DESCRIPTION
DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group, founded in 1978 by David Packard of Hewlett-Packard, represents nearly 400 of Silicon Valley’s most respected employers on issues, programs and campaigns that affect the economic health and quality of life in Silicon Valley. Leadership Group members collectively provide nearly one of every three private sector jobs in Silicon Valley and have more than $6 trillion in annual revenue.

Overall, the organization’s goal is to continue to advance policies for Silicon Valley and help our region remain competitive by improving the business environment and quality of life in the areas of economic vitality, education, energy, environment, health care, housing, tax, technology & innovation and transportation.

ROLE
The Director of Government Relations touches upon all areas of the Leadership Group’s work. This person plays a key role in the strategy and execution of all of the organization’s work that interfaces with elected officials at the local, regional, state and federal levels.

This person will be responsible for communication and coordination with elected officials and their offices, with an emphasis on delivering strategic outreach opportunities, trips and roundtables for our members, including our biannual Washington, D.C. trips, annual Sacramento Advocacy Day, Fresh Ideas for New Legislators two-day event and Silicon Valley Caucus Roundtables. Working with the Vice President of Technology and Innovation, Director of Tax Policy & Government Relations and Senior Associate of Government Relations, this person will be responsible for developing and executing opportunities for members to engage and advocate before the federal, state, regional and local government and assist

in government affairs efforts.

This person will help to manage and facilitate California legislative and regulatory policy priorities and logistics for the organization, and monitor developments with state and local affairs. At the state level, the position will be dedicated to various policy priority areas which focus on the business climate, economic competitiveness, and quality of life for employers and our employees.

This person will be responsible for staffing and guiding our government relations committee. Working with the committee co-chairs and members, this person will form appropriate recommendations on our federal, state and local government relations strategy and outreach; develop the committee’s work plan and monthly agendas; and ensure that the committee and the organization’s government relations work is strategically focused on priorities important to the membership.

QUALIFICATIONS
The candidate at minimum should have a Bachelor’s Degree and 3-5 years in local, regional, state and/or federal government or equivalent experience; and, strong written and oral communications skills.

We seek an individual with experience working with members of the Administration, Congress, state legislature, regulatory agencies, their staffs and/or other key policymakers. The preferred candidate will have knowledge in business climate issues and established relationships with key elected officials including those who represent the Silicon Valley.

The successful candidate must be a strong team player with the ability to multitask and enjoy working in a collegial yet highly fast-paced and effective culture. Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, execute strategy and operate with confidentiality will also be required. The ideal candidate will be able to respond quickly to last-minute requests to organize policy roundtables or other opportunities with elected officials and member companies. The candidate must have excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills. We seek an individual with an appreciation for the complexities of working across multiple policy disciplines. In addition, the preferred candidate will have a strong mission orientation and a passion for non-profit civic service.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The Director is responsible for:
Staffing the government relations committee and working with members on the committee to develop the Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s government relations strategy and outreach;
Organizing annual Washington, D.C. and Sacramento advocacy trips, follow-up visits and Silicon Valley roundtable opportunities, which includes setting legislative priorities, scheduling and logistics;
Developing key relationships between the Leadership Group, our member companies and local, state and federal officials and agencies, and their staff which includes routinely visiting local city councils, county boards of supervisors and the State Capitol;
Working cross-functionally with policy teams and members to develop federal, state and local legislative priorities for the organization;
Monitoring, analyzing, and writing on state and local government related developments related to business competitiveness issues;
Preparing briefing materials to equip colleagues and members to advocate effectively in support of policy objectives;
Identify and prioritize opportunities with high return on investment between our member companies and elected officials and government agencies;
Advising and updating the CEO and our member executives on current events and developments with key legislative relationships;
Identifying and cultivating fundraising opportunities from various member companies to serve as branded sponsors for key government relations events;
Developing ideas and content for electronic messages, web content and updates on policy; and
Completing other duties as assigned.

SALARY RANGE
Based on experience, the salary range for this position is $65,000 to $80,000 with full medical, visual, dental benefits and a generous 401-K match.

TO APPLY
Please submit your cover letter and resume to: resumes@svleadershipgroup.org. We will accept applications until Wednesday, May 17, 2017. The anticipated start date is late June or early July 2017.