Organizational Profile: 

Since 1904, the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce has served as the voice of the business community, working to strengthen economic prosperity and community well-being. An independent, membership-driven nonprofit, we represent approximately 1,200 businesses and organizations employing more than 40,000 people. 

Our mission is to connect the business community with ideas, inspiration, and each other, bringing people together to shape the place we love.  Our values guide how we work, ask what is possible, rise above self-interest, target and build amazing relationships, connect diverse perspectives, and bring the grit to achieve what we believe in, all while having fun along the way. 

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Chamber CEO / President, the Director of Governmental Relations will lead the Chamber’s public policy and advocacy work, connecting member businesses with the policymakers whose decisions shape our local economy and community.  The ideal candidate will ensure business perspectives inform public decisions, drive the development of well-supported policy positions, and build coalitions that move shared priorities into action. 

Duties / Responsibilities: 

Lead Chamber’s Advocacy Agenda:

Develop and execute strategies that advance the Chamber’s policy priorities and economic vision, with clear goals, measurable outcomes, and consistent follow-through.

Anticipate & Analyze Policy Issues:

Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, with a primary focus on the City and County of San Luis Obispo and attention to consequential state and federal issues;

Assess implications for businesses and the community and recommend where and how the Chamber should engage. 

Develop Credible Policy Positions.

Gather member input, research issues, and prepare policy recommendations, position statements, testimony, and correspondence for consideration by Chamber leadership and the Board. 

Build Trusted Relationships.

Serve as a primary liaison to elected officials, government staff, agencies, and community partner;

Maintain constructive relationships across political perspectives. 

Connect Members to Policymaking:

Understand the challenges facing member businesses and create meaningful opportunities for their experience and expertise to inform public decisions. 

Guide Committee Work:

Serve as staff liaison to the Business and Economic Council, Economic Development Committee, Legislative Action Committees, and ad hoc task forces;

Partner with committee chairs to develop substantive agendas, engage speakers, facilitate productive discussion, and move recommendations into action. 

Build Coalitions & Advance Solutions:

Bring business and community partners together around shared priorities, identify common ground, and build support for meaningful progress. 

Represent Chamber Effectively:

Serve as a public speaker and spokesperson, delivering regular policy and advocacy updates at monthly Good Morning SLO events and other Chamber programs;

Present the Chamber’s positions at public meetings, hearings, and community events with clarity, preparation, and professionalism. 

Create Valuable Policy Programs:

Plan legislative visits, policy forums, and events that connect members with decision-makers and deepen understanding of consequential issues. 

Communicate Clearly & Consistently:

Collaborate with the communications team to provide timely policy updates, articulate the Chamber’s positions, and keep members informed about advocacy efforts and outcomes. 

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Policy, Business Administration, or similar discipline;

At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in a similar role;

An understanding of legislative processes and public decision-making, particularly locally, with familiarity with state and federal policymaking;

Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to develop practical recommendations;

Proficiency in the MS Office suite of products, together with industry-related software applications;

Exceptional oral and written communication, public speaking and facilitation skills;

Ability to build constructive relationships across differing interests and political perspectives;

Exemplary time management, organizational, problem-solving, attention to detail, multi-tasking, critical thinking and follow-through skills; 

Possess political awareness, discretion, diplomacy and integrity. 

Compensation:

$75K - $95K DOE annual base salary, for this full-time exempt position. 

Benefits: 

401(K) with annual company match to employee contribution up to 4%;

80 hours of annual paid vacation annually in years 1 – 3, which begins accruing on the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment; increasing to 120 hours annually thereafter;

96 hours of paid sick time annually, which begins accruing on start date; eligibility for use after 60 days of employment;

9 paid public holidays, plus 1 floating holiday annually;

Medical paid 100% for employee; dependent coverage available through employee payroll deductions;

$25K of life insurance paid for employee;

$25K Accident, Death & Disability insurance paid for employee;

Expense account;

Flexible Spending Account;

Paid parking fees;

Tax-free car mileage reimbursement (Accountable Plan). 

Working Hours:

The schedule includes frequent early morning meetings and evening events, with weekend commitments, as needed, to support Chamber programs and community engagement. 

Location:

San Luis Obispo, CA – onsite position