Job Description
POLICY FELLOW
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber is the premier business and civic organization dedicated to growing the vibrancy and economic prosperity of the Cincinnati region. To achieve its vision that Cincinnati is a growing, thriving region where everyone belongs, the Chamber seeks to grow our economy, grow our population, and grow our cultural vibrancy - with the foundation of a strong business community - to foster a welcoming environment for all. The Chamber’s membership offerings, signature leadership programs, government and regional advocacy efforts, community events such as BLINK and Oktoberfest as well as key partnerships with organizations like Cincinnati Experience, Cincinnati Compass, Cincinnati Minority Business Accelerator, and the Workforce Innovation Center lead the way in making that vision a reality. For more information, visit cincinnatichamber.com.
More than twenty years ago, forward-thinking and pro-growth elected officials realized the power that TIF districts could mean for economic development in the City. That innovative policy change created hundreds of millions of dollars in new development that has revitalized a city, created new jobs, and made our region more attractive to the talent of the future.
Economic growth advocates in the Cincinnati region today recognize that there is a need for a specific pro-growth agenda that pushes local government to enact and retain policies that encourage development. Too often we encounter elected officials that see development as a burden or a controversial vote instead of a critical mission that creates jobs, increases opportunity, and adds vibrancy to a City.
The City of Cincinnati and its surrounding municipalities are competing together against cities that are aligned around a mission of attracting new development and growth. Increasingly, cities are bolstering their policies through incentives (and disincentives), land use reform, and process reform, all designed to attract new development. The Cincinnati region’s business and economic development leaders should be united against efforts that limit or restrict development potential and steadfast in support of innovative new tools and policies that will stimulate development and growth.
Together, we will organize a concerted effort to identify aggressive and effective policy changes at the local level that will create a more pro-development environment. The outcomes of these policy aims should be backed up by data, and the Chamber’s Center for Research and Data is well-positioned to align with these efforts and deliver information that compels us to act. In addition, the effort should be organized to use data to push back against policies that will arrest Cincinnati’s growth potential.
To advance this mission, we seek to engage a Policy Fellow to work with business leaders, developers, and pro-growth stakeholders to research and craft new legislation that will deliver tools that make our region a more pro-development environment. The Policy Fellow will receive a $5,000 per month stipend with a 3 to 6 month assignment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Research and craft at least 8 pieces of pro-growth economic development legislation related to housing, commercial redevelopment, incentives, disincentives, land-use reform, and more.
- Partner with the Center for Research and Data to create and align datasets that make the case for pro-growth legislation and reform.
- In partnership with the Chamber and related business groups, support the creation of a stakeholder group of business and community leaders who would support a specific pro-growth, pro-development legislative agenda.
- Create a list of policy efforts that could be “endorsed” by candidates during future political campaigns.
- These goals will be solidified in partnership with the Chamber’s Board and other key stakeholders.
COMPETENCIES
- Communication and engagement
- Local government enthusiast
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Impeccable organizational skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The position does not have supervisory responsibility. This role inspires action through collaboration, teamwork, thought leadership, relationships, and information sharing. Communicates with and provides services to a wide range of internal and external contacts.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Must be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate freshman, sophomore, junior or senior, or pursuing a graduate degree.
- Preferred focus of study in Business, Political Science, or Public Administration.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position is located in a climate-controlled downtown office site and requires a minimal amount of external activity. The job will require talking, listening, researching, and sitting for long periods working at a computer screen. This position does not require travel. Requirements include some evenings and weekends, flexible work week available to accommodate these instances.
OUR CULTURE
We commit to achieving tangible results in a supportive team environment built on respect, energy, curiosity, continuous improvement, and positive attitudes and relationships.
We value:
Being informed. Making connections.
Operating with integrity. Staying open-minded. Having fun.
Operating with integrity. Staying open-minded. Having fun.
.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Position offers a rewarding challenge in a professional environment, competitive salary & excellent benefit package. The Cincinnati Chamber does not provide sponsorship for work visas.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Recommended Jobs
REPRO Rising Virginia
Council of the District of Columbia
American Gas Association
Campaign Legal Center