Director of State Government Affairs, Midwest Region -- TechAmerica

Director of State Government Affairs, Midwest RegionEmployer: TechAmerica - Chicago, IL Date: Friday, September 14, 2012 Job Type: Jobs outside of DC Description: Serves as government affairs staff for Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Reports to the Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs. Critical Duties and Responsibilities : Lead TechAmerica’s Mid-West Region State Government Affairs program. Serve as lead lobbyist on policy issues in Mid-West Region, including but not limited to, issues of the environment, privacy, e-commerce, procurement, education and workforce development, tax, and emerging technologies in the Legislature and administrative agencies, boards, and departments. Testify before legislative committees and administrative agencies regarding TechAmerica policy positions and member perspectives. Provide updates and communicates regularly with Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs, other SGA Regional Directors, and Member Company representatives on strategy, issues and policy development. Lobby, track and monitor legislation in Mid-West Region. Work directly with TechAmerica membership to develop policy positions and corresponding documents (position papers, letters, testimony, talking points, etc.). Manage Mid-West contract lobbying firms. Coordinate with TechAmerica Subject Matter Experts on development of policy positions as well as legislative, regulatory and political programs in the Mid-West Region. Plan, organize and execute TechAmerica events on a regular basis, from monthly dinners to large conferences. Handle press and outreach in Mid-West Region as needed with direction from SVP of Communications. Mandatory Job Qualifications Work Experience: At least 5 years of previous lobbying or equivalent experience in the field of government relations. Experience with member-driven trade association a plus. Education/Training: B.A./B.S. degree from a 4-year university. Degree in a related field a plus. Skills/Capabilities/Technical: Must possess excellent leadership skills. Intimate knowledge of the government relations industry and process. Ability to operate and excel in a high-pressure environment. Ability to interact with senior-level company executives. Excellent communication skills (oral and written) required. Strong relationships with elected officials and other key decision makers. Keen understanding of region’s political process. Ability and willingness to tackle a wide variety of tasks, from high-level meetings with government officials to administrative office duties. Ability to coordinate numerous high-priority projects simultaneously. Some travel required. Desired Qualifications Candidates should apply by emailing a resume and cover-letter to: human.resources@techamerica.orgNo calls please. TechAmerica is an equal opportunity employer. We offer many benefits, including matching 401(k), dental, medical, vision, flex savings, life insurance, vacation & sick time, and much more.