Government Relations Manager

Title: Government Relations Manager

Reports to: Vice President, Government Relations

Date: June 2024

Position Overview:

The Government Relations Manager will support GBCC's public policy functions by being a lobbyist for the

organization and assisting in developing and promoting the Chamber's public policy priorities. They will be a driven

team player who will use strong organizational and critical thinking skills to track and analyze legislation, prioritize

legislative and policy matters for the Chamber's attention and identify emerging legislative priorities.

It is critical for the manager to be able to translate and communicate policy positions clearly and succinctly in writing,

and verbally to key constituents, including Chamber colleagues, legislative staff, and Chamber members. The

communication should be relevant and customized to the needs and priorities of each audience.

Responsibilities:

• Identify and track relevant legislation. Updates on the status of legislation will be shared immediately if the status changes and otherwise with the policy team in regular policy team meetings.
• Provide written updates for colleagues that summarize relevant legislation and analyze the impact of it on Chamber membership. Share summary and analysis with the team as needed and prioritized by the Vice President of Government Relations, and provide proactive reactions and updates as bills move through the legislative process.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of Chamber policy agenda and priorities. The manager does this by reading all Chamber communication vehicles including press releases, press clippings and State House News; attending regular team meetings and leadership council meetings.
• Act as the Chamber's representative with legislative staff and staff of other elected/appointed officials to advance the Chamber's agenda. Specifically, the manager is expected to rely on existing relationships and develop new ones to proactively reach out to elected official office staff. Outreach includes general check-ins, soliciting information about current legislative priorities, sharing policy briefs and testimony from the discussions internally and follow up with legislative staff on Chamber initiatives that are relevant to their needs.
• Assist with preparation of written testimony and scripts for oral testimony for Chamber leadership on legislation to convey the Chamber's advocacy position and the impact of legislation on Chamber membership.
• Manage the Chamber's annual, semi-annual, and quarterly lobbyist filings. Track Chamber lobbying activities and verify accuracy with lobbyists on staff and Chief of Staff prior to report submission. File the reports no later than one day prior to the deadline and retain copies of reports and submission confirmations.
• Staff at least two of the Chamber's leadership councils. This is done by maintaining council rosters and providing welcome materials to new members. Research and suggest speakers to council co-chairs, schedule meetings with co-chairs and internal Chamber schedule manager, reserve space or create virtual space, work with co-chairs to develop an agenda. Provide speaker bio and background materials to allow co-chairs to lead discussions and engage with speaker. Send a post-meeting email to leadership council members.
• Perform other duties, including administrative, and execute other projects as required.

Education/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or 3 to 4 years of equivalent experience required. Past work in federal, state, or local government a strong plus.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and sound judgement in prior work experience or education.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience interacting with senior managers.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write to a specific audience and understanding and addressing the specific and contextual priorities of that audience.
• Willingness to work in a team environment and learn from colleagues. High performance in interactions with colleagues and external partners. Professional, direct, and asks questions as necessary to perform work to the highest standard.
• Must register with the state and city as a lobbyist.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills for meetings and convenings.
• Ability to prioritize across potentially competing objectives and timelines.
• Strong business ethics and values.

Salary: Starts at $60,000

To Apply: Both a resume and a cover letter are required. Candidates may be asked to supply a writing sample at the time of an interview.

**This job requires you to be in the office a minimum of three days a week.

About Us:

If you are looking to join a dynamic, collaborative team that makes a real difference in Greater Boston, look no further than the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. We work hard together with one purpose: to make Greater Boston the best place for all businesses and all people to thrive. At the Chamber, you will develop critical professional skills and interact with business and civic leaders who are shaping the future of our region.

Since 1909 the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce has sought to make Boston an epicenter of communication, collaboration, and celebration between businesses. Our mission is to be the convener, voice, and advocate of our diverse and collaborative membership who drive Greater Boston's success. We believe that when business thrives, we all thrive.

We do this by:

• Creating connections between business leaders that cultivate meaningful professional relationships.
• Amplifying advocacy by informing the community on the most pressing issues facing our region.
• Shaping policies that elevate Greater Boston's competitiveness in the region, nation, and world.

The Chamber works every day to make Greater Boston the best place for all businesses and all people to thrive. To do this, we research and advocate on major public policy topics, including:

• Business Climate
• Climate & Energy
• Health Care
• Housing & Development
• Talent
• Transportation

EEO Statement:

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace that reflects the diversity of the people of Boston, Massachusetts. We actively seek a diverse staff that is reflective of the community we serve.

It is the policy of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, parental status, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service or any other non-merit based factor in accordance with all applicable laws, directives, and regulations of federal, state and city entities.

Physical Requirements:

This is a sedentary job by nature but does require travel. Requires being able to sit at a desk and use a computer and phone for most of the day. When traveling, an employee must be mobile enough to get around events and assist with set up and break down including lifting 25lbs or more. The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.