Job Opening: Vice President Public Policy at the Asheville Chamber

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking Vice President of Public Policy. This position reports to the Chamber president and directs and promotes the Chamber’s public policy initiatives. Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or related field. Prior work experience of up to 10 years in an industry-related position. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to rrush@ashevillechamber.org. Deadline is May 16th.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Provides support for the success of the Manager of Public Policy.

Supports the Chamber’s volunteer Vice Chairman of Public Policy through strategic planning and implementation of the program of work.

Develops and administers the annual operating budget for the Public Policy Department.

Is responsible for raising sponsorship funds for Public Policy events, whether through the Total Resource Campaign or by personally recruiting sponsors.

Builds community consensus on public policy issues through partnerships, councils, workshops, media releases and public speeches.

Represents the Chamber and business community during public policy events and serves on boards and councils central to the community’s enhancement of public policy initiatives.

Leads and directs the Chamber in maintaining a close working relationship with elected officials.

Works closely with elected officials to build strong public/private partnerships, address the priorities detailed in the Chamber’s Strategic Plan, Program of Work, and annual legislative agenda.

Coordinates Public Policy Advisory Committee meetings as needed to make decisions on sensitive public policy issues.

Produces items for the Chamber’s e-newsletter as well as messages for Chamber social media.

Researches, plans, and implements the Chamber’s bi-annual InterCity Visit program.

Provides logistical support and planning for Asheville site visits by Chambers from other communities.

Plans and implements the Chamber’s bi-annual Business Walk canvass to identify priorities.

Provides leadership for the initiatives of the Governmental Affairs Task Force, including creation of a legislative agenda.

Provides leadership to plan and implement the Chamber leadership visits to Raleigh (in collaboration with other area chambers of commerce) and Washington to advocate the Chamber’s annual legislative agenda.

Provides leadership for planning and implementing the annual Elected Officials Reception and the annual Legislative Luncheon.

Is responsible for Asheville 5x5 investor relations in collaboration with the President and the Economic Development Coalition staff.

Provides leadership for the initiatives of the Transportation Task Force.

Plans and implements Public Policy Forums and Summits.

Provides leadership on the selection of the Chamber’s annual Excellence in Public Policy award. 

Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or related field. Prior work experience of up to 10 years in an industry-related position.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

Must be able to effectively communicate and represent the Chamber’s position, programs and services to the public, media and membership. Knowledge of computers and related software is essential. Requires knowledge of Chamber members, organizational structure, departmental programs and sources for information. Must possess management and organizational skills to coordinate work of subordinates and volunteers as needed, maintain files and logs, write, proof and edit copy and compile data to generate reports. Must possess excellent communications skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, subordinates and the general public.

COMPLEXITIY OF DUTIES:

Performs duties according to established Chamber guidelines and procedures. Initiative and resourcefulness are used to implement and maintain programs and apply creative communication strategies to meet the Chamber’s goals.

SUPERVISIONS RECEIVED:

Works under the supervision of the President.

REPONSIBILTY FOR ACCURACY:

Responsible for the accuracy of work performed by subordinates. A high level of accuracy is required when preparing communications material.

CONTACT WITH OTHERS:

Has frequent internal contact with the President, Department Vice Presidents, and department staff.  External contact includes frequent calls and meetings with elected officials, community leaders, volunteers, Chamber members, and the media, as appropriate to the topic and at the pleasure of the President.   All contacts are for the purpose of exchanging or providing information and require tact, courtesy and professional decorum.

CONFIDENTIAL DATA:

Has access to management discussions and employee files, which are considered confidential and would not be in the Chamber’s best interest to disclose.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL/VISUAL EFFORT:

The degree of concentration ranges from slight to intense based on the work being performed. Position is subject to frequent interruptions that require varied responses. While performing duties of the job, incumbent is routinely required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arm, talk and hear. Occasional lifting and bending is required. Requires visual acuity, manual dexterity and good eye/hand/foot coordination.

ENVIRONMENT:

Works in a normal office environment.

EXTENT OF SUPERVISION:

Supervises, motivates, evaluates and determines work priorities for assigned personnel.

SCOPE OF SUPERVISION:

Coordinates and oversees the work of one employee.