Government Relations Specialist

Location – 128 State St. Augusta, ME 04330

Reports to Vice President - Advocacy

Position Overview:

The Government Relations Specialist is a critical strategic role at the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. The position is responsible for assisting leadership in identifying key policy areas at the State Legislature and other government agencies that impact Maine’s business and economic climate. The position is the business community’s front line for advocating business interests. The Government Relations Specialist helps in creating the Chamber’s policy priorities, communicates policy priorities to government officials, and assists the Chamber in keeping Maine’s business community informed on what and how public policy will impact their operations.

About the Maine State Chamber of Commerce:

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce is Maine’s largest and oldest business association. The organization aims to ensure a positive business climate, economic growth, and favorable legislation to allow Maine businesses to stay competitive on local, national, and global levels. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce pursues this mission through advocacy, grassroots calls to action, and sharing information. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce provides its members with Access, Advocacy, and Awareness. Join us at The Maine State Chamber of Commerce where you can help be The Voice of Maine Business

Responsibilities:

· Assist Chamber President and Vice President in developing the Chamber’s overall policy position during the legislative session.

· Represent the Chamber before the legislature, office of the Governor, and public.

· Maintain member committees to address policy being discussed in area of expertise at the legislature.

· Research, prepare, and deliver testimony before committees at the legislature.

· Effectively communicate with membership and the legislature through the production of articles to be published in the State Chamber newsletter.

· Represent the Chamber before various state and federal regulatory agencies on important issues to Maine’s business community.

· Represent the Chamber on behalf of Maine’s business community on various boards and commissions.

· Assist in other functional areas to promote the mission of the Chamber. Other duties include but are not limited to assisting in member recruitment, member retention, event and program development, event and program delivery, and fundraising.

· Other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Advocacy or President/CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce.

· This position will primarily focus on housing, healthcare, and insurance policy areas and support other advocacy areas as necessary.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in public policy, business management, or a related field of study

· At least five years of experience working at Maine State Legislature, with Congressional delegation, or other government organization

· Strong business acumen

· Proven experience in researching public policy issues, preparing, and delivering testimony – Relevant experience in housing, healthcare, and insurance policy is preferred.

· Excellent written, oral, and public speaking skills with strong interpersonal communication and project management skills

· Experience using the following computer software:

Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint)

Zoom

Specifications:

The ideal candidate will be team-oriented and a confident public speaker. The candidate will be able to effectively communicate with Chamber staff and external stakeholders including Chamber members and public officials. Candidate must be able to become a registered lobbyist in Maine and be capable of moderate travel including some early mornings and overnight stays.

Job Type

Full time

Pay

$95,000

Benefits

401(k) with company matching.

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Vision insurance

Vacation accrual (based on years of service)

Short & Long-term disability

Schedule

Monday thru Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

This position is based at the MSCC office in Augusta with moderate travel requirements

Dress code

This person will be expected to maintain a professional and often formal business appearance.

Schedule

Monday thru Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm with some early mornings and evenings

Dress code

This person will be expected to maintain a professional business appearance.

Maine State Chamber of Commerce

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Government Relations Specialist