Job Description

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Director of Defense Industry Relations & Military Affairs leads the Chamber’s efforts to grow and strengthen the region’s economy by driving business retention, expansion, and attraction within the defense industrial sector. Serving as the Chamber’s subject matter expert on the defense industry and military affairs, this role builds strategic relationships with industry leaders and military partners, while advancing initiatives that enhance the region’s competitiveness. The position also supports the Chamber’s public policy priorities and provides coordination and advisory support to the President & CEO on military-related engagements and community initiatives.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Defense Industry Engagement (80%):

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Economic Development, conduct activities that will contribute to the growth of the defense and cyber industry through a mix of company retention, expansion, and attraction efforts.

• Conduct annual “Growth Consultation” visits with defense industry businesses and Chamber members to ensure business continuity in the region and identify growth barriers and opportunities.
• Represent the Chamber, as directed, at local, state, and national defense industry events geared towards defense contractors and defense-related businesses and seek to generate economic development project leads from industry executives and influencers.
• Assist the Senior Director of Economic Development in developing an annual “Defense Industry Opportunity Plan” to direct the Chamber’s new-to-market company opportunities for the defense industry.
• Coordinate with the Chamber’s Workforce Excellence team in connecting exiting and retiring military personnel to job and career opportunities in the metro region.
• Serve as the lead Economic Development team member on business attraction efforts of defense industry-related companies.
• Coordinate all activities related to the Chamber’s Defense Industry Business Council, including but not limited to scheduling and coordinating meeting logistics, onboarding new members, maintaining membership lists, securing facilities, preparing agendas, and recording minutes.

Military Affairs & Public Policy Engagement (20%):

• Serve as lead point of contact in building and maintaining relationships with Offutt Air Force Base leadership to assist with federal policy and funding issues.
• Advise and assist the Senior Vice President of Public Policy in developing an annual military affairs and defense sector policy agenda for the Chamber.
• Represent the Chamber locally, statewide, and nationally, when directed, on various military and defense-related councils, initiatives, and organizations.
• Work with the Senior Executive Assistant and Special Projects Director in organizing and preparing materials, briefings, and logistics for military and defense-related meetings, speaking engagements, and events involving the President & CEO.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Attend/work a variety of Chamber events and represent the organization as needed at business and community programs/events.
2. Represents the Chamber with professionalism and integrity.
3. Actively participate in Chamber staff activities and training to support a culture of inclusion and belonging. 

4. Other duties as assigned.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:

All expenditures require final approval of the Senior Vice President of Economic Development.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed should be representative of the knowledge, s kill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and related work experience

1. Associate degree required, Bachelor’s degree preferred.
2. Minimum of five (5) years of experience in military affairs, defense contracting, economic development, workforce development, higher education, or public policy. 
3. Military service preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, Designations

Valid Driver’s Licens

Other Skills and Qualifications

1. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) with proven ability at word processing, spreadsheet, and mail merge skills.
2. Strong organizational, multitasking, and time management skills.
3. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
4. Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and judgement.
5. Ability to demonstrate next-step thinking to proactively generate impactful solutions.
6. Knowledge of Greater Omaha’s civic and business community preferred.
7. Awareness and understanding of federal contracting opportunities and processes preferred.
8. Strong situational awareness to see opportunities to connect other programs and initiatives of the Chamber to the military and defense industry.
9. Must be flexible and willing to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends when necessary. 
10. Ability to drive and/or provide own transportation.

Physical Demand

1. Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
2. Must have the ability to filter out distractions in the work environment. 
3. Ability to lift, pull, or push up to 15 lbs. to assist with Chamber events.

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