Job Title: Vice President of Government Relations
Reports to: President & CEO
Job Purpose
The Vice President of Government Relations is the Association’s chief lobbyist and is responsible for managing all aspects of CGA’s advocacy efforts. Responsibilities include representing CGA members on strategic advocacy efforts before the Legislature, regulatory agencies, and municipal bodies. The Vice President will be required to develop and direct an aggressive grassroots outreach program to CGA members and a strong political program including fundraising for CGA’s PAC. The Vice President will develop and facilitate coalitions with our membership, other associations, chambers of commerce and interested parties to maximize resources and achieve success.
Duties and Responsibilities
Oversees and manages state, local and regulatory government relations programs including:
- Manage internal and external government relations staff and contractor;
- Manage selection process of contract lobbyists and consultants for government relations programs;
- Manage internal and external communications relating to policy issues and association policy positions;
- Lead development of policy positions and legislative/regulatory engagement efforts in a consistent manner statewide;
- Develop and execute plans to position CGA as a thought leader on policy issues and industry initiatives (e.g. white papers, one-pagers, earned media, etc…);
- Develop and execute robust grassroots engagement programs including direct member engagement with policymakers;
- Collaborate with CGAEF to develop and deliver compliance assistance to CGA member companies;
- Represent CGA at external policy and industry conferences and events; and
- Serve as media spokesperson for CGA on policy-related issues and positions when appropriate; work with Senior Director, Communications on other media opportunities
- This position requires approximately 75% of the candidate’s time directly managing the government relations program and 25% of the candidate’s time helping with association business.
Qualifications
Candidate must be self-starter with ability to work independently. Mandatory qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree in related field required, graduate degree preferred;
- Minimum 10 years’ experience working in and/or lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies along with experience in media engagement
- Registration as CA lobbyist in good standing, other states if needed
- Possess thorough understanding of legislative, regulatory, and local government political and policymaking processes;
- Ability to communicate complex issues clearly and concisely to internal and external stakeholders;
- Possess excellent verbal communication and presentation skills;
- Ability to develop and manage department budgets and budgeting processes;
- Demonstrated ability to manage internal personnel and external contractors;
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects and modify plans frequently as circumstances may require;
- Ability to work cooperatively across departments to achieve overall organization goals.
Working Conditions
Work is generally performed in an office environment in downtown Sacramento with a flexible work from home option following completion of 90-day performance evaluation. Occasional overnight travel to CGA events throughout California.
The California Grocers Association provides medical, dental, and vison insurance for employee and eligible dependents, and life insurance and long term disability insurance for the employee. The Association also provides eligible employees with a generous 401(k) and profit sharing program along with paid sick, vacation and holiday time. Parking in downtown location provided.
The position is full time, exempt. Salary range is $175,000 to $215,000/annually.
The information provided in this description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required of employees in this job.
Physical Requirements
Employee may experience the following physical demands for extended periods of time:
- View computer monitors;
- Sitting at a desk;
- Standing for CGA events;
- Occasional overnight travel (including driving and flying) to other locations within California, to support CGA events.
Direct Reports
This position supervises the Director, State Government Relations and Director, Local Government Relations, and external contract positions.