Vice President, Public Affairs
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.
About Indiana Economic Development Corporation:
Bring your biggest and boldest ideas to life as an employee of the IEDC. We are a fast-paced and forward-thinking team charged with pursuing economic development opportunities for current and future Hoosiers in our state and around the world. Our culture embodies the spirit of being bold and working collaboratively to create the economy of the future.
The IEDC is organized as a public private partnership led by the Secretary of Commerce and governed by a board chaired by the Governor of Indiana.
Be sure to review our comprehensive benefits package offerings below!
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has been recognzied as one of the 2023 and 2024 Top Workplaces by Indianapolis Star.
Role Overview:
The Vice President, Public Affairs will be responsible for state and local public affairs and government relations for the IEDC, including those associated with vital strategic initiatives of the IEDC. The VP, Public Affairs serves as the primary point for the IEDC’s state and local government relations, overseeing the corporation’s engagement with members of the General Assembly and local elected officials. The VP, Public Affairs will be able to effectively educate, inform, and advocate for all of the IEDC’s public policy initiatives with state legislators, local elected officials, business stakeholders, and members of the public.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $99,202 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
Public Policy and Advocacy:
- Build relationships with key legislators and those who sit on economic development, fiscal policy, and appropriations committees.
- Coordinate closely with IEDC leadership to develop, pursue, and implement the IEDC’s legislative and policy objectives.
- Analyze existing legislative requirements and needs to create, improve, or eliminate state laws applicable to the IEDC.
- Draft legislation and advocate for positive public policy outcomes in support of the IEDC’s business functions.
- Engage state and local elected officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders to maintain or improve economic development outcomes for the IEDC.
- Maintain relationships with lobbyists, state legislators, local elected officials, and other economic development partners to facilitate the passage of IEDC legislative priorities.
- Build coalitions in support of IEDC economic development priorities, engaging state and local officials, and other interested organizations to advocate on the IEDC’s behalf.
- Develop and implement policy based on existing and new statutory requirements established by the General Assembly.
- Advise IEDC leadership on public relation strategies, particularly as they relate to state and local government affairs, associated with IEDC activities.
- Oversee IEDC reporting obligations to the General Assembly, maintaining consistent and broad communication with legislative members regarding IEDC activities.
- Develop and distribute, in coordination with the IEDC external engagement department, material on IEDC activities and economic development initiatives that impact defined areas of the state.
- Maintain up-to-date understanding of the national economic development landscape, identifying best practices, and use this information to inform IEDC leadership on opportunities for new or modified economic development strategies for the IEDC.
General Obligations:
- Collaborate with internal (IEDC) departments and other State Agencies.
- Assists and manages strategic and long-term planning studies.
- Negotiates contract terms and make recommendations to leadership.
- Manages consultants or other professional service contracts associated with the IEDC’s public affairs responsibilities.
- At the direction of and/or approval by IEDC leadership, provides representation on redevelopment and regional economic development related regional boards and commissions on an ex-officio basis.
- Maintains confidentiality to protect the integrity of the client and State of Indiana.
- Performs all other related duties as required.
What You'll Need for Success:
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree required, JD preferred.
Experience and Skills:
- 5+ years’ experience in government relations, public affairs and/or community grass tops and grass roots development.
- Understanding of state utility landscape, local economic development tools, and complex deal negotiations required.
- Engagement with and advocacy before the Indiana General Assembly.
- Research and analysis of federal and state economic development and utility laws and regulations.
- Draft and promote changes to state laws, in particular those focused on economic development and utility matters.
- Knowledge of real estate development standards, zoning, GIS, property records and contracts.
- Outstanding communication and negotiation skills.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- A team player with leadership abilities.
Ability to:
- Deal with conflict in a constructive manner.
- Effectively advocacy for new or improved economic development efforts while demonstrating strong presentation, communication (verbal and written), problem solving, financial and leadership skills.
- Understand the legislative process and assist in the development of a legislative agenda.
- High degree of accountability, sense of urgency and ownership.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
- Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities
- Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid new parent leave
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
- 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Group life insurance
- Referral Bonus program
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Parking for most positions
- Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.
Nearest Major Market: Indianapolis
