Community and Government Affairs Director
VisitPITTSBURGH is a tourism development organization dedicated to expanding the tourism economy across Allegheny County. The organization generates a positive economic impact across the tourism verticals of business events, sports, and leisure travel. VisitPITTSBURGH achieves its goals, including ensuring the region of certain economic benefits, through the combined efforts of all team members throughout the organization.
Reporting to the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, the Community Affairs & Government Relations Director will be the primary liaison between the organization and governmental entities, community leaders, and industry stakeholders. This role is responsible for advocating for the tourism industry, monitoring legislation and public policy, building strategic partnerships, and advancing the organization's mission through effective lobbying and engagement efforts.
Essential Functions
- Develop and implement government and community engagement strategies that advance the organization's mission and priorities.
- Develop and implement specified district development strategies.
- Monitor local, state, and federal legislative activity affecting tourism, hospitality, and economic development.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, government agencies, business associations, and tourism partners.
- Represent VisitPITTSBURGH at public hearings, legislative sessions, and community meetings.
- Organize advocacy days, policy roundtables, and forums to increase awareness of tourism-related issues.
- Act as a key community liaison to ensure VisitPITTSBURGH aligns with local priorities and values.
- Develop and implement community outreach initiatives to enhance public understanding of tourism's economic impact.
- Collaborate with the marketing and communications teams to develop relevant materials such as legislative summaries, testimonies, talking points, reports, and correspondence.
- Collaborate with civic leaders and neighborhood organizations to address community concerns.
- Coordinate across VisitPITTSBURGH's departments to amplify advocacy efforts.
- Serve as a spokesperson for VisitPITTSBURGH when appropriate on public policy issues.
- Other projects as may be assigned by the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives or the President & CEO.
Skills & Specifications/Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, communications, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in government relations, public affairs, or legislative advocacy.
- Exceptional time management, customer service, organizational, and problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Powerpoint, Access and Excel)
- Knowledge of IDSS or other Customer Relations Management systems are preferred.
- Individual must possess a valid U.S. Driver's license and credentials for traveling by air both domestically and internationally.
- Willingness to occasionally work non-traditional hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Occasional travel by air and attendance at special events is required.
- This position requires that the incumbent be willing to travel approximately 50% of the time locally, with infrequent travel domestically and internationally. Flight credentials and a valid PA driver's License are required.
- The position involves lobbying for VisitPITTSBURGH and requires passing all background checks and credentialing by the Commonwealth of PA.
- Must be able to lift 40 lbs., assemble trade show booths, and must walk and stand for extensive periods at an exhibit booth.
This role is exempt and operates under a hybrid schedule, with a minimum of 3 days in-office required.