Vice President, Government Affairs

Please submit a cover letter with your resume.

Position Scope

The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC is the largest economic development, chamber of commerce, and business advocacy organization in southern Colorado. We work with industry leaders, educational institutions, military personnel, government, and community agencies and a wide array of community professionals dedicated to developing economic prosperity for our region.

A vice president leads and directs projects, programs, and people with little supervision and full autonomy according to set goals and approved budget. The Vice President of Government Affairs, acting as the collective voice of local business and industry, creates and implements strategic policy initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure a business-friendly regulatory environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and implements public policy strategies to the benefit of the business community.
• Oversees and administers the Chamber & EDC Government Affairs Council.
• Maintains positive relationships and two-way communication with elected officials concerning the needs of the business community.
• Research and monitor local, state, and federal legislation that impacts the business community.
• Develop and assist the team to create summaries of legislation, policy briefs, and legislative reports.
• Leads contract lobbyists, government affairs staff and directs reporting partners.
• Communicates regularly with staff and members about legislative and regulatory activities.
• Maintains a consistent presence at the State Capitol, building relationships with legislators, staff, and lobbyists, and testifying on formal positions.
• Represents the Chamber & EDC in coalitions with partner organizations such as the Colorado Chamber, Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, Colorado Competitive Council, Pikes Peak Housing Network and others as needed.
• Convenes and drives coalitions to achieve strategic objectives.
• Coordinate and oversee ballot issue campaigns.
• Organizes and implements programs that educate Chamber & EDC Members/Investors and the community on legislative and regulatory issues.

Travel Requirements

• Frequent travel to State Capitol and other Colorado cities. Occasional travel to Washington D.C.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough understanding of legislative and executive (including regulatory) branches of government at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Ability to articulately read, analyze and summarize policy.
• Strong public policy background.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and leading a team.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communications skills and experience effectively communicating complex issues.
• Record of effectively engaging volunteers.
• Self-starter with ability to think strategically and develop long-term goals.
• Must be flexible, collaborative, and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Business, or related field.
• Experience interacting with local, state and federal elected and appointed officials.
• Significant experience in analyzing and summarizing legislation.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in public policy, government affairs, or related field; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Typical office environment for daily operations, and typical physical demands required in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Participation or attendance may be requested occasionally at events during evenings and on weekends.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. These may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed and should not be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees in this position. This job description does not constitute a contract for employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $95,000.00 – $105,000.00 per year

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