The Bay Area Council is a business-sponsored, public policy and advocacy organization for the nine-county Bay Area. It is a nonprofit organization supported by more than 325 member companies representing the top employers in the Bay Area. The Council proactively advocates for a strong economy, a vital business environment, and a better quality of life for everyone who lives in the Bay Area.
In a recent anonymous employee survey, colleagues said they like working at the Council because of:
- “The people, love that we are a noble cause organization, am so proud of the work we do, love our members, our ability to help the region. I really like the BAC culture, friendliness, humor and fun in the workplace.”
- “Being allowed to bring who I am as a person to my role and performance as a BAC employee.”
- “Challenges, latitude to innovate, ability to manage my time and goals fairly independently, great friends and team members.”
- “Many really smart people to work around all willing to do whatever is necessary to get things done.”
- “The BAC has an awesome mission, and an ability to rally together to achieve lofty goals. The staff feels like a family.”
OUR MISSION
We engage business and civic-minded leaders to solve the most challenging regional issues to ensure the Bay Area is the most innovative, sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive place in the world.
Current Openings
Policy Director, Maritime and Goods Movement Focus
POSITION SUMMARY
This Policy Director, with a focus on Maritime and Goods Movement, will be a member of the public policy team, reporting to the Senior Vice President of Public Policy for Transportation, and be responsible for managing and implementing independent projects in all aspects of their respective policy functions shaping policy that affects millions of Bay Area and California residents. The Policy Director will be assigned lead responsibility for Maritime and Goods Movement areas, though may be adjusted in the future. This will include the Bay Conservation Development Commission, the Water Emergency Transportation Agency, other regulators or entities that affect the maritime industry, as well as all of our existing or potential business members in this space. They will work with the Port of Oakland and all of the other companies and entities involved in Goods Movement. The Policy Director’s work includes project management, advocacy and testimony in public forums, fast-paced policy research and analysis; direct communication with elected leaders, policy makers and other key stakeholders; drafting of position papers and letters to constituents; member engagement; administration of policy-related events and meetings; and, CRM database management to support these functions.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Policy Advocacy, Project & Grant Management
- Developing and maintain expert, up-to-the-minute knowledge of the relevant policy and political issues and players, and keep team members informed.
- Monitor proposed legislation (local, state, and/or federal, as relevant) and pending actions by public agencies that will affect assigned policy areas; identify opportunities and threats to Council policy objectives; and develop Council response. Proactively assist the CEO and COO with any needed policy analysis and responses.
- Cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with key external stakeholders, including member employers, public officials, and funders.
- Communicate (in writing and orally) Bay Area Council positions effectively and convincingly to Bay Area Council members, prospective members, public officials, advocacy organizations, opinion leaders, voters, and citizens at large.
- Prepare written reports, memos, letters, newsletters, emails, web-site content, op-ed pieces, speeches, and PowerPoint presentations.
- Write grant applications and take input from team, while managing projects, creating timelines and keeping stakeholders up to date for the life-cycle of the project.
Member Engagement — Engage and involve BAC members in developing and advocating Council positions on public policy issues. Coordinate and staff Council member committees and task forces. Learn Bay Area Council member interests, concerns, and perspectives on assigned policy areas, and develop program activities that engage members on the basis of those interests.
Events & Meetings Support – For meetings, events, and delegation trips involving assigned policy areas, work with the team to provide comprehensive management for these activities. This includes recruiting speakers, arranging venues, setting dates, developing agendas and pre-reading materials, developing invitation lists, sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, arranging catering, A/V, hotel, transportation, staffing needs, name badges, registration and day-of-event staffing and support. Draft minutes following meetings where applicable.
Database Management, Tracking & Reporting – For assigned policy areas, ensure that all committee members and related contacts, accounts, events, meetings, and sponsorships are regularly updated and maintained in the Salesforce CRM database so that contact information, event registrations, mailing lists and other functions supported by the database are accurate and reliable. Work with key contacts in member companies to ensure that the contacts we have for the organization are current, and that their contact information is complete and accurate.
Other — Coordinate activities with, and as necessary assist and support, other Bay Area Council staff (in policy, communications, membership, events, and accounting functions) in order to ensure overall success of the Council. Perform other duties in support of Bay Area Council programs and activities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
- Minimum two-year college degree; prefer degree in relevant field (e.g. public policy, law, political science) and/or relevant work experience.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills including proofreading and editing capabilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and both web and cloud-based applications, ability to design and edit graphic presentations and materials.
- Strong ability to execute work with a diversity, equity and inclusion lens.
- High degree of professionalism in dealing with diverse groups of people, including board members, senior executives, elected officials, staff, community leaders, donors and funder partners.
- Ability to adhere to and meet deadlines.
- Ability to complete a high volume of tasks and projects with little or no guidance.
- Ability to react with appropriate levels of urgency to situations and events that require quick response or turnaround.
- Ability to maintain a high level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information
- Possess creative and solution-oriented problem-solving skills.
- Work well with teams including the ability to build constructive working relationships with others and treat others with dignity and respect at all times.
- Excellent judgment is essential.
- Ability to switch gears at a moment’s notice.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- The Policy Director, with a focus on Maritime and Goods Movement, position is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated individual who desires a role in a highly-respected organization. The salary is competitive and will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience.
- Annual performance and compensation reviews
- Annual Bonus Incentive program (when financial conditions permit)
- Medical, dental and vision insurance is 100% paid by the employer for the employee and 50% coverage for all dependents will be paid by the employer with the employee carrying the other 50%
- Long-term disability, short-term disability, and life insurance policy of up to one (1) times the employee’s annual salary.
- Paid time off (PTO) of 20 days per year for the first 4 years, then 25 days thereafter.
- Eleven (11) Paid Holidays.
- Employer sponsored 401(k) plan with an employer match of 12 percent.
- Professional development training allowance provided annually.
- Mobile Phone reimbursement up to $55.00 per month.
- Wellness stipend of $25.00 per month (certain qualifications must be met).
- Commuter stipend and/or work from home stipend provided monthly.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Bay Area Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment and to building a team that reflects the rich diversity of our community. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. Answers to application questions will be used for applicable, job-related reasons only.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your resume and a cover letter as one pdf e-mail attachment with your last name and “Policy Director” in the file name (i.e., LASTNAME_PolicyDirector) to jgrubb@bayareacouncil.org. Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled.
Internship Opportunities
Check back soon for upcoming internship opportunities.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Bay Area Council is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. Answers to application questions will be used for applicable, job-related reasons only.
