Job Description

Southwest Michigan First is seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to join our team as the Director of Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives. This role will advance key partnerships and collaboratively lead our public policy and legislative activities.

Our organization is a nonprofit, nonpartisan entity with a mission to advance economic prosperity throughout Southwest Michigan. If you’re passionate about policy and economic development, thrive in fast-paced work environments, and have a track record of advancing strategic initiatives through partnership building and coalitions, we invite you to apply and build upon our long track record of success.

Primary Responsibilities

• Collaboratively advance a regional public policy agenda and facilitate all public policy committee activities.
• Build local leadership capacity and expand the influence and impact of Southwest Michigan First.
• Develop regular written and oral communications with the Public Policy Committee, Southwest Michigan First Board of Directors, Chamber members, Elected Officials, and Municipal leaders.
• Work closely with elected officials to build strong public and private partnerships; addressing the priorities detailed in the regional public agenda.
• Cultivate key partnership, coalition building, and stakeholder engagement.
• Produce items for Southwest Michigan First’s region's digital publication as well as messages for social media.
• Track legislative activities, research advocacy issues at the local, state, and federal levels and ensure issues are handled through the Public Policy Committee and/or proper information is supplied to the Public Policy Committee to develop position recommendations.
• Serve as a representative of various regional coalitions focused on issues such as housing, childcare, etc.
• Support strategic initiatives and organizational planning.

Core Knowledge

• Must be able to effectively communicate and represent Southwest Michigan First’s position, programs, and services to the public, media, and membership.
• Proven experience of federal, state, and local government regulations, Michigan campaign laws, economic and community development, and regional history.
• Strong understanding of regulatory issues that affect businesses in our industry.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in political science, business, public administration, economics or a related field.
• At least five years of experience in areas related to governmental affairs, lobbying, legislative or executive public service, or public affairs duties.
• Efficient, driven, and able to self-manage.
• Excellent communication skills; effective in both writing and public speaking.
• Must execute with the highest attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Anticipates needs and exceeds expectations.
• A self -starter with the ability to operate within a team but not need the team to drive productivity.
• Ability to work with diverse partners and stakeholders.
• Committed to driving excellence through all work.

Why Southwest Michigan First?

• Competitive Insurance Benefits Package: Our comprehensive insurance package ensures you and your family are covered with health and dental plans that meet your needs.
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance: We prioritize your well-being by providing life insurance coverage at no cost to you, offering peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
• Employer-Paid HSA (Health Savings Account): Take advantage of our HSA to save on medical expenses with pre-tax dollars, enhancing your financial wellness.
• Employer Contribution Retirement Plan (100% Vested Immediately): Plan for your future with confidence. Our retirement plan includes employer contributions that are fully vested from day one, ensuring your long-term financial security.
• Wellness Reimbursement: We support your commitment to well-being with a reimbursement program for wellness-related expenses, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• 17 Paid Holidays: Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, allowing you to celebrate and recharge throughout the year.
• Half Day Fridays (Memorial Day to Labor Day): Embrace work-life balance with half-day Fridays during the summer months, giving you extra time to relax and enjoy personal pursuits.

Interested? Apply now! All applications require:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

About Southwest Michigan First

Southwest Michigan First is an organization of privately funded economic development advisors who act as the catalyst for economic success in Southwest Michigan. Founded in 1999 on the principle that the greatest force for change is a job, the organization works across all industries throughout the seven counties making up the Southwest Michigan region.

Southwest Michigan First provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition to federal law requirements, Southwest Michigan First complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training

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