Job Opportunities

BASIC FUNCTION
The Director of Programs and Advocacy serves as the liaison for monitoring and gathering information on local, state, and federal issues. Researches and develops position statements with the Business Advocacy Council for approval by the Board of Directors. Develops and runs quality communications and programs promoting the Chamber’s Leadership Programs and Business Networking Groups.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the Director of Marketing & Communications to develop methods to engage the business community in active interaction and understanding of important business issues.
• Interact with the membership and the community by actively attending meetings and events.
• Based on business interests indicated on agendas, actively attend local government meetings to monitor and report real-time developments with follow-up reports and social media postings.
• Assist with the development of an actionable and measurable annual business plan for advocacy related activities including:
  • Managing meetings and implementing the work of the Business Advocacy Council. o Identify membership-wide advocacy issues for Great Falls Area Chamber focus at local, county, state, and federal levels.
  • Develop digital communications to advance the work of the Chamber as it relates to advocacy. o Work with the Director of Marketing & Communications to produce a report for the Chamber’s quarterly publication to highlight the advocacy work.
  • Prepare a legislative status report during Montana Legislative Session on issues of importance to o business.
  • Producing an annual scorecard available for public presentation to measure the success of the advocacy efforts.
• Regularly update the advocacy section of the website to include action and information important to and for the business community.
• Formally distribute the positions of the Chamber to the appropriate recipients based on the topic.
• Determine proper media promotion and provide broad distribution of Chamber messaging.
• Coordinate and implement Chamber signature programs including:
  • Leadership Great Falls
  • Leadership High School
  • Business Networking Groups
• Recruit high-level speakers to present to the Leadership Programs and Business Advocacy Council.
• Assist with economic development projects as needed for advocacy and regulatory needs.
• Monitor the agendas of local governmental meetings and determine if Chamber presence and/or presentations are necessary.

COMMITTEE, COUNCIL & PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Business Advocacy Council
• Leadership Programs
• Business Networking Groups
• Other Committee/Task Force assignments as warranted.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Experience in office operations and/or a high level of administrative knowledge and related activities.
• Experience utilizing electronic means to communicate, inform and engage the business community.
• Ability to work within a committee structure and communicate outcomes effectively.
• Proficient technical skills including MS Office, remote meeting access, and e-mail.
• Strong organizational practices to ensure project timelines and standards are met.
• Possess effective written and verbal communications with an understanding of various audiences.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with business members.
• Draft correspondence and proofread documents.
• Able to work with constant interruptions and re-focus.
• Confidentiality is expected.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES 

• Uphold Chamber standards, consistency, quality and excellence.
• Establish effective business relationships with community organizations and local businesses.
• Assist Staff in coordinating, implementing, executing operational excellence to increase staff performance.
• Exceptionally organized and able to keep multiple projects moving forward on schedule.
• Tenacious, determined, and self-motivated individual who overcomes obstacles and perseveres in the wake of setbacks.
• Acts with humility, self-awareness, and unyielding ethical standards.
• Receptive to feedback and gathers input from various stakeholders; able to draw boundaries where appropriate and tactfully defend them.
• Possesses a growth mindset; constantly seeks ways to improve and innovate.
• Demonstrate respect and leadership, while being a staff and team player.

RELATIONSHIPS & ACCOUNTABILITY 
Reporting directly to the President/CEO, performance evaluations will be based on the quality of work performed, its accuracy, timeliness, and the efficiency with which it is carried out, the employee’s contribution to the overall effectiveness of the organization.  

In addition to working closely with the President, the Director of Programs and Advocacy will communicate frequently with the Board of Directors on matters of advocacy and governmental affairs. 

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