Organization Description
TechNet is the national, bipartisan network of technology CEOs and senior executives that promotes the growth of American innovation.
TechNet’s diverse membership includes 100 dynamic American businesses ranging from startups to the most iconic companies on the planet and represents over five million employees and countless customers in the fields of information technology, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, the sharing and gig economies, advanced energy, transportation, cybersecurity, venture capital, and finance. TechNet has offices in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Harrisburg, Olympia, Sacramento, Silicon Valley, Tallahassee, and Washington, D.C.
Key Responsibilities
As TechNet’s executive director for Texas and the South, you will develop and manage TechNet’s state-level operations in the South region of the United States, coordinating with TechNet members, TechNet’s senior vice president of state policy and government relations, and other TechNet staff. The South region includes Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Puerto Rico. This position is remote but based in Austin.
Issue Advocacy: Advance and support TechNet’s national and regional legislative agendas by working with TechNet members to develop and implement regional and state-level policy and political strategies. Lobby, advocate, and testify on behalf of TechNet’s agenda before state legislatures and administrative agencies.
Government Affairs: Develop and maintain strong relationships with TechNet members, legislative and executive leaders and their staffs, government entities, the press, trade associations, and other advocacy organizations. Represent TechNet in government working groups and stakeholder policy negotiations.
Policy Analysis: Assist with the development and analysis of policy positions in conjunction with TechNet staff and members. Organize and support member working groups to determine policy positions, legislative strategies, and related advocacy efforts. Develop subject matter expertise in key policy areas as needed.
Events: Plan and execute events, such as one-on-one meetings, policy roundtables, lobby days, and events with policymakers, technology industry leaders, and the press. This includes determining meeting format and flow, scripting, talking points, and logistics.
Membership Development and Relations: Support the growth of TechNet’s membership through retention and new member acquisition by identifying prospective members and consistently communicating the value that TechNet provides its members.
Qualifications
- Experience in policy advocacy, preferably with experience working directly with the South legislatures. Deep knowledge of and experience in the Texas legislature is required.
- Legislative experience strongly desired. Trade association experience, technology industry experience, and a strong background in advocacy are all a plus.
- Exceptional writer, strong editing skills, and a keen attention to detail.
- Strong strategic planning, analytical, and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to quickly learn numerous policy issues, and a desire to work on cutting edge policy issues often being debated for the first time in state legislatures.
- A member-services personality and an aptitude for building and maintaining positive relationships with company government affairs professionals and executives.
- The ability to work independently to initiate projects and coordinate with other members of the team on policy. We are looking for a self-starter capable of driving results in the absence of direct in-person reporting relationships.
- An entrepreneurial orientation and a commitment to grow the overall organization.
Interested candidates should email their resumes and two writing samples to jobs@technet.org.