Heartland Forward is seeking a skilled public policy, government affairs and/or economic development professional with experience in collaborating with multiple stakeholders to advance public policy activities in the heartland.
Summary
The public policy director will lead Heartland Forward’s advocacy and public policy activities for our four program areas 1) innovation and entrepreneurship, 2) human capital and workforce development, 3) health and wellness and 4) regional competitiveness and the Connecting the Heartland to high-speed internet initiative.
The public policy director will report to the Executive Vice President and will work closely with the Heartland Forward team to establish the agenda for public policy engagement.
This position will play an integral role in helping turn our research into actionbyincreasing brand awareness, creating new partnerships, positioning Heartland Forward as a leader on policy solutions and a resource to help strengthen Heartland communities. Much of the initial advocacy efforts will be directed toward state-level initiatives to support policy for Heartland Forward’s focus areas. A broader public policy strategy will be developed at the federal, state, regional and local levels. The director will assist Heartland Forward and its leadership team to engage leaders, policymakers, investors, education institutions and our broader heartland network.
The Director must be extremely effective in developing, communicating and pitching a strategy that creates opportunities for Heartland Forward to recommend and be a resource for communities on public policy and practices consistent with our research findings and mission/vision.
Responsibilities
Design a public policy strategy that develops and promotes heartland priorities by generating and sharing insights, recommending policy solutions with a simplified/accelerated approach and serving as a resource to strengthen communities - all while engaging leaders, policymakers and our broader Heartland network.
Research and execute best practices on ways to transform and modernize public policy at all levels of government.
Establish partnerships between the public and private sector.
Help establish and meet goals by which Heartland Forward measures program and policy impact.
In coordination with Heartland Forward’s communication, program and research teams - develop and manage presentations, one-pagers/white papers, collateral and written/digital communication to support focus area.
Identify speaking engagements for Heartland Forward and its leadership that align with specific policy engagement and opportunities.
Support leadership team to build and maintain relationships with elected officials and key stakeholders at a local, state and national level.
Coordinate with Heartland Forward’s research and program team to develop community toolkits and resources to gain the participation of policymakers and stakeholder groups – providing a resource to advocate and adopt Heartland Forward recommendations.
Ensure cohesive coordination/collaboration between program and research workstreams, content and design of the Heartland Summit, board of directors, advisory council and Heartland Forward’s broader network.
Effectively communicate with leadership and Heartland team by providing ongoing updates and relevant content to ensure full alignment among the Heartland Forward team.
Who we are looking for:
Basic qualifications required for the role:
Bachelor’s degree.
5-7 years of experience in policy, government affairs and/or economic development related field.
Entrepreneurial and/or start-up and development policy awareness.
Exposure to regional economic and demographic data.
Demonstrated policy experience in a “think tank”, corporate, consulting or government setting.
Experience in developing PowerPoint presentations and managing complex data with Excel spreadsheets.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
Must be able to translate complex economic and public policy issues for internal and external audiences.
Additional preferred qualifications and helpful experience includes:
Master’s degree in related field.
Experience working in a small to medium sized company or a start-up environment.
Demonstrated record of working and implementing initiatives by running a successful political, issue advocacy, electoral and legislative campaign.
Familiarity of policy issues with respect to Arkansas and other heartland states.
Characteristics that support success:
Unquestionable ethics and integrity.
Demonstrated ability to protect privacy and maintain discretion in dealing with highly confidential information.
Very strong interpersonal skills, professional demeanor, and ability to maintain grace under pressure when adapting to a rapidly changing environment, including reprioritization or reassignment of responsibilities.
Must be a self-starter who takes initiative.
Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments, and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Resourceful team-player, solution-oriented, intellectual agility, and the ability to analyze and think critically.
Effective independently and in a semi-remote environment.
Remain accessible and responsive beyond business hours.
About Heartland Forward
Heartland Forward is a 501 (c) (3) nonpartisan, nonprofit “think and do tank.” Heartland Forward's mission is to improve economic performance in the center of the United States by advocating for fact-based solutions to foster job creation, knowledge-based and inclusive growth and improved health outcomes. We conduct independent, data-driven research to facilitate action-oriented discussion and impactful policy recommendations.
Heartland Forward is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status of protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree.
5-7 years of experience in policy, government affairs and/or economic development related field.
Entrepreneurial and/or start-up and development policy awareness.
Exposure to regional economic and demographic data.
Demonstrated policy experience in a “think tank”, corporate, consulting or government setting.
Experience in developing PowerPoint presentations and managing complex data with Excel spreadsheets.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
Must be able to translate complex economic and public policy issues for internal and external audiences.
