Director, State Government Affairs & External Engagement

Summary of Position

Leads, develops, executes and refines government affairs and external engagement strategy to promote the interests of JobsOhio. Supports the mission of JobsOhio by strengthening stakeholder relationships, positioning the organization as a resource to policymakers, enhancing the organization's ability to influence policy that promotes economic development, and mitigating organizational risks associated with stakeholder actions. Provides strategic guidance and coaching to the JobsOhio government affairs and engagement team and regional and local level teams.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Director of State Government Affairs & Engagement will, in consultation with the corporation's Chief of Staff and TBD of Government Affairs & Engagement, drive the development and execution of various government affairs and external engagement strategies that include, but are not limited to:

• Support the development and implementation of an annual government affairs and external engagement strategic plan and execution calendar reflecting job duties and JobsOhio priorities.
• Lead, develop and maintain positive relationships with key elected leaders and policy decision makers including, but not limited to: state legislators, statewide officeholders, state agency directors, federal elected officials, local elected officials, non-elected officials, associations, trade groups and government affairs professionals representing target companies within JobsOhio's industry sectors.
• Actively advocate and educate key stakeholders on JobsOhio's mission, impact and success throughout Ohio.
• Manage responses to legislative and public official inquiries with timeliness and accuracy.
• Brief policymakers regarding JobsOhio milestones and issues.
• Advise JobsOhio senior leaders on continuous improvement opportunities for the Company, as presented and recommended by external stakeholders with demonstrated high-levels of performance and/or influence. Champion recommendations in collaboration with the Government Affairs and Engagement Manager through an internal deliberation process to ensure stakeholder feedback and customer perceptions are vetted and practice changes or decisions are shared with the appropriate stakeholders.
• Mitigate high-level challenges that adversely impact businesses, both existing and prospective, and specifically in the 10 driving industry sectors.
• Work with project team to identify government stakeholders and potential project-related sensitivities
• Reinforce the JobsOhio delivery model via the REDO/ LEDO partnerships to ensure accomplishments and performance results are properly messaged to stakeholders. On request, serve in tandem with the assigned managing director to identify and propose problem resolutions to improve outcomes.
• Coach and mentor Government Affairs and regional engagement team members and develop strategic outreach plan that maximizes state and local initiatives and partnerships
• Promote JobsOhio reputation and opportunities for positive exposure by including and collaborating internally with Marketing and Communications and other promotional teams to capture opportunities where the Company can highlight successes.
• Assist the Chief of Staff when requested, to diagnose, and resolve subject matter issues with sector leaders by making the appropriate connections/introductions.
• Oversee the facilitation of meetings between JobsOhio staff, public officials and their constituent business organizations and other relevant stakeholders.
• Oversee the monitoring of legislation impacting JobsOhio and Ohio's economic development climate.
• Provide guidance for JobsOhio's Resource and Partner Alignment function, which is aimed at supporting Ohio's acquisition of additional Federal grant opportunities.
• 30-40% In-state travel required, in addition to quarterly visits to Washington DC

Experience Requirements

• 7-10 years of experience in Government Affairs, Public Affairs, Government Relations or Economic Development
• Influencing, negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Interpersonal skills (establishing and preserving relationships)
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Problem solving skills
• Strategic analysis and planning
• Project Management
• Highly Ethical and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Time Management
• Management skills

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Communications, or related field. Graduate degree is a plus.

JobsOhio is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, familial status, or veteran status.