Director of Public PolicyGreater Spokane IncorporatedSpokane, WA
About Us Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to economic development and community growth in the Spokane region. We foster collaboration among businesses, government, and community leaders to create a vibrant economy. Join our team and help us build a better Spokane. **This position is based in Spokane, WA and requires in-office attendance.** **To be considered, applicants MUST SUBMIT BOTH A RESUME AND A COVER LETTER that outlines their interest in the role and demonstrates how their skills and experience align with the stated qualifications. Applications submitted without a cover letter may not be reviewed.** Job Purpose: Serves as an organizational leader and strategist to convene, communicate, advocate for, and advance critical public policy and legislative priorities for the benefit of the regional economy and competitive business climate. GSI support is frequently sought after. This position requires the ability to conduct research, critically think, coalescence around a position with multiple parties, and reiterate a position verbally and in writing in a tight timeline. Essential Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the essential responsibilities listed below. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential position functions. Essential functions include, but are not limited to the following: Strategic Leadership and Advocacy Leads the development and execution of GSI’s public policy and advocacy strategies aligned with the organization’s priorities and vision. Identifies and champions emerging policy issues, including workforce development, AI and technology policy, sustainability incentives, and economic growth. Strengthens federal engagement to advocate for funding opportunities, infrastructure projects, and regulatory reforms that impact regional businesses. Implements a proactive legislative agenda with clear outcome-based objectives and measurable advocacy impact. Program and Committee Engagement Directs and manages the contracts and work of both a state and federal lobbyist, including planning and executing annual advocacy in Olympia and Washington D.C. Plans, convenes, and manages GSI’s Regional Advocacy Committee meeting regularly to discuss policy issues important to the employer community’s needs and shaping local, state, and federal legislative agendas. Partners with the Economic Development and Talent teams advocate for policies that support economic and talent development initiatives. Government and Stakeholder Engagement Develops and strengthens relationships with federal, state, and local elected officials, agency staff, and key business leaders. Leads GSI’s engagement with regional and national business advocacy coalitions to address shared policy priorities. Works closely with Spokane City and county officials, municipal leaders, and local agencies to advocate on local issues including land use, housing, transportation, public safety, and other regional priorities. Communications and Visibility Increases GSI’s public visibility in policy discussions through media appearances, op-eds, and thought leadership content. Collaborates with marketing and communications to develop digital advocacy campaigns, policy communications, and public engagement strategies. Outcomes and Measurement Leverages date-driven insights, including research from the Pulse Survey and Economic Development Vitality Dashboard, to support policy recommendations. Establishes and tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure policy influence, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy outcomes. Actively identifies and champions state and federal funding and grant opportunities relevant to Spokane’s business ecosystem. Organizational Culture & Strategic Engagement Contribute to an organizational culture of teamwork, support, engagement, and empowerment. Provide strategic input on issues affecting the organization. Work with colleagues to discover and develop ways to retain, grow, and better align and leverage GSI resources for greater impact. Communicate the mission of GSI to personal and professional networks. Regularly evaluate GSI’s systems and processes for continuous improvement. Regular, Full-time, Exempt $85,000 - $105,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications Requirements Knowledge & Skills To perform this job successfully, an individual must meet the minimum qualifications listed below. These qualifications are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job: Demonstrated ability to analyze public policy issues, convene stakeholders, and develop strategic advocacy approaches in a short timeframe. Understanding of the political and economic landscape across Spokane, the State of Washington, and federal government structures. Experience crafting effective messaging, managing media relations, and utilizing digital tools for advocacy engagement. Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to develop policy strategies, measure impact, and align efforts with organizational goals. Experience managing budgets, contracts, and financial resources related to policy initiatives. Ability to build relationships with policymakers, business leaders, tribal governments, trade associations, and civic organizations. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, CRM platforms, and digital communication tools. Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in political science, business, communications, marketing, public administration, or a related field required. Minimum of six (6) years of relevant professional experience in public policy, government affairs, or advocacy. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Certificates and Licenses: Valid driver’s license required. Supervisory Responsibilities: Manages volunteer regional advocacy committee, two lobbyist contracts, and may oversee a Legislative Assistant as well as a Policy Coordinator. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Exposed to typical office environment conditions and noise levels. Regularly required to travel locally and to out-of-area events and meetings. Regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week; frequently required to work more than 40 hours per week to meet deadlines, finish assignments, or attend events and meetings. Physical Requirements: Work is performed primarily in an office setting. Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility with or to stand and/or sit for prolonged periods of time and operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine motor coordination including use of a computer keyboard with or without accommodations. Occasionally stand, walk, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, twist. Occasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 25 lbs. Regularly utilize verbal and written communication to exchange information. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Benefits The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $105,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications Full-time; Salary, Exempt GSI offers the following benefits: Employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for for employees; dependent coverage for spouses and children available at an additional cost Life and accidental death insurance Long-term disability insurance 401k salary deferral program with employer contribution Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave and employer observed holidays (subject to annual approval by the CEO) 24 hours per year volunteer hours Eligible for up to 80 hours annually for educational courses, professional development, and career advancement opportunities Stipend/Reimbursement for parking and phone Hybrid work model available with up to 2 days per week working from home
Posted 5 days ago