Address
Form of workDirector of Government and Community Relations
Summary
The Director of Government and Community Relations plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between our organization, government entities, and the local community. This position will be responsible for fostering strong relationships with both government officials and Community stakeholders, ensuring alignment with our organization's goals and values.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Government Relations
- Develop and implement a comprehensive government relations strategy to advocate for policy changes that promote LiftFund and foster new funding opportunities for the organization.
- Establish and maintain relationships with local and state government officials, policymakers, regulatory agencies, business leaders and Community/civic leaders.
- Serve as an internal subject matter expert on public policy issues, providing insights to inform LiftFund's strategic decisions.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments that could impact the organization and provide timely updates to the leadership team.
- Identify, analyze, and communicate potential changes in existing local and state policy and political environments (both near and long term) and could affect LiftFund.
- Lead advocacy campaigns to promote the organization's policy objectives, including mobilizing supporters, organizing advocacy events, and engaging with local leaders.
- Draft and present testimony on legislative and policy proposals before legislative and other government bodies.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
- Design and implement strategies to connect with the local community, including organizing events, workshops, and town halls to promote awareness and collaboration in diverse communities across our service area in conjunction with other external-facing team members, such as Business Support and Market Executives.
- Collaborate with community leaders, organizations, and grassroots initiatives across our footprint to align efforts and address community needs effectively in conjunction with other external-facing team members, such as Business Support and Market Executives.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders, such as industry partners, donors, foundations, and Community organizations.
- Represent LiftFund at conferences, public forums, networking events and other relevant opportunities to enhance the organization’s profile and influence.
- Assist in the development and implementation of the organization’s comprehensive external communications plan to ensure consistent messaging and brand representation across various channels in conjunction with the Communications Department.
- Develop press releases, op-eds, presentations, and other relevant materials to elevate the organization’s mission and brand, in conjunction with the Communications Department.
- Identify partnership and funding opportunities that align with LiftFund’s efforts and mission, in conjunction with the Chief Advancement Officer.
- Assist with the management and implementation of donor-driven programs/initiatives and donor engagement activities to enhance donor relations and support.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments to ensure alignment of messaging, initiatives, and goals.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Public Affairs, Political Science, Community Development, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
- Proven experience in government relations, Community Relations, or a related role.
- Strong knowledge of Government structures and processes at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Knowledge of local community dynamics and cultural awareness.
- Understanding of policy analysis and advocacy.
- Proficiency in relevant software tools and technology.
- Current and valid driver’s license.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Travel
Routine travel within the local area and overnight travel, in and out of state, as necessary.
Position Type, Days and Hours
This is a full-time, exempt position. The days and hours of work are generally Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm., but working beyond that schedule may be necessary from time-to-time.
Physical Demands
When working on-site, work is performed in a routine office environment. This job requires working under stressful conditions to meet deadlines and address unexpected work challenges. The job also requires the ability to operate office equipment (such as computers) as may be necessary to perform the position’s responsibilities.
LiftFund Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all our applicants and employees without regard to age, color, mental or physical disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Also, LiftFund provides reasonable accommodation, and it is committed to engaging in the interactive process.
