Director of Policy & Advocacy

Key Responsibilities

• Convene and facilitate regular regional meetings with elected officials, parish administrators, key staff, business leaders and state agencies
• Foster consistent communication between businesses and government agencies on permitting, infrastructure, workforce, and development priorities
• In partnership with the Southwest Louisiana Regional Planning Commission, support unified regional funding requests to state and federal advocacy efforts tied to regional economic development priorities
• Design, launch, and manage time-limited, outcome-driven policy taskforces aligned with organizational priorities
• Support and lead regional advocacy engagements, including Capitol and Washington, DC activities
• Lead efforts to improve ease of doing business through regulatory alignment and customer-service-oriented government practices
• Conduct and analyze an annual regional business climate survey
• Support training for government staff and newly elected officials
• Support civic engagement and advocacy training for emerging leaders
• Cook up and coordinate with partner organizations on quality-of-life and talent-supporting initiatives, including housing, placemaking, and amenities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, planning, economics, business, or a related field (advanced degree preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in policy, advocacy, government relations, or regional coordination
• Strong understanding of local, state, and federal government processes
• Excellent written, verbal, and facilitation skills
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Ability to work collaboratively across jurisdictions and sectors
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel regionally