Position Description: Director of Public Affairs

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Reports to: President

The Organization:

The Washington Roundtable is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization comprised of 40 chief executive officers from large Washington state companies and up to five additional citizen members.  Since 1983, the Roundtable has worked to create positive change on critical policy issues that foster economic growth, generate jobs and improve quality of life for Washington.  The Roundtable determines its involvement in issues very carefully, choosing to concentrate its resources and influence selectively where it can contribute most effectively to positive, long-term public policy results.

Over its 25-year history, the role and activities of WRT have evolved from research and policy recommendations to advocacy and leadership.  In the last five years, the Roundtable has been at the forefront of issues such as improving math and science education, improving transportation policy and accountability, and advocating for sound state fiscal practices.  During that time, WRT members have been active and visible on a number of statewide policy boards including the Global Competitiveness Council, Washington Learns, the Regional Transportation Commission and the Puget Sound Partnership. The organization has also become increasingly involved in campaign-oriented activities when appropriate, serving as a leader of the “No on I-912” campaign as one example.  More information can be found at www.waroundtable.com.

The Position:

The director of public affairs reports to the Roundtable president, and is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to successfully advocate for Roundtable priority issues in a flexible, team-oriented environment.  Specific responsibilities include:

  • Government Relations:  Represents the Roundtable in Olympia; develops and implements the Roundtable’s legislative strategy; collaborates with communications staff and contractors on aligned communications strategy; works with legislators and staff; and coordinates with government affairs contractors and Roundtable member company lobbyists.

  • Liaison to Other Organizations:  Acts as a liaison with other organizations of importance to the Roundtable, such as the Association of Washington Business, Washington Research Council and Partnership for Learning.

  • Policy Development and Analysis:  In conjunction with the Roundtable president, analyzes policy options, develops draft positions and coordinates the organization’s approval process.

  • Committee Staffing:  Staffs Roundtable committees and associated working committees.  Also staffs Roundtable members who serve on policy boards related to Roundtable priority issues.

  • Support to the President:  Provides counsel to the Roundtable president and completes special projects or other duties assigned by the president.

Qualifications:

  • The ideal candidate will have at least six to eight years of experience in positions of increasing responsibility in public affairs/government relations. In addition, s/he will have:

  • Excellent political instincts and understanding of public policy.

  • The ability to network, nurture relationships and develop consensus with varied audiences including policymakers, key stakeholders and partner organizations.

  • Ability to interact and communicate effectively with CEO-level business executives and Washington state opinion leaders.

  • Familiarity with key Washington state issues, with a special understanding of their business implications. Experience in health care policy and/or environment/global climate issues a plus.

  • Superior writing, editing, speaking and presentation skills.

  • Organizational skills necessary to successfully prioritize, coordinate, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Compensation and Benefits:

The total compensation package for the director of public affairs is excellent.  Its details will depend on the background and experience of the candidate.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume to info@waroundtable.com.  Interviews will be conducted in the first half of May.  Ideally the director of public affairs will start in June 2008.