Policy & Community Development Manager

Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

Policy & Community Development Manager - Job Description

Position: Policy & Community Development Manager

Reports to: Vice President of Policy & Community Development

Status: Full-time exempt

Salary Range: $50K - $55K, DOE

Benefits: Employer-paid medical insurance, dental, short and long-term disability and life insurance, paid holidays, vacation, maternity leave and sick leave, eligible for 401K employer contribution after 3 months

Organization Overview: The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce is a catalytic leader helping to champion a positive future for our community, encourage collaboration, and drive growth and leadership that develop our regional economy and improve life for all in our community. As a 1200-member organization, we work to build leaders, engage members on important issues and provide a platform on which the chamber and its members advocate for solutions that move our community forward.

Position Overview: This position serves to support the Chamber’s legislative affairs, political operations, and grassroots advocacy efforts, as well as a key team member for other advocacy functions such as policy development, events, special projects, and strategic partnerships. Measured primarily by deliverables driven toward implementing Chamber public policy priorities and overall progress within applicable organization-wide strategic pillars, this role is critical for an effective Eugene Chamber advocacy presence and a vital piece to our overall significance and success as an organization and civic institution.

Responsibilities:

Business Advocacy

• Responsible for supporting the development and implementation of effective issues campaigns on behalf of the business community and chamber membership. This includes assisting the VP of Policy & Community Relations (VP of P&CR) to research strategies, communication planning & writing, volunteer outreach and management, and government and elected official relations.
• Scheduling, coordinating and administering the Local Government Affairs Council (LGAC) as a strong, engaged, action-oriented volunteer component of the Chamber’s advocacy efforts.
• Responsible for researching and tracking State, City, and County policy measures that align with the Chamber’s mission.
• Regularly monitors City, County and State issues to ensure that the Chamber is engaged on issues impacting business and the local community.

Community Leadership Development

• Support VP of P&CR  in efforts to develop and execute a formal strategy to encourage business-friendly individuals to run for elected office and apply for appointed boards & commissions.

Program Management 

• Oversee the execution of the joint Leadership Eugene Springfield (LES) program that is developed and produced in partnership with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Oversee the logistics and execution of policy related programs and events such as candidate forums, policy breakfasts, legislative visits, etc. This includes coordinating venues, speakers, following event budgets, pursuing occasional sponsorships.

 Communication

• Draft policy memos, letters of support/opposition, advocacy-related ENews articles (as directed by the Director of Marketing & Communications), as well as any general advocacy press releases. 
• Consult and assist with content development for Chamber publications and online communications strategies.
• Connect on a regular basis with business community members to gather input and opinions on pressing policy issues.
• Draft testimony to elected bodies and public presentations on issues relevant to the Chamber and business community.
• Communicate with and prepare members of the Local Government Affairs Council for scheduled liaison meetings with elected or appointed officials.

Miscellaneous

• Assist when needed, in sponsor recruitment, event execution, member outreach and membership sales to ensure annual revenue goals are met.
• Other duties as assigned by the VP of Policy & Community Development

 Experience & Skills Desired:

• Strong communication skills including policy and editorial writing, public speaking and media relations.
• College degree preferred; will consider a combination of education and 2+ years of experience in a similar role.
• Ability to successfully manage relationships with core constituencies and leadership groups ranging from the Chamber’s boards and government affairs council, and general membership to elected officials, civic organizations and interest groups.
• Skilled in consensus finding & building and in receiving input from several sources – that are often differing and competing interests – to implement toward best possible policy solutions.
• Knowledge on public policy issues including but not limited to; tax & fiscal policy, transportation, infrastructure, health, education, workforce, criminal justice, environment and economic development.
• Familiarity in electoral politics, but ardently non-partisan in demeanor, history, and public statement. 
• Understanding of campaign and election work in order to help us build out a robust candidate development program.
• Successful communicator with the ability to create and sell shared/added value to membership and potential external contributors.
• Knack to distill complex public policy issues and explain their implications to staff, stakeholders, and members on a routine basis.
• Well adept in cultivating and leveraging volunteer leadership for common goals.
• Proud proponent of the Eugene region and mission of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Ability to research relevant public policy and political history of local, regional and state topics.

The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We are striving to create a diverse workforce and prioritize making sure all employees feel safe, and welcome. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications.