Director, Government Affairs

Background:

Tulsa Innovation Labs LLC (TIL) is a tech-led economic development organization headquartered in Tulsa, OK pioneered by the George Kaiser Family Foundation. The organization is responsible for catalyzing Tulsa’s leadership in advanced industries. We believe that by building a world-class tech hub in America’s heartland, we unlock opportunity for all.

Founded in January 2020, TIL has already made waves nationally, securing a $38.2M Build Back Better Regional Challenge award and a $51.7M EDA Tech Hubs Implementation award. Remarkably, TIL is one of only two communities in the country to achieve both honors, positioning us as a trailblazer in driving regional growth and innovation.

As we transition from our startup phase to an established role as a systems hub and community leader, TIL is entering an exciting new chapter. This next phase demands bold thinking, operational excellence, and the ability to scale our capacity to match the growing opportunities before us. Joining TIL means becoming part of a high-impact organization shaping the future of our community and beyond.

Position Summary:

The Director of Government Affairs directs and manages the local, state, and federal government relationship management efforts of TIL, managing advocacy agencies, committees or other activities as needed in order to carry out the government affairs of the organization by developing and growing relationships with key political, legislative, regulatory, and agency stakeholders that ultimately advance TIL’s goals. As a leader within the TIL system, this role requires a highly collaborative approach to succeed. While independent initiative and expertise are valuable, success in this position hinges equally on the ability to work closely with internal teams and external partners. The ideal candidate will excel at building strong relationships across the organization to align efforts and drive shared goals, ensuring that both internal collaboration and external engagement are fully leveraged to achieve impactful outcomes.

Responsibilities / Essential Job Function:

The following functions represent the majority of the duties performed by the position. The description is not meant to be all-inclusive or prevent other duties from being assigned when necessary:

• Lead, develop, and execute an “Innovation Agenda” that will outline advocacy priorities critical to the success of an innovation economy in Northeast Oklahoma, and develop and implement legislative advocacy strategies
• Coordinate government affairs activities of TIL at the city, county, state and federal level also including tribal governments
• Devise outreach plan that includes events, communications, and other strategic touchpoints in order to cultivate strategic relationships with relevant staffers of federal delegation members
• Work with Events and Programming team to develop relevant events and/or programming that builds awareness and buy-in of TIL vision and drives priorities forward at the local, state, and federal levels (i.e. forums, dinners, days at the capitol, Washington Fly-in, etc.)
• Provide guidance to Grants and Initiatives teams to ensure funding alignment with key governmental agencies on TIL initiatives
• Successfully manage external resources such as government relations consultants, prioritizing the development of long-term strategies for key collaborators and constituencies
• Develop and execute governmental agency outreach strategy in collaboration with Sr. Associate, Grants & Partnerships, and initiatives teams
• Provide research, position papers and recommendations on issues to TIL teammates, committees, and leadership
• Lead the development of a legislative tracker at all levels that may impact TIL’s ability to fully carry out its mission in accordance with the Innovation Agenda and ensure timely communication of issues/opportunities to TIL leadership
• Provide regular information to Marketing and Communications team regarding Public Policy issues pertaining to TIL’s mission in newsletters, social media and other relevant distribution avenues.
• Represent TIL in areas of government and public affairs by attending specific meetings where appropriate
• When directed, organize advocacy efforts on issues of interest for TIL critical partners
• Build relationships at the City and County levels, tracking agendas and attend meetings as appropriate
• Maintain positive working relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials and relevant staff
• Serve as resource for staff, advisory councils, and leadership on matters of Public Policy.
• Other duties as assigned by Managing Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required in business administration, public administration/affairs, or a directly related field
• 5 years relevant work experience in government, consulting, or economic development
• Two plus years working in the political and/or legislative process
• Knowledge of the legislative processes at the local, state and federal levels
• Demonstrated experience helping advise and update leadership on legislative and political issues
• Strong analytical and project management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate with team members

Competencies, Skills & Abilities:

To be successful in this role, you must have excellent communication, organizational and project management skills. You must also have the ability to actively listen, engage and connect with a diverse group of people, fostering meaningful relationships with our partners. Our team must be nimble and adaptable to the growing and changing needs of our organization and stakeholder groups, creating solutions and improving processes to achieve TIL goals.

• Integrity – honesty and directness in all things, especially with respect to the true status of initiatives and when in need of help and support from teammates and stakeholders.
• Intentionality – the desire to act now, and not later, on tasks and initiatives. Exhibit a hunger for success and results.
• Interest – an attitude of constant learning, curiosity, and humility with respect to what has yet to be understood.
• Interconnectedness – respect and appreciation for teammates and stakeholders: their backgrounds, skills, history, challenges, fears, and expectations that influence how approach shared tasks and relationships.
• Organized – Demonstrated ability to manage complex, sometimes conflicting, objectives and tasks.
• Decisive – Demonstrated ability to act even with incomplete information.
• Collaborative – Demonstrated ability to convene, facilitate, and develop shared understanding.
• Intelligent – Demonstrated ability to understand quickly and exhibit good judgement.
• Communicative – Demonstrated ability to listen to understand, and to share information with others simply and directly.

Physical Requirements:

• Communicate: Frequent phone, in-person, and messaging communication via various platforms. Must be able to exchange information effectively and accurately in all elements of verbal and written communication.
• Operate: Constant operation of computer, phones, and other office productivity tools.
• Willingness and ability to travel between program and related stakeholder locations, and service provider/vendor offices as required.

Hours & Location:

• Position is based in Tulsa within TIL headquarters located at 3 North Cheyenne Ave.
• Typical work hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 to 5:00, with flexibility required for various events, meetings, and relevant business needs.

About out Benefits

As part of our overall compensation package, we offer work/life flexibility, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and generous retirement contributions designed to support your and your family.

Details:

• 100% employer paid medical, dental, and long-term disability for full-time employees only. Option to add vision and dependents.
• 401K employee and employer contributions
• Paid time off to support your while you are out of the office
• Paid holidays so our employees can spend time with those they care about
• Employer paid AD&D life insurance, with employee option to add supplemental life insurance