Vice President of Leadership and Advocacy

SUMMARY: The Vice President of Leadership and Advocacy is responsible for the overall development and management of the Chamber’s leadership and education programming. This position will be responsible for coordinating the organization’s advocacy initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Strategize and collaborate with Chamber members, partners, and stakeholders to identify leadership development needs.
• Research best practices in leadership development programs.
• Design and implement leadership development programming.
• Program development, curriculum development, and coordination of class activities and speakers.
• Provide guidance and support to program participants, including coaching and mentoring.
• Work with leadership advisory committees.
• Advise the selection of quality program participants.  
• Preparation and monitoring of annual budget for Leadership Programs.
• Work with the Education Committee.
• Responsible for implementing initiatives affecting education, educators, and educational outcomes.
• Work with the Government Affairs Committee.
• Monitor and research local government, legislative and regulatory developments impacting the business community and the Chamber’s areas of focus.
• Coordinate with President/CEO to develop and implement strategies for advocacy.
• Coordinate with President/CEO to build and maintain professional relationships with government agencies, community organizations, and public officials.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders. Build and maintain key partnerships with funders, peer organizations and other supporting organizations
• Maintain and expand fund development activities to support existing programs and new initiatives
• Attend various outside organization meetings as requested by the President/CEO.
• Coordinate all aspects of communications – from web presence and social media to external relations to create a strong brand
• Other duties as assigned in support of overall Chamber objectives and programming.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:

• Effective leadership abilities
• Initiative and creativity
• Timeliness and accuracy in the accomplishment of assigned tasks
• Effective performance of the listed duties and responsibilities
• Contribution to the overall goals of the organization
• Quality of relationships with staff, volunteers, and general public

MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE and CERTIFICATION:  Bachelor’s degree in education, leadership studies, organization development, political science, public administration, or a related field; or five years experience working in a similar or related role. A valid and current Texas driver's license is required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Ability to read, research, understand, and analyze complex documents.  Have the ability to write reports and related correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups, customers, or employees of the organization.  Ability to deal effectively, personably, and positively with individuals, including public officials, staff, volunteers, media, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:  Have the ability to understand and apply concepts equivalent to high school-level math (minimum).

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:  Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. Excellent listening skills are crucial.  Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with strong organizational skills.  Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and proficient in utilizing the internet and web CMSs.  Professional appearance and demeanor are essential.   Must possess strong interpersonal skills to maintain good relationships with public officials, media, staff, fellow employees, volunteers, Chamber members, other business organizations, and the general public.  

WORKING CONDITIONS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to handle or control objects or equipment. The employee is frequently required to talk or listen. The employee must stand, walk, climb stairs, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, or crouch.  Sufficient manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and calculator. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will spend a percentage of time working outside of the regular place of work and occasionally working in outside weather conditions.

The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The physical demands listed here illustrate the requirements an employee must meet to perform the job's essential functions successfully. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.