Director of Government Relations and Middlesex County Revitalization Commission (MCRC) Administrator

Director of Government Relations and Middlesex County Revitalization Commission (MCRC) Administrator 

Position Summary 
The Director of Government Relations and Middlesex County Revitalization Commission (MCRC) Administrator is a key member of the Chamber of Commerce leadership team, responsible for advocating for business interests and economic development, 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. 
 
Primary Responsibilities  
 
Legislative Advocacy and Government Relations  

• Serve as a primary advocate for business interests by establishing and maintaining strong working relationships and communications with business leaders and local, state, and federal officials. 

• Monitor, track and update Chamber 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 proposals or positions on legislative or regulatory matters. 

• Collaborate with stakeholders and legislators, prepare compelling written materials. Present positions at meetings and deliver supporting testimony before various committees of the General Assembly and administrative agencies on 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 strong working relationships with legislators, business leaders and other stakeholders.   

• Lead the Chamber’s involvement in major infrastructure initiatives, including Route 9 and other Department of Transportation (DOT) projects. Coordinate with key stakeholders and provide updates and communications to members on such matters. 

• Represent the Chamber on City of Middletown committees and other regional task forces. 

• Build relationships with local businesses, industry leaders, and state and local officials to strengthen MCRC engagement. 

• Research, prepare, and submit grant applications to support MCRC initiatives. 

• Manage program budgets, grants, and reporting to ensure accountability and impact. Responsible for compliance and reporting requirements for state, federal, and private funding sources. 

• Partner with municipalities, economic development agencies, and regional organizations to advance local economic development projects that promote infrastructure investment, workforce development, and business attraction/retention initiatives. 

• Serve as the designated liaison to Chamber divisions and committees, facilitating effective communication, supporting coordinated engagement, and ensuring alignment with the Chamber’s mission, priorities, and strategic objectives. 

• 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. 

• 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 and the required recordkeeping and reporting. 

• 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 and respectfully interact with various stakeholders 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, membership and sponsorship development, and fundraising. 

• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience with basic AI research and writing tools. Knowledge of various data platforms and fundraising software preferred.