Vice President of Government Relations

The Vice President of Government Relations will serve as a lead advocacy team member and will report to the Chief External Relations Officer. This individual will be responsible for representing the organization and its clients at the local, state, and federal levels, and will also provide support to the Economic Development and Association Management departments through client management and strategic facilitation.

Efforts include the following:

Lobbying & Advocacy

• Legislatively represent and protect interests of a portfolio of advocacy clients;
• Gain policy focus in designated areas and monitor issues and potential regulations impacting relevant industries;
• Draft, edit and send communications on behalf of clients to further their success;
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategic high-level initiatives for clients, including policy development, relationship-building, collaboration and partnerships at the local, state and federal levels;
• Maintain and nurture relationships with government officials, associated authorities and all members of relevant legislative committees.

Association Management Support

• Provide support to the association management function as needed, including participating in discussions, assisting with client communications, and coordinating with internal teams to ensure successful implementation of services;
• Collaborate with the designated association management lead to ensure alignment of advocacy and public affairs activities with broader association goals.

External Relations

• Facilitate public engagements on behalf of the organization, including high-level client meetings, legislative planning sessions, roundtable discussions, conference presentations, etc.;
• Build strategic connections and relationships with industry leaders in Indiana, including local government officials, CEOs, executive directors and key board members of relevant entities;
• Serve as the Government Relations liaison to the organization’s marketing team by providing content feedback and ideas;
• Plan and execute session events, including sponsored relationship-building events.

Economic Development Support

• Provide direct support to the Economic Development department in project facilitation and stakeholder engagement;
• Assist in the facilitation of conversations with public and private sector partners as they relate to economic development strategies and initiatives;
• Collaborate with the Economic Development department to align government relations and public affairs strategies with broader economic growth objectives.

Leadership and Supervision

• Serve as supervisor to director- and manager-level individuals in the Government Relations department;
• Lead, develop, motivate, manage and work with a high-performing team, and contribute to the strategic growth of the department in collaboration with the Executive Team, making high-level decisions regarding budget and direction of the company;
•  Work alongside the Senior Director of Business Development and other senior directors to develop successful strategies and campaigns that attract new clients and retain current clients;
• Oversee the operational aspects of the department including project management, budget, and personnel;
• Serve as conduit between Executive Team and Government Relations department.