Position Summary:
Collaboratively manages city and county legislative and regulatory issues pertaining to life science in San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Alameda Counties. Supports the objectives of the organization by proactively influencing local elected officials/staff in moving forward the Biocom California public policy and legislative agenda. Serves as the main point of contact for local facilities and environmental health and safety professionals, supportive staff for other local policy- and government-related committees and initiatives in the above outlined counties. This position reports to the Senior Director of Regional Policy & Government Affairs and will work closely with the Bay Area Executive Director.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
- Work with Manager of Government Affairs & Events to develop programming for department events and legislative activities including roundtables and tours, Facilities/EH&S workshops, and receptions.
- Principal staff to the Bay Area Facilities & Local Government Committee. Run regular committee meetings by preparing the agenda and keeping meeting minutes and share relevant and timely updates with committee members on an on-going basis.
- Track legislation and public policy issues primarily at the local government level within the assigned counties.
- Analyze and prepare summaries of legislative and policy issues as assigned.
- Research legislative issues as requested.
- Testify or prepare testimony as appropriate before elected and appointed bodies on industry positions as necessary.
- Meet with elected officials and staff on industry positions regarding key legislative and public policy issues.
- Meet with Bay Area chambers of commerce, economic development entities and other business and workforce related entities, as appropriate.
- Attend Bay Area organization meetings and present Biocom California positions as appropriate.
- Compose Biocom California correspondence on local Bay Area legislative and regulatory proposals.
- Keep records of meetings and topics discussed with local government officials for municipal/regional filings as required by law.
- Write articles on Bay Area policy initiatives for newsletters, social media, and other outlets, as needed.
- Assist members with local government affairs issues in all Bay Area counties, as requested and appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major related to the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities described below.
- Minimum two years of experience working in the office of or with elected officials or regulatory agency or equivalent. Trade association or life science experience pertaining to public policy/government affairs a plus.
- Experience working within government at the federal, state and/or local level(s), either within a regulatory agency or a legislative office/committee staff or equivalent.
- Ability to develop relationships with members/staff of the CA legislature, CA Congressional Delegation, and local government within the Bay Area. Existing relationships preferred.
- Ability to motivate the membership to participate and become engaged in public policy initiatives.
- Ability to prepare policy analysis and track policy development, including excellent oral and written communications skills.
- Working knowledge of the life science industry preferred.
- Proficient in communicating the mission of the association and its benefits to prospective members
- Ability to independently initiate, prioritize and complete diverse tasks efficiently and in a well-organized fashion.
- Ability to work with management both within the organization and within the structure of Biocom California member companies.
- Proficient in computer software packages, such as Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with others in a fast-paced, team environment.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work in a matrix environment.
At Biocom California, we believe that a diverse workforce strengthens us as an organization and helps us to achieve our mission to accelerate life science success. This belief is a pillar of our business and is critical to our success. Our goal is that Biocom California is the place for talented people to bring their authentic selves to work, to have a great career and to deeply, positively impact our members and the greater life science industry.