Manager, State and Local Government Affairs

Natcast Overview

Natcast (short for The National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology) is a new, purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) consortium, established by the CHIPS Act of the U.S. government.

Working at Natcast represents an opportunity to help extend America’s leadership in semiconductor technology, significantly reduce the time and cost of moving from idea to commercialization, and build and sustain a semiconductor workforce development ecosystem.

These efforts to advance semiconductor technology and seed new industries built on the capabilities of a wide range of advanced chips hold the potential to benefit the country and the world for generations to come.

Manager of State and Local Government Affairs

Remote (with significant travel requirements)

In this role, you will lead Natcast’s engagement with state and local governments, developing and executing strategies to advance the organization’s mission and objectives within the semiconductor industry at the sub-federal level, with a particular focus on workforce development initiatives.

Every day, you will cultivate relationships with key state and local officials, monitor relevant legislation and policies, and foster open communication and understanding on initiatives that support Natcast’s goals in semiconductor research, development, and especially workforce training and education programs.

To thrive in this role, you must have extensive experience in government relations, a deep understanding of state and local government work, and the ability to effectively communicate complex technical and policy issues to diverse stakeholders. You should also be comfortable with frequent travel within the United States.

Natcast is a purpose-built, non-profit entity established by the CHIPS Act to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) consortium. As a key component of the CHIPS and Science Act, Natcast is dedicated to advancing semiconductor R&D in the United States, convening government, industry, and academia to address the most challenging barriers to technological progress in the domestic semiconductor industry. A key focus of our mission is to develop a robust, skilled workforce to support the growth of the semiconductor industry.

The Manager of State and Local Government Affairs will have a significant impact on Natcast’s mission to serve as a leader in the semiconductor ecosystem, particularly in workforce development. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth and success of the domestic semiconductor ecosystem through effective stakeholder engagement and the promotion of workforce development initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to engage with state and local officials aligned with Natcast’s mission and objectives, with a strong emphasis on workforce development programs.
• Build and maintain relationships with key state and local government officials, legislators, their staff, and education leaders.
• Monitor and analyze state and local legislation, regulations, and policies that may impact Natcast, the semiconductor industry, and related workforce development initiatives.
• Communicate Natcast’s mission, objectives, and activities to state and local governments, including testifying at hearings when necessary, with a focus on workforce development and STEM education activities.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop external-facing materials related to workforce development and training programs.
• Coordinate with industry partners, trade associations, educational institutions, and coalitions to advance shared workforce development goals.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to internal and external stakeholders on state and local government affairs issues, particularly those related to workforce development.
• Develop and manage budgets for state and local government affairs activities.
• Provide regular reports to leadership on state and local government affairs activities, outcomes, and emerging issues.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 6+ years of experience in government relations, with a focus on state and local affairs.
• Proven track record of successfully engaging with government officials at the state and local levels, particularly in areas related to workforce development and education.
• Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes across multiple states.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical and policy issues into compelling narratives.
• Experience managing budgets and resources for government affairs programs.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% of the time to various states and localities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in technology policy, particularly related to semiconductors or advanced manufacturing.
• Extensive knowledge of workforce development and STEM education policy issues.
• Familiarity with economic development incentives and programs at state and local levels.
• Experience working with or for a non-profit organization.
• Network of established relationships with state and local officials across key semiconductor manufacturing states.

If you are a seasoned government affairs professional with a passion for technology policy, workforce development, and a desire to contribute to the revitalization of the U.S. semiconductor industry, we encourage you to apply for this position. Join us in our mission to advance semiconductor innovation, strengthen the domestic semiconductor ecosystem, and develop a skilled workforce through effective state and local government engagement.

Natcast is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any protected attribute. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please let us know.

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