Business Development and Government Relations

Company Description

The Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, established in 1968, is a member-supported organization dedicated to fostering business success. With a focus on networking, advocacy, and professional development, the Chamber serves as a catalyst for community and economic growth. It strives to create opportunities for businesses to connect, grow, and thrive within a collaborative and thriving environment.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Business Development & Government Relations is a position with significant impact on the Chamber’s advocacy efforts and business relations. The Director of Business Development and Government Relations is hired by and responsible to the President. This position is responsible for positioning and maintaining Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce as the premiere business advocacy organization in the Lee’s Summit area. He/She will be responsible for designing, planning, organizing and directing the Chamber’s advocacy/policy development program and supporting activities. He/She will design and implement business and entrepreneurial programs that meet the needs of local businesses and stimulate member growth and retention.  

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Within the limits of Chamber’s bylaws and policies established by the Board of Directors, the Director of Business Development & Government Relations shall be responsible for the following:
• Design, plan, organize and direct the overall short- and long-term strategic goals and objectives for the Chamber’s advocacy/policy development program as approved by the Board of Directors.
• Provide leadership and in-depth analyses, including projected impact, regarding the Chamber’s legislative agenda to the Chamber President, Board of Directors, Chamber members and staff.
• In conjunction with the President, formulate and implement media policy and external communications on Chamber positions to generate maximum exposure for the Chamber
• Establish and maintain contact with key members of city, county, state and federal government and keep abreast of all proposed legislation on the local, state and national level in order to supply information on this legislation to members.
• Attend City Council, Planning, Community & Economic Development Committee and School Board meetings as necessary to represent the Chamber; make trips to Jefferson City as need arises on legislative issues.
• Provide staff support for the programs, initiatives and events of the Legislative and Governmental Relations Committees, Business Development Council, the Risk Takers Entrepreneurial Committee, and others as assigned.
• Act as Chamber liaison with City Hall to enhance the Chamber’s working relationship with City staff and elected officials and serve as a platform for supporting the interests of the local business community.
• Develop a plan of cooperation and liaison with other organizations who are working in the legislative field, including the state and national Chambers.
• Respond to business inquiries and provide the necessary guidance to locate appropriate resources and assistance venues for chamber businesses.
• Provides oversight and carries out the programs and partnerships in the workforce area that achieves the Chamber’s goals for a talented workforce pipeline.
• Networks and builds relationships across community and regional partners engaged/interested in workforce development.
• Oversee and develop the Lee’s Summit Chamber’s entrepreneurial initiatives and committee, building participation, funding and programming opportunities.
• Develop workshops and seminars to address needs of the business community.
• Other duties as assigned by the President

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience Required:

• College degree or relevant job experience
• Strong working knowledge of local, state and national political and governmental organizations and legislative processes
• Skill in developing and nurturing effective network of corporate, government and community-based relationships
• Work experience or other demonstratable exposure to current area issues, education and/or policy issues dealing with workforce development.
• Be able to strategize established goals and objectives; be capable of active communication/rapport with community leadership including political representatives.
• Must display a high degree of tact and professionalism with other community leaders, public and staff.
• Prior experience raising financial support for broad community impact preferred. 
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
• Experience in chamber or workforce development field preferred.