Director of Government Relations and Public Policy
Greater Des Moines Partnership
Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce | Full Time | Onsite | Des Moines
Posted: 11/19/25
Job Description
Leads Government Relations and Public Policy for the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Serves as the principal lobbyist for The Partnership. Through research and the gathering of input and intel from Partnership Investors, Affiliate Chambers and Regional Chamber Members, leads the development of state and federal policy strategies, agendas and action plans to accomplish stated goals. Assists The Partnership’s Board in establishing public policy priorities and developing legislative strategies. Collaborates with The Partnership Senior Leadership Team on policy and advocacy as well as relationships with policymakers. Works with Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies on managing policy budget. Actively participates in management planning/policy-making meetings and events, including leading Government Policy Council (GPC), and events dedicated to strengthening The Partnership’s position as a leader in public policy and building relationships with policymakers and connections to Investors, Affiliate Chambers and Regional Chamber Members.
Deadline to Apply 12/31/25
Address
Essential Job Functions
-Leads Government Affairs and Public Policy, working closely with Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies, and President/CEO and Chair of GPC.
-Builds and strengthens relationships with federal and state policy makers, including the Iowa Congressional delegation and staff, Iowa Legislature, Governor’s Office and Executive Branch.
-Tracks and analyzes legislation. Research public policy issues and stances. Attend meetings and hearings of the legislature as needed.
-Advises Partnership leadership on public policy and advocacy strategies.
-Leads Government Policy Council meetings and consensus-based public policy process.
-Researches and analyzes a variety of information (e.g., local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations) and recommends proactive ideas to advance Partnership’s public policy goals.
-Directs, plans and manages public policy meetings and events, including but not limited to DMDC, State Legislative Breakfast, Opening Night Legislative Reception, Legislative Softball Game, Candidate Forums, and Partnership 101. Responsibilities include leading and oversight of execution, such as venue selection and rental, transportation logistics, assists with securing sponsors, organizing workshops and coordinating participant registrations.
-Actively participates in Iowa Chamber Alliance meetings and activities along with membership associations. That may include occasional travel in Iowa and nationally.
-Maintains regular contact with Regional Chamber Members, associations, interest groups and other public/private organizations through written communications (reports, letters, memos and position papers) and makes oral presentations.
-Works with communications team to provide oversight and content for Public Policy newsletters, correspondences, letters of support, media statements, website and more.
-Oversees all functions necessary to execute Congressional and Gubernatorial Candidate Forums.
-Collaborates on the Iowa Caucus Consortium and associated events in Central Iowa. Collaborate with The Partnership Communications and Marketing team and Catch Des Moines to create premier Caucus events and experiences for media.
-Assists with collaborative efforts as needed.
-Collaborates with all Partnership areas of work and partner organizations to support and coordinate events and educational opportunities applicable to Public Policy. This includes efforts that support Partnership Strategic Priorities and annual public policy priorities.
-Serves as a role model within the organization and a positive representative of The Partnership in the community.
-Other duties as assigned.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in business, political science, public administration and/or communications preferred.
Experience
3-5 years of State and Federal policymaking as well as event management preferred.
Travel Required
Resume Required
Yes
Contact Person
Olga Beran