Director of Business Development and Government Relations

Director of Business Development and Government Relations
 
The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce is actively seeking a Director of Business Development and Government Relations who will play a key role in the Chamber leadership team, responsible for advocating for business interests and economic development, managing high-impact programs, and serving as a trusted voice for the organization. This role combines business development, legislative advocacy, fundraising, and program oversight. The Director must be highly collaborative, strategic, and resilient, with the ability to balance diverse interests and communication styles. Will work to maintain the Chamber’s strong presence on legislative matters and in regional economic development.
 
Job Description
 
Primary Responsibilities
Business Development, Grants and Program Oversight

• Build relationships with local businesses, industry leaders, and state and local officials to strengthen Chamber membership and engagement.
• Develop and manage revenue opportunities through grants, sponsorships, advertising, and program partnerships.
• Oversee the Chamber’s Business & Industry Foundation programs, ensuring alignment with workforce development, education, and business growth initiatives.
• Research, prepare, and submit grant applications to support various Chamber initiatives including workforce development efforts.
• Manage program budgets, grants, and reporting to ensure accountability and impact. Track compliance and reporting requirements for state, federal, and private funding sources.

• Serve as a primary advocate for business interests by maintaining strong relationships and communications with business leaders and local, state, and federal officials.
• Monitor, track and update members on proposed legislation and regulatory activity affecting the business community. Analyze, report and recommend positions regarding the potential impact of proposals on the business community.
• Develop legislative proposals or positions, prepare compelling written materials and deliver supporting testimony before various committees of the General Assembly and administrative agencies regarding matters that may impact the business community.
• Serve as the liaison for the Chamber, attending business meetings, legislative hearings and events with other organizations to meet people, exchange views and maintain working relationships with legislators, business leaders and other stakeholders.
• Lead Chamber involvement in major infrastructure initiatives, including Route 9 and other Department of Transportation (DOT) projects.
• Represent the Chamber on City of Middletown committees and other regional task forces.
• Partner with municipalities, economic development agencies, and regional organizations to advance local economic development projects.
• Promote infrastructure investment, workforce development, and business attraction/retention initiatives.

• Act as a spokesperson for the Chamber, representing the organization with business organizations, community groups, and government bodies.
• Deliver presentations, speeches, and briefings that communicate the Chamber’s mission and impact.
• Contribute to the Chamber’s overall strategic plan, ensuring that business development, advocacy, and program initiatives are aligned. Take on programs or other duties as required to meet the Chamber’s goals.
• Provide guidance and oversight to staff, interns, and volunteers supporting business development and foundation activities.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, public administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 5 + years of relevant experience. Knowledge of business development, economic development, government relations, or nonprofit leadership.
• Experience in grant writing and fundraising.
• Proven experience in legislative advocacy, policy development, or government relations.
• Strong persuasive communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to understand complex public policy or issues and develop reasoned positions and strategies to best serve the interest of the business community.
• Ability to navigate complex issues with various stakeholders with diplomacy and resilience.

• Ability to effectively interact and balance diverse interests and communication styles. Skilled in coalition-building and consensus-driven leadership.
• Strong relationship-building skills across various stakeholders including members, business organizations, government officials and nonprofit sectors.
• Ability to handle competing agendas, criticism and political factors with professionalism and composure.
• Experience in grant writing, sponsorship development, and fundraising.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of various data platforms and fundraising software preferred.