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February 29, 2024

Our diverse and dynamic team enjoys competitive compensation packages and leadership opportunities for each team member. We seek creative and passionate individuals who will uniquely add to the Chamber’s mission of making the San Diego region the best place to live and work.

If interested in joining our team, please take a look at the following positions and submit your cover letter and resume to Dana Stafford, Vice President of Operations & Human Resources, at dstafford@sdchamber.org.

 

POLICY COORDINATOR

Job Summary
Conducts public policy/economic analysis and research, monitors legislation and policy at local, state, and federal levels, assists in the administration, coordination, and staffing of select Chamber policy committees while representing the Chamber in various roles within the community and government. Frequent interaction with Chamber policy committee members and leaders. Provides administrative support to the International & Public Affairs Department and reports directly to the Director of Public Affairs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Research and analyze policy issues, legislation, and regulations on a local, state, and federal level to determine impact on business community and region at large.
  • Track and flag policy issues of Chamber interest as they are heard throughout the legislative process at the local, state and federal level
  • Support Director of Public Affairs on assigned committees and policy areas (including setting committee agendas, securing speakers, monitoring positions and administrative duties).
  • Lead policy initiatives as assigned
  • Work closely with public agencies and legislative staff to analyze and interpret legislation, policy issues, and data.
  • Draft correspondence and other documents to Chamber members, committee members, elected officials, and community officials.
  • Develop Chamber positions and policy statements and work strategically to reach successful outcomes on those issues.
  • Regularly interact with Chamber members, elected officials, and civic leaders.
  • Attend and participate in community and government meetings and hearings.
  • Testify before city, county, state boards, commissions, and committees (will require registration as a lobbyist) and, when necessary, coordinate with partner organizations.
  • Represent Chamber on external committees, partners, and coalitions, at other organizations, and at community functions.
  • Serve as a public policy resource to Chamber members and staff.
  • Support the organization in attracting prospective members
  • Assist in planning and coordination of annual delegation trips to Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
  • Provides administrative support at meetings, including taking notes and recording minutes as requested, and may be required to speak publicly on behalf of Chamber/members.
  • Attend community and government meetings as needed.
  • Attend various Chamber of Commerce events that may occur outside of normal business hours, when necessary.
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, or related field preferred.
  • 1-3 years of related experience
  • California residency
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
  • Demonstrated ability to research legislation and develop policy recommendations.
  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal government operations, legislative process, and policy issues strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated commitment to keeping up to date on local, state, and federal issues as they relate to the business community.
  • Demonstrated ability to write policy briefs, white papers, position papers, and correspondence independently
  • Demonstrated ability to read and interpret news articles, reports, government documents, and briefings for understanding of current issues.
  • Demonstrated ability to think analytically about issues and express ideas clearly.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with co-workers, board members, elected officials, policy committee members, and the public in a professional manner.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with limited supervision under pressure of deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Flexibility to respond to changing priorities
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Availability for early morning meetings and other events outside of traditional work hours (including weekends and evenings)

Department: International & Public Affairs
Status: Non-Exempt
Salary: $20-$27 per hour

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Dana Stafford (above).

 

SDRCC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

 

The San Diego Chamber of Commerce offers several unpaid internships within our International Business Affairs, Marketing & Events, Membership, and Public Policy departments on a rolling basis. Candidates must be eligible to earn school credit through their respective universities. For students pursuing a career in these industries, this is an invaluable opportunity to gain practical work experience. Interns should have the ability to conduct independent research and prepare cogent and well-written reports in a timely manner with minimal supervision. If interested, please email Dana Stafford, Executive Director of Operations & Human Resources, at dstafford@sdchamber.org.

External Affairs Intern

Internship Contact Name: Dana Stafford
Contact Title: Executive Director, Operations & Human Resources
Email Address: dstafford@sdchamber.org
Internship Type: Unpaid, college credit required

Organization
The San Diego Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic place to witness the nexus of public policy and commerce. Every month our members take action regarding proposed legislation, regulation and issues that affect business expansion and job creation. The Public Policy Department’s committee structure provides valuable insight and information upon which the Chamber relies to form positions on the important issues of the day.

Chamber Public Policy internships are available that provide insight and experience on public policy issues and the business community. Interns are responsible for tracking committee discussion and actions as well as researching and preparing committee staff and members with the information they need to lead commerce-related public policy in San Diego.

Responsibilities
• Report directly to the Policy & Research Coordinator
• Work closely with other interns and policy department staff
• Research and prepare policy positions on such matters as state and local ballot propositions, taxation, regional transportation, public finance, performance of governmental agencies, and major public works projects
• Draft monthly Chamber Policy Newsletter with relevant information
• Attend public meetings that correspond to policy positions, as directed
• Prepare “clippings” of relevant local, state, and federal policy news and updates
• Draft correspondence to business leaders and elected officials
• Assist in administrative duties
• Compile data and research
• Conduct long term and short term projects
• Make phone calls
• Assist with preparation for policy committees and coordination of meetings and events

Qualifications
• Maintain an orderly workspace
• Ability to attend early morning meetings (arrival time: 7:15 am)
• Ability to successfully interact with governmental and elected offices
• Ability to conduct independent research
• Ability to prepare cogent, well-written reports in a timely manner with minimal supervision
• Possess suitable time-management skills
• Understanding of local issues and policy-making processes a plus
• Must be able to work a minimum of ten to fifteen hours per week for ten to twelve weeks

To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to Dana Stafford (above). Interview required.

 

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