive leader will reimagine the Southeastern Pennsylvania County and Business Partnership to build coalitions with other Chambers and organizations to develop and advocate for the Chamber’s local, state, regional, and federal advocacy agendas. They will work to integrate overall Chamber communications efforts with advocacy messaging and to ensure the Chamber’s civic engagement efforts are complimentary and coordinated with all advocacy efforts.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the development of the Chamber’s public policy agenda, analyze proposed legislation and emerging issues, and recommend Chamber action and strategies for interventions to influence legislation toward achieving the desired outcome.
• Serve as Treasurer of ChamberPHL Political Action Committee (PAC), the Chamber’s state and local PAC.
• Support the creation and deployment of a narrative of the regional impact of business and growth.
• Serve as a member of the Chamber’s executive team and work with all Chamber and affiliate departments as needed on government and policy-related matters.
• Assist in the development of Chamber Board and Executive Committee agendas.
• Empower, manage, and inspire staff members. Lead the team in creating and implementing events that produce value for participants and sponsors, including new and one-time programs. Requires awareness of current affairs and the intersections between business and government.
• Attend state and local legislative hearings and provide testimony and information regarding Chamber positions as needed.
• Attend legislative sessions and interact with and influence legislators and their staff.
• Build and maintain formal and ad hoc coalitions and collaborative relationships with other organizations to influence policy through legislators and their staff. Oversee the development and implementation of grassroots advocacy initiatives.
• Prepare and oversee a budget. Previous experience managing a budget in a non-profit environment is preferred.
• Serve as a public representative of the Chamber and its affiliates at Chamber, government, civic, and community events. Work with and motivate business and community leaders to accomplish the Chamber’s policy goals.
• Collaborate with others to recruit and retain Chamber members.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree is required with a Master’s degree highly preferred, ideally in business, political science, public administration, law, or a related field.
• Relevant and progressive experience working in a senior public policy and governmental affairs leadership role.
• Experience in and ability to develop strategy for and manage issue advocacy campaigns.
• A demonstrated track record of having played a key role in contributing to and influencing successful legislative, policy, regulatory and governmental activities impacting an organization’s objectives, and lobbying on the organization’s behalf. Be viewed as highly credible.
• Strong set of relationships with elected officials and their staffs in the Greater Philadelphia area.
• Ability to work effectively with both internal and external constituencies and demonstrated ability to build effective coalitions and teams. Ability to network with area business leaders to learn diverse perspectives and understand the potential impact of proposed actions on various segments of the business community.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with gravitas, executive presence, and an outgoing and engaging personality. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills including strong presentation skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and a capacity to build relationships with a wide variety of groups and individuals.
• A collaborative leader and team player with a demonstrated track record of managing and developing staff members. Politically savvy, astute, diplomatic, and sensitive with strong business acumen. Exceptional skill and strong experience leading programs and teams.
• Energetic, flexible, responsive, proactive, and strategically oriented. Excellent judgment. Sensitive to diverse perspectives within the community.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and does not discriminate in the recruitment, selection, or advancement of employees on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, creed, age, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, or on any other basis prohibited by law.

Email [email protected] or [email protected] for more information on how to apply.