Downtown Advocacy Manager

Business or Organization Name

Lake Champlain Chamber

Position Description

About The Chamber

The Lake Champlain Chamber is an Equal Opportunity Employer that welcomes diversity in the workplace. We strongly encourage all qualified persons to apply. LCC is a non-profit organization that drives, develops and protects the economy that our region depends on. We focus on three areas: advocacy, economic development and workforce development.

Position Summary

This role is responsible for managing the Lake Champlain Chamber’s Downtown Business Alliance (DBA). The Manager will lead business advocacy and engagement efforts specifically within the City of Burlington. The Manager will serve as the Chamber's primary voice for local commerce, ensuring that the interests of Burlington’s business community are represented at the municipal and state levels. This position is crucial for driving, developing, and protecting the economic vitality of the city.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the Chamber’s dedicated advocate and key liaison for business interests in Burlington.
• Serve as a resource, ally, and change agent for Burlington businesses, providing timely information on policy changes and economic updates.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, positive relationships with Burlington’s municipal government, elected officials, and key community stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with the LCC’s Government Affairs Director on legislative priorities and advocacy campaigns that specifically affect Burlington businesses.

Specific Duties

• Monitor and analyze proposed Burlington municipal ordinances, regulatory changes, and public policy decisions for potential impact on the local business community.
• Facilitate business participation in municipal decisions.
• Organize and staff the Downtown Business Alliance Advisory Board to guide local policy positions.
• Represent the DBA at Burlington City Council meetings, legislative hearings, and public forums.
• Plan and execute member forums, policy briefings and initiatives, testimony and other events. 
• Develop content, in collaboration with the Communications Director, for targeted Burlington legislative updates and member communications.

Knowledge, Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• Experience in business advocacy, government relations, economic development or non-profit association management desired.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to build consensus among high-level stakeholders (policymakers, business stakeholders, and community leaders).
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities independently.
• Work hours will vary and will include evenings.
• Creative, entrepreneurial problem-solver.

Additional Duties and Information

• Report regularly to the LCC President.
• Subject to change.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• This is a part-time position starting at 20 hours per week, with potential for advancement.

Please send resume and cover letter to DBA@vermont.org.

Compensation & Benefits

SALARY TARGET: $35,000/year

Work Location

in-person

Work Type

part-time