Federal Policy and Government Relations Director

Organization Description

TechNet is the national, bipartisan network of technology CEOs and senior executives that promotes the growth of the innovation economy by advocating a targeted policy agenda at the federal and 50-state level.  TechNet’s diverse membership includes dynamic American businesses ranging from startups to the most iconic companies on the planet and represents over 4.5 million employees and countless customers in the fields of information technology, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, the sharing and gig economies, advanced energy, transportation, cybersecurity, venture capital, and finance.  TechNet has offices in Washington, D.C., Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Sacramento, Chicago, Austin, Boston, Harrisburg, Olympia, Tallahassee, and Denver.

Responsibilities

As TechNet’s Federal Policy Director, you will play a key role in driving TechNet’s federal policy program, including direct management of a core set of issue areas and working groups, responsibility for key membership relationships, and leading our policy and advocacy on behalf of our membership.  The Federal Policy Director will report to TechNet’s Executive Vice President of Federal Policy and Government Relations and will work cross-functionally with the SVP of Communications, Federal Policy team, and executive leadership team.

Your primary duties will include (but are not limited to):

• Manage TechNet advocacy on a core set of issues before the technology sector, including Trade, Autonomous Vehicles and Future of Mobility, Education and Workforce Development, Modernizing Government Technology and Government Procurement. This portfolio is subject to modification, as directed by the Executive Vice President.
• Manage workflow associated with the Trade and Supply Chain and Future of Mobility Working Groups.
• As a registered lobbyist, serve as an effective advocate for TechNet and our members on key policy matters and craft positions for the organization that will establish it publicly as a thought leader and influencer.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, including Administration officials, Members of Congress, and associations on policy priorities.
• This role will have a key focus on the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Labor. In Congress, this role will be focused on building relationships with the Senate Commerce Committee, Senate Finance Committee, House Energy and Commerce Committee, House Ways and Means Committee, House Education and Workforce Committee, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Senate HELP Committee.
• Professional demeanor to manage confidential business information.
• Compose and submit federal regulatory comments on issues within your policy portfolio.
• Willingness to participate in panels and speaking engagements to advance TechNet’s policy goals and advocacy.
• Serve as the lead coordinator for all routine federal policy team engagements, including TechNet’s monthly federal public policy committee meetings and regular communications with members.
• Partner with stakeholders to represent TechNet in political activities, events, and other engagements, including education, advocacy, and issue campaigns and research.
• Provide federal policy insights for TechNet’s Executive Council related to assigned policy issues.
• Perform other tasks as required or assigned.

Preferred experience:

• Minimum of seven years of experience on Capitol Hill, in the Administration, or in a government relations role.
• Knowledge of policy matters of importance to the technology industry at the federal level.
• Experience in handling trade policy is required.
• A desire to champion TechNet’s federal policy agenda on behalf of its members.
• A demonstrated commitment to professional excellence and integrity.
• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities and adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and research skills.
• Articulate and effective oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent writer with an editor’s eye.
• Master’s degree or J.D. preferred.

Interested candidates should email their resume and 2-3 writing samples to Silvia Ochoa at sochoa@technet.org.  Candidates are encouraged to apply by April 25, but applications will continue to be reviewed after that date.