Friday, May 11, 2012

Director, Congressional and Public Affairs (Education, Labor, and IP) -- U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Director, Congressional and Public Affairs (Education, Labor, and IP) -- U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Washington DC (Washington D.C. Metro Area) Apply: http://www.uschamber.com/careers Job Description POSITION OVERVIEW: Communicate U.S. Chamber policy on education and related issues to members of Congress and their staffs through lobbying activities; conduct successful lobbying efforts; and build and coordinate lobbying coalitions. RESPONSIBILITIES: Serve as the Chamber’s chief lobbyist on education issues; collaborate with staff from various Chamber policy divisions, including Political Affairs and Federation Relations; provide briefings on legislative procedures, lobbying strategies, and issues; draft and edit letters, testimony, and communications with Chamber members; build and maintain good relationships with Washington-based corporate and association executives; and travel to events across the country with Chamber members. Desired Skills & Experience REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s and 7+ years of related experience with a concentration on education, intellectual property, and other related issues; experience on Capitol Hill; demonstrated familiarity with House and Senate procedures; experience developing and implementing legislative, lobbying, and political strategies; ability to form and work with coalitions; excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; and the ability to work independently and to gather, analyze, and disseminate information accurately and timely. Advanced degree preferred. Salary commensurate with experience. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our recruitment and employment policies are inclusive. We respect both the spirit and letter of the laws of equal employment opportunity. Company DescriptionThe U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. More than 96% of U.S. Chamber members are small businesses with 100 employees or fewer. As the voice of business, the Chamber's core purpose is to fight for free enterprise before Congress, the White House, regulatory agencies, the courts, the court of public opinion, and governments around the world. From its headquarters near the White House, the Chamber maintains a professional staff of top policy experts, lobbyists, lawyers, and communicators. Special initiatives covering energy, infrastructure, education and training, and workforce rules drive the pro-business agenda. The Chamber is also active in shaping legal policy through its in-house law firm, the National Chamber Litigation Center (NCLC), and through the Institute for Legal Reform (ILR). The Chamber's International Division collaborates with more than 100 American Chambers of Commerce in countries around the world. The Chamber also runs the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), a program of the National Endowment for Democracy. Through its growing network of grassroots business activists, the Chamber educates voters, turns out the business vote, and helps drive legislation on Capitol Hill. The Chamber consistently leads the pack on lobbying expenditures. In the past year, the Chamber hosted more than 2,500 programs and forums with various participants, including members of the administration, members of Congress, and dozens of international leaders. Most recently, the Chamber launched American Free Enterprise. Dream Big., a comprehensive, multiyear campaign to support free enterprise through national advertising; grassroots advocacy; citizen, community, and youth engagement; and research and ideas leadership.