Vice President, Government Relations

Columbus Chamber of Commerce

The Columbus Chamber is a 2,100-member business organization with the mission of advancing a thriving Columbus Region. The Vice President, Government Relations serves as the representative of the Columbus Chamber and its members at the federal, state and local levels of government.

Representative Duties and Responsibilities

Advocacy: Represent the Columbus Chamber and its members at the federal, state and local levels of government, actively lobbying the legislative and executive branches.
Government Navigation: Conduct 1:1 government navigation advisements with eligible Columbus
Chamber members to ensure efficient and effective business interactions with government entities.
Community Relations: Lead Columbus Chamber’s community relations efforts to ensure the voice of business is represented in all decisions made throughout the community.
Serve as a resource and connection to the business community for elected officials and candidates.
Solicit input from Chamber members to identify important public policy issues and initiatives. Inform
members of government issues that are important to the business community.
Organize Delegation Meetings where state and local government officials convene with business
leaders to discuss issues of importance.
Staff the Chamber’s Government Affairs Steering Committee. Provide analysis of ballot issues affecting businesses to committee.
Serve as a spokesperson for the Columbus Chamber on public policy issues.
Organize Government Day and Meet the Class events biennially.
Inform government officials of Columbus Chamber news and activities.
Develop, plan and program events that allow members to interact frequently with public policy leaders, including Government Spotlight series and roundtable conversations.
Solicit community organizations’ requests and lobby for state capital bill and federal earmarks.
Coordinate and participate in fly-in events to Washington, DC.
Counsel Chamber team on public policy issues that affect business and the Columbus Chamber.

Requirements

Ability to understand, analyze and communicate complex subjects
Demonstrated ability to build interpersonal/business relationships
Ability to think strategically
Expertise of governmental processes
Understanding of public policy issues important to the business community
Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills; able to build positive
relationships in the community, and motivate volunteers and public sector partners
Experience in budget management and planning
Strong relationships with policymakers at the City, County, State and Federal levels

Qualifications

Five to ten years experience in public policy, government relations or related field
B.S., Master's, or Juris Doctor
Lobbyist Registration, City of Columbus and State of Ohio
A valid driver’s license

To apply: Submit qualifications to Don DePerro, President & CEO at (dondeperro@columbus.org) and Derrick Clay, Government Affairs Steering Committee Chair (dclay@newvisionsgroup.com) by May 7th,
2021.

The Columbus Chamber is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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