New job Director, Government & Community Affairs in California

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Works closely with Executive Offices, Board of Directors and other Departments in maintaining and achieving the Corporation's objectives as it relates to effective working relationships with the local government, community, businesses and decision-makers. Researches federal, state and local legislation and community activities; performs detailed analysis and provides input and recommendations on a wide range of legislative, intergovernmental and community affairs issues that could impact SDCCC operations and policies; and represents SDCCC at intergovernmental, community and legislative forums and community events. Identifies, cultivates, and maintains positive working relationships with key individuals in the policymaking, educations, business, civic, media, etc. sectors to actively educate and engage the public about the SDCCC.
Key Skills

• Political Acumen
• Communication
• Ethical Practice
• Cultural Awareness
• Relationship Management
• Grant Identification and Writing skills
• Understanding of Transient Occupancy Tax Code
• Team Building

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Coordinates activities in support of the Corporation's government affairs and community outreach efforts internally and externally. Creates and executes of a wide range of outreach initiatives.
• Proactively arranges, plans and facilitates meetings and correspondence with both community and stakeholder organizations.

• Interacts effectively and responsibly at various levels with diverse external audiences.
• Researches and identifies organizations throughout San Diego County, targeting influential groups and community leaders to build support for SDCCC’s programs and projects.
• Deciphers and interprets Master Lease Agreement between the Port of San Diego and the City of San Diego.
• Deciphers and interprets Operating Agreement between the City of San Diego and the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.
• Assists with budget preparation for the Corporation as needed.
• Monitors, evaluates, researches and interprets activity of various agencies involved in regional planning, regulatory activities and economic development that impact the SDCCC.
• Reviews legislative agendas/minutes and attends city council and other government meetings as assigned.
• Provides internal leadership with concisely written or verbal summaries of government meetings and activities.
• Coordinates and interacts with other agencies, elected and appointed officials and the community regarding laws, pending legislation, resolutions, agreements, policy initiatives and other matters of mutual interest.
• Contributes to the overall effectiveness of SDCCC intergovernmental programs and activities.
• Represents SDCCC interests in multiple forums. Consults leadership when SDCCC’s operations or policies have influence on outside stakeholders.
• Participates on professional and industry committees involved in legislative and intergovernmental affairs and public policy issues.
• Attends meetings and conferences to stay abreast of proposed and anticipated legislative, community and stakeholder issues and intergovernmental affairs initiatives.
• Develops and conducts presentations for business, community, government and stakeholder organizations/groups to build public awareness and understanding of the SDCCC mission and contributions to the community.
• Designs and implements outreach programs to create awareness of the purpose of the SDCCC and engage employees as ambassadors in the community.
• Coordinates tours and events for local officials, educational institutions, community organizations and business groups.
• Informs and collaborates with relevant stakeholders or agencies regarding challenges or opportunities related to SDCCC business operations.
• Responds and assists with public inquiries. As directed, serves as liaison to public, media, stakeholders, local officials and business leaders.
• Determines appropriate strategies to maintain positive relationships.
• Organizes employee volunteer opportunities, donation drives and other community engagement opportunities that benefit causes that are aligned with the Corporation's values.
• Evaluates and provides recommendations to sponsor events or causes that align with SDCCC's priorities.
• Coordinates payment and staff participation for events.
• Maintains understanding of the convention and meetings industry and a proactive approach to remaining current on SDCCC's place in the competitive landscape.
• Provide support to the Communications Department and fills in for the Executive Director, Communications in his/her/their absence.

SUPERVISORY
None.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Knowledge of:

• Local, State and/or Federal legislative process, its steps and influence points.

• Grassroots and community coalition building skills.

• Public agency programs, policies and operations and related legislative, intergovernmental affairs, community relations and public affairs issues and challenges.

• Principles and practices of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

• Project planning and management methods and practices applicable to areas of assigned responsibility.

• Government process and budgeting process.

Ability to:

• Analyze, interpret, explain and make recommendations on complex legislative, regulatory, community and intergovernmental public policy issues.

• Apply writing style and presentation techniques appropriate for differing business, legislative and journalistic/public relations purposes.

• Apply seasoned political acumen, and recommend appropriate courses of action to achieve SDCCC objectives.

• Communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively, orally and in writing.

• Exercise tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with highly sensitive, complex, confidential and controversial issues and situations.

• Establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with SDCCC executives and managers, board members, elected and appointed officials, officials of other governmental agencies, professional and community organizations and committees, the media, the public and others encountered in the course of work.

• Utilize applicable internet, technology, social media and publications to research legislation, regulations and public policy issues.

• Establish relationship with local media outlets.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university with emphasis in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Political Science; and minimum five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
None.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Detail oriented with strong organizational, creative writing and communication skills required. Knowledge of industry related competitive web sites. Must be highly computer literate and with experience in content management systems. Must be self-directed. Familiarity with city government and its relationship to the San Diego Convention Center Corporation; and knowledgeable about San Diego’s tourism industry desirable.
Must demonstrate a proactive approach to problem solving with strong decision-making capability. Must have the ability to exercise sound judgment in a variety of situations. Highly resourceful team player with demonstrated ability to think innovatively and achieve high- performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Prioritize conflicting needs; handle matters expeditiously, proactively, and follow through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressure. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including internal and external partners. Highly effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; demonstrated ability to effectively and comfortably interact at all corporate and political levels.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to remain in an office at a computer workstation and access information from a computer. The employee is required to be mobile to, from, and within the Executive office area, as well as maneuver throughout the Convention Center facility to attend meetings, briefings, and other work related events. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to travel to community outreach sites, generally within the Greater San Diego area, on an occasional basis. Attending at state and out of state conferences may be required. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Office for this position is located within the executive office area of the Convention Center. The noise level in the office environment is usually moderate with noises originating from persons talking within the office and office equipment being operated. During meetings, work may be located outside the facility with exposure to both indoor and outdoor environments. The outside environment includes exposure to uneven street pavement and sidewalks, railroad tracks, and high levels of pedestrian, vehicle and pedicab traffic. The employee is occasionally exposed to exhaust fumes and airborne particles, for both indoors and outdoors environments. During the course of our business the employee will be exposed to large crowds and public settings.

Job Type: Full-time