Vice President of State Policy

Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce

Nashville, TN

Position Description / Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY/ PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The VP of State Policy leads and implements the Chamber’s efforts in relationship-building, initiatives, programs and lobbying at the Tennessee state legislature and with the Governor’s administration to serve the Chamber’s strategic objectives. The VP of State Policy leads special projects of significance with state government on behalf of the Chamber including, but not limited to, creating the annual State legislative agenda, lobbying to the agenda, securing input from Chamber members during the legislative session, and producing the annual State Legislative Scorecard. The VP of State Policy also organizes signature events such as Tennessee on Tap legislative reception and the Governor’s Address. The VP of State Policy serves as the Chamber’s administrative support to state-focused Political Action Committees (PACs) and is liaison for the Chamber in its work with other chambers across Tennessee.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Leads development and implementation of the Chamber’s State policy agenda through the annual policy survey, drafting the State policy agenda, lobbying to the agenda, facilitating member engagement in advocacy, and producing the annual State Legislative Scorecard.
2. Expands and deepens relationships with State partners (including, but not limited to, elected and administrative officials, member volunteers, and partner chambers and economic development entities) to implement the State policy agenda. Lobbies State elected officials as needed to achieve the State policy agenda.
3. Oversees and assists with the completion of special projects and critical core functions of the Policy Theatre that are related to the State including, but not limited to, the State Legislative Scorecard, Tennessee on Tap legislative reception and the Governor’s Address.
4. Provides administrative assistance to the state Political Action Committee (PAC) and Independent Expenditure (C4) activities including developing a budget for candidate and member contributions from the organization’s PAC or corporate sources as permitted, ensuring organizational compliance, and assisting with annual PAC solicitations and with PAC-supported events. Provides knowledge of state legislators’ policy positions to the PACs and C4s.
5. Monitors and analyzes legislation and policy action impacting the State to identify the impact on the Chamber’s ability to pursue its strategic objectives and provides policy expertise, analysis and development of solutions on issues at the State level.
6. Effectively engages volunteers in the policymaking process through Middle Tennessee Business Voice and the Prosperity Leaders group of Chamber members volunteering to be more active in the Chamber’s policy work.
7. Participates in developing the Policy Theater budget to meet the Chamber’s state legislative goals.
8. Accountable for revenue goals related to State policy work as outlined in annual work plan

Position Requirements

A. KNOWLEDGE/EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Graduate of an accredited university required, with an advanced degree preferred.
• Five or more years of experience with a proven track record in public policy or government affairs.
• Strong working knowledge of the State legislative process.
• Prior experience successfully managing a budget and generating revenue preferred.
• Demonstrated passion for Middle Tennessee and a commitment to ensuring that business concerns are represented in State policy decisions.

B. SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to apply reasoning and problem-solving skills to quickly identify critical issues and develop plans and programs to accomplish objectives.
• Leadership style that creates trust, enthusiasm, and confidence and produces results for the team.
• Positive approach.
• Professional maturity.
• Strong strategic planning capabilities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including public speaking.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing policy circumstances in a fast-paced political environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal relations skills.
• Ability to work with diverse constituencies and build consensus and coalition across differing viewpoints.

• Ability to demonstrate balance in perspective – understands and supports the values of the Chamber while respecting the values of all points of view.
• Competence in creating and meeting budgets.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and the work of multiple staff.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines, manage and prioritize multiple tasks and work with internal and external stakeholders simultaneously.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work with little supervision.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours.
• Knowledge of PC functions and Microsoft Office Applications, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• SUPERVISION:

• 80% or more
• 50% to 80%
• Less than 50%
• X This position does not have supervisory responsibilities

PROJECT MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP AND/OR PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project management is a consistent and on-going aspect of this position. The VP of State Policy works closely with the Chief Policy Officer in developing and implementing specific products and initiatives including, but not limited to, developing and leading projects and initiatives, selecting participants and recruiting volunteers, making assignments, developing timelines and budgets, identifying deliverables and tracking performance and results.

Check the estimated percentage of time devoted to project work:

• Less than 25%
• 25% to 50%
• X More than 50%

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Typically sitting at a desk or table.
• Occasionally lifting light objects (less than 24 pounds).
• Intermittently walking, standing, bending and carrying.
• Requires use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire regulations.
• Manual dexterity, visual and auditory acuity needed.
• Some repetitive motion is involved.
• Work is performed in an office or computer room.
• Work requires visits to businesses, elected officials and economic and Chamber partners in the Middle Tennessee region.
• Position requires travel out of the Middle Tennessee region less than five percent of the time.

Application Instructions

To apply to this position, please send a cover letter and your resume to the Chamber's employment email: employment@nashvillechamber.com