Director of Government Affairs

Director of Government Affairs 

The Los Angeles Business Council (LABC) is seeking a full-time Director of Government Affairs, located in Los Angeles, CA, with hybrid remote and in-person work. As Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy, you will work closely with the Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs and policy team on the LABC’s government affairs and advocacy program portfolio covering issues related to housing, homelessness, sustainability, transportation, and economic development. Under the direction of the LABC President and the Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs, the Director will help develop and manage the LABC’s legislative agenda pertaining to issues of housing development reform, sustainability, homelessness initiatives, transportation infrastructure, and regional economic development. You will carry out the LABC’s continuing advocacy agenda on these issues and lead outreach, coalition building, and maintaining and strengthening key local and state government and organizational relationships. Regular policy analysis and keeping up to date on major initiatives in Los Angeles and the State of California will be required.

You will also work with the policy team to help plan and execute major events and programming, including the annual Mayoral Housing, Transportation, and Jobs Summit; Sustainability Summit; Architectural Awards; advocacy trips to Sacramento and Washington, DC; LABC Committee meetings; and regular workshops. In coordination with LABC Institute staff, the research arm of the LABC, the Director may also help manage the implementation of grants and ongoing research. 

KEY TASKS

• Work with the President and Vice President to develop and execute LABC’s legislative agenda in the areas of housing production, housing affordability and preservation, sustainability, homeless services and governance, transportation infrastructure, and regional economic development.
• Conduct outreach to local and state elected officials’ offices, and lead advocacy meetings with staff and members of the Los Angeles City Council, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and state Assembly and Senate members, as needed.
• Track local (LA City and County), state, and federal legislation and contacts; program development at various City and County departments (e.g., the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP)); relevant LA City Council Committees, and corresponding budgets at all levels of government.
• Maintain and support relationships with elected officials and staff, as well as local and statewide organizations focused on relevant policy issues
• In coordination with the LABC policy, events, and communication staff, assist with the planning and execution of the annual Mayoral Housing, Transportation, and Jobs Summit, as well as the Sustainability Summit; including working with the policy team on recruiting speakers, scripting the program, and crafting pre- and post-event messaging.
• Work with the policy team on regular programming (workshops, virtual webinars, networking events, etc.) in line with LABC priorities and grant requirements
• Assist with content development for monthly LABC Legislative Affairs, Housing & Transportation, and Energy & Environment Committee meetings, as needed
• Represent the LABC at external stakeholder workshops, meetings, and public hearings
• Provide regular briefings and status updates to LABC staff and members on the LABC’s legislative, policy, and regulatory priorities
• Policy research including preparation of issue briefings, presentations, and position letters
• Convene LABC members and aligned outside organizations to educate and conduct outreach on key policy priorities. 
• Liaise with researchers and facilitators at academic institutions to manage new and ongoing grants and research in these issue areas, as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

Seeking a candidate with experience in the areas of public policy, public administration, government relations, urban planning, affordable housing and homelessness, economic development, or a related field. This position requires:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, or related field.
• 4 – 8 years of relevant experience 
• Experience in public policy, local or state government, or advocacy; local government experience strongly preferred
• Experience with housing, homelessness, transportation, sustainability, and/or economic development policy
• Knowledge of Los Angeles area policy and political landscape
• Experience analyzing and synthesizing legislation at the local, state, and/or federal level
• Experience working for or interfacing with advocacy organizations 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail 
• Ability to develop strong relationships with member businesses and elected offices
• Excellent follow-up and organizational skills
• Comprehensive understanding of the organizational history and mission
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, providing general support to all LABC functions as needed
• Political campaign or fundraising experience a plus
• Commitment to LABC's mission of promoting environmental and economic sustainability

Salary commensurate with experience.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to Elaina Houser at ehouser@labusinesscouncil.org no later than April 11th.

About the LABC

For more than 80 years, the Los Angeles Business Council (LABC) has had a major impact on public policy by harnessing the power of business and government to promote progress in the Los Angeles region in the areas of energy, housing, transportation, international trade and economic development. We are successful at driving progress because we ground our efforts in evidence-based research, build diverse coalitions, and create a path forward for meaningful and measurable progress.

Today our 500 members represent business and civic leaders from all industry sectors who are focused on innovative public policy that strengthens our economy while improving quality of life for all of us. We work in tandem with our research arm, the LABC Institute, to achieve these ambitious goals.

Through bold, progressive leadership for business, the LABC is trailblazing the way to a stronger, more equitable Los Angeles.