Director of Government Affairs & Advocacy

Director Government Affairs & Advocacy

Job Details

Job Type

Full-time

Chicago, IL

Description

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

For over 40 years, CASL's comprehensive programs have connected families and individuals with the vital support they need: providing an educational and cultural foundation for our children, ensuring our seniors live full and independent lives with dignity, enhancing education and training for tomorrow's workforce, putting immigrants on the pathway to citizenship, securing our community's housing and financial well-being, navigating healthcare systems and wellness resources, and providing equal access to justice. Since our founding, CASL has been rooted in the principles of equity and justice. That legacy continues to shape our efforts today as we strive to champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at all levels of the organization. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy will take primary responsibility for managing government affairs, advocacy initiatives, and driving influence to best align with the Chinese American Service League (CASL), and be responsible for effectively deepening CASL’s relationships with key government stakeholders. This role is responsible for working with CASL’s senior leadership and board of directors, staff, volunteers, coalitions, and partner organizations to build support for our policy issues and seek funding opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels.

CORE VALUES

As a champion of our Mission, Vision and Core Values, this role will:

• Be grounded in mutual respect and acceptance, building a culture of Inclusivity;
• Support staff Empowerment through skills attainment, and developmental opportunities;
• Work in partnership to achieve a workplace that embodies Collaboration;
• Envision and realize Transformation of people, processes and policy;
• Model Resiliency to leverage the collective strengths of our dynamic work force. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and maintain strong relationships with relevant government officials, legislative offices, industry partners and thought leaders to influence public discourse.
• Provide leadership and oversight in initiating projects that will positively impact the company’s relationship with government policies and legislation.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement the legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts to support CASL’s interests.
• Monitors, reviews, analyzes, and reports on legislative, budgetary, and/or program initiatives that have the potential to impact CASL’s mission and initiatives.
• In partnership with the Director of Policy and Research, drafts and submits all policy comments at the city, state and federal level on behalf of CASL leadership.
• Effectively vets and leads government affairs efforts to advocate on a regular basis for policy issues that impact CASL’s mission.
• Maintains up-to-date advocacy plan and dashboard of relationships with government and civic officials, including managing all revenue opportunities for the agency with each contact.
• Builds and maintains relationships with CASL’s elected representatives at all levels. and their staff. Develop engagement plans for key relationships with government and civic officials, including managing all revenue opportunities for the agency with each contact.
• Monitors the industry groups in which we participate and keep a master list of all groups with whom we participate and regular review effectiveness.
• Communicates effectively both internally and externally, navigating sensitive, complex political issues through oral and written media.
• Gather and compile information to prepare briefing summaries, reports, blogs, articles for newsletters and other materials as necessary that pertain to bills, laws, and committee summaries as they pertain to CASL and the AANHPI/minority community sector.
• Successfully completes all required internal and external trainings, re-trainings, certifications required by CASL and government/ethics entities to maintain compliance with all regulatory bodies, rules and regulations.
• Actively utilize and consistently update databases containing constituent records.
• Demonstrates integrity, collaboration, and stewardship.

*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.

Requirements

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Business Administration, Law, or a related field required, MS, MBA, JD, or other advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of government relations or public affairs management experience, or working at a congressional office, regulatory agency, or trade association - ideally with at least 5 years’ experience in Illinois.
• Experience in coalition-building and working in a team environment a plus.

Skills/Knowledge:

• Strong, pre-existing relationships and credibility with government entities and local elected officials.
• Outcome driven, with the ability to respond to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Proficiency in working in a fast-paced environment on multiple projects, exercising good judgment in prioritization.
• Outstanding writing skills to craft compelling proposals and targeted, meaningful communications.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer-based information systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.