Summary
Description
The Organization:
Denver South is both the geographic area along the I-25 highway and rail corridor south of Denver, and the organization of community and business leaders working to create an environment where businesses and workers thrive. This is done by collaborating with regional partners to foster quality job growth and efficient transportation solutions.
The Position:
The Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs will lead the advocacy efforts that advance Denver South’s legislative priorities. This person will be expected to effectively communicate the organization’s policy priorities in a nonpartisan fashion and focus on outbound engagement with various stakeholders and partners to cultivate strategic alliances. This position will report to the President & CEO.
Uniquely, the ideal candidate will have a communications-type skillset, exhibit outstanding complex judgement, and be able to operate in detailed, technical environments. In addition to working with our key lobbyists, this position will operate as the primary representative in rulemaking committees along with working closely with allied organizations. No direct experience in policy or legislative/governmental affairs is required for consideration as a candidate.
Denver South, the organization, achieves impact through collaboration and influence rather than through direct authority. Within this unique environment, this position will be expected to advance Denver South's goals through relationships and creative strategies and initiatives.
Essential Functions:
- Direct the creation of and execute public policy strategies and advocacy efforts.
- Translate complex policy concepts into clear, nonpartisan messaging and narratives that can advance Denver South’s policy priorities.
- Strategically engage with key elected officials (particularly at the state level), partners, and diverse stakeholders to build support around policy positions.
- Represent the organization in rulemaking and other relevant technical committees. Participate in local, regional, and state events/conferences to actively understand trends and players and inform Denver South strategies.
- Work with the organization’s contracted lobbyists to monitor state and local legislative and regulatory activities and trends.
- Coordinate, and in certain cases conduct, policy research and nonpartisan analyses.
Other Functions:
- Lead the development of reports and metrics that convey relevant progress in legislative affairs in collaboration with the leadership team.
- Perform other duties as required and necessary to ensure the success of the organization.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Able to communicate knowledgeably, effectively, professionally, and tactfully with a variety of audiences.
- Must have relationship building skills that inspire confidence, trust, collaboration, and respect with stakeholders, partners, and contractors/vendors.
- Must have strong analytical and critical thinking skills and good judgement.
- Able to think creatively and design and execute strategic and tactical initiatives.
- Able to facilitate meetings and speak comfortably to small groups.
- Able to present and maintain a professional, composed, and courteous demeanor in challenging and/or sensitive situations.
- Able to be self-motivated, actively seek out work, and perform as a self-starter.
- Must be collaborative and able to receive feedback.
- Able to prioritize and manage time well, meet metric-driven goals, and adhere to project deadlines and budgets.
- Able to proficiently use and/or learn how to use various technologies and software.
Experience:
- A minimum of 5 years of professional experience is required. Preferably the ideal candidate will be a well-seasoned professional. Experience in policy/governmental affairs is not required. The ideal candidate will have relevant experience and demonstrated success in strategic communications and coalition building.
Supervisory Duties:
None.
Education:
A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Working Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Work is generally performed in an indoor professional office environment.
- Frequent local travel on behalf of the organization is required. There may be some national travel as well.
- Position requires flexibility of scheduled work hours, which may include early morning, evening, and weekend hours for a variety of meetings and events.
Compensation and Benefits:
Pay Range: $110,000 – $120,000 annually plus eligible for performance bonuses.
Expected Work Week: 40 hours per week.
Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, 401k retirement account, vacation and sick time, paid holidays, FAMLI leave, basic life insurance, and supplemental insurance options.
Application Instructions:
Please submit a resume and a short cover letter expressing why you are a good fit for the position to Alex Cowsky at alex@denver-south.com. The posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Denver South is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age (40 or older), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions), sexual orientation (including transgender status), race, national origin, disability, creed, religion, genetic information, ancestry, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Organization is dedicated to fulfilling this policy regarding all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.
