Vice President, Public Affairs

The Allegheny Conference brings together public and private leaders to set a vision and build a broad consensus needed to improve the economic future and quality of life in southwestern Pennsylvania. The Conference team is committed to achieving the bold vision of a vital, globally competitive region that delivers a next-generation economy for all. This individual will be a member of the dynamic political and public policy team and will be integral to moving this transformative work forward.  Learn more at AlleghenyConference.org.

OUR POSITION

The position leads the organization’s work on proposed public policy actions, determines the potential impact on the region and organizational agenda, and works with the Chief Growth Officer to direct the organization’s policies and objectives involving government and political affairs to support regional economic growth.  The position will be the primary lead on government and political affairs. This position also leverages strong public sector relationships and private sector partnerships to lead the support and implementation of public policy at all levels of government, advancing key growth sectors for the Pittsburgh region, including robotics/AI, manufacturing, life sciences, and energy.   The position works closely and, as needed, will integrate into our business investment work, with a specific focus on project delivery and execution.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Government Affairs

· Advocates on behalf of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development on multiple issues, including but not limited to: business tax policy, local government/civic policy, energy/policy, statewide economic development policy initiatives, and transportation/infrastructure policy, with a focus on public policy initiatives.

· Leads the development and execution of specific programs and policy advocacy at all public sector levels to support growth sectors, specifically to include AI/Robotics, manufacturing, life sciences, and energy.

· Collaborates with the VP of Communications and VP of Marketing to develop communications strategies to advance policy efforts. Partners as appropriate to draft policy briefs, benchmarking reports, talking points, and legislative testimony.

· Collaborates with the business investment team to execute project delivery and close deals with a specific focus on the public sector role in executing projects.

· Leads advocacy efforts directed to the applicable Gubernatorial Administration and Pennsylvania General Assembly leadership and members, including crafting legislation as needed. 

· Establishes and maintains good working relationships with key public sector leaders and their staffs, our member companies and organizations, and other community partners.

· Represents the organization as appropriate in outside meetings and public events. Makes formal presentations to boards, committees, legislators, or other bodies, on governmental or public affairs, as requested.

· Establishes and implements mechanisms to leverage the knowledge, experience, and relationships of regional private and public sector leaders, particularly Regional Investors and board members, for the purpose of achieving the government affairs goals. 

· Primary manager for multiple coalitions. Responsible for the coordination of meeting agendas, publications, and communications – both internal and external. Manages financial contracts and fundraising efforts with outside firms, where appropriate.

Operations

· Supports operational efficiency of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, identifies, designs, and implements administrative processes that ensure member and partner satisfaction. 

· Manages and oversees tracking of public and private sector engagements, including meetings, roundtables, and other relationships as it relates to local political affairs. 

· Assists in developing and managing the department’s budget; prioritizes and allocates available program resources; prepares, submits, and justifies requests for additional resources; prepares proposals and other materials to support program activities; recruits and manages consultants. 

· Works collaboratively with a cross functional team including government affairs, business investment and communications on the development and execution of a strategic communications plan. 

· Develops a variety of reports, procedures, directives, and other materials to support the program goals; conducts oral presentations and briefings to the Regional Investors Council (the membership of the Allegheny Conference) and Allegheny Conference committees among others. 

· Provides staff support to commissions, committees and task forces where required. 

· Performs other duties of similar nature as assigned or required. Contributes to the efficiency of the organization by performing other duties and participating in special projects, as assigned. 

· Creates and maintains the policy team’s programmatic dashboards and work plans for the Allegheny Conference Board of Directors.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, or business is suggested.

Knowledge:

Skilled in examining and formulating legislative policy and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.

Understanding of the public policy process and   how government operates on local, state, and federal levels, with a   particular focus on the public sector role in economic development opportunities.

Experience:

10+ years of experience in governmental affairs, public policy, and/or economic development.

Experience in developing and managing collaborative partnerships.

Skills:

Strong administrative, organizational, and   operational skills.

Ability to develop strategies and take   appropriate action with minimal direction.

Excellent analytical, writing and   interpersonal/communications skills, to include public speaking.

Excellent project management skills.

Proficient in MS Office suites