Director of Local Policy

Job Specifications:

A Knowledge/Education and Experience Required and/or Preferred:

• Graduate of an accredited university.
• Three or more years of experience with a proven track record in public policy and/or government affairs.
• Strong working knowledge of Metro Nashville/Davidson County’s legislative process, with working knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn, the governmental processes of Middle Tennessee’s collar counties.
• Prior experience successfully managing a budget and generating revenue preferred.
• Demonstrated passion for Middle Tennessee, including a genuine interest in the region beyond Metro Davidson County, and a commitment to ensuring that business concerns are represented in local and regional policy decisions.

Skills and Abilities Required:

• Ability to apply reasoning and problem-solving skills to quickly identify critical issues and develop plans and programs to accomplish objectives.
• Leadership style that creates trust, enthusiasm, and confidence and produces results for the team.
• Positive approach.
• Professional maturity.
• Strong strategic thinking.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking, with the ability to communicate clearly and confirm understanding rather than assume it.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing policy circumstances in a fast-paced political environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal relations skills.
• Ability to work with diverse constituencies — including across multiple county jurisdictions — and build consensus and coalition across differing viewpoints, resolving disagreement directly with those involved rather than through third parties.
• Ability to demonstrate balance in perspective — understands and supports the values of the Chamber while respecting the values of all points of view.
• Ownership of outcomes, including setbacks, without shifting blame or relying on excuses.
• Sound judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information, including board, personnel, and elected-official matters.
• Competence in creating and meeting budgets.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and the work of multiple staff or volunteer working groups
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks, and work with internal and external stakeholders across several jurisdictions simultaneously.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work with little supervision, exercising sound judgment about when a matter requires escalation.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly within Middle Tennessee to meet with regional stakeholders.
• Knowledge of PC functions and Microsoft Office Applications, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Supervision: None

Project Management Leadership and/or Participant Responsibilities:

Project management is a consistent and on-going aspect of this position. The Director of Local Policy works closely with the Chief Policy Officer in developing and implementing projects, specific products and initiatives, including but not limited to developing and leading projects and initiatives, selecting participants and recruiting volunteers, making assignments, developing timelines and budgets, identifying deliverables, and tracking performance and results — including as the dedicated staff lead for cross-jurisdictional working groups such as the Moving Forward Coordinating Committee.

Estimated percentage of time devoted to project work: ☐ Less than 25% ☐ 25% to 50% ☒ More than 50%

Physical Demands/Requirements:

• Typically sitting at a desk or table.
• Occasionally lifting light objects (less than 24 pounds).
• Intermittently walking, standing, bending, and carrying.
• Requires use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations.
• Manual dexterity, visual and auditory acuity needed.
• Some repetitive motion is involved.
• Work is performed in an office or computer room.
• Work requires regular visits to businesses, elected officials, and economic and Chamber partners across Middle Tennessee, including its collar counties.
• Position requires travel out of the Middle Tennessee region less than five percent of the time.
• The Chamber does not currently have a teleworking policy. All staff work full-time in the office.