Overview

Greater New Orleans, Inc. is the nonprofit regional economic development organization serving the 10-parishes of Greater New Orleans.  Our mission is to create a region with a thriving economy and an excellent quality of life, for everyone.  The ultimate indication of our success will be the presence of a robust, accessible, and growing middle class in Southeast Louisiana where our children and grandchildren can live and prosper.

GNO, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Public Policy Director to assist in leading our organization's efforts in developing and advocating for policies that support economic growth and enhance the business environment across the Greater New Orleans region. This portfolio can be categorized into three primary elements:

• Policy Development and Management – Direct and establish policy objectives and positions, as needed, to advance the Greater New Orleans region in the areas of insurance, tax, international trade, and coastal restoration
• Research and Analysis – Lead research and analysis on policy priorities
• Stakeholder Engagement – Assist the Chief External Affairs Officer with stakeholder engagement related to insurance, tax, and coastal restoration policy efforts

In summary, GNO, Inc.’s Public Policy Director will lead policy objectives involving local, state, and federal regulations related to insurance, tax, international trade, and coastal restoration. As part of this role, the Public Policy Director will lead in the analysis of proposed and current legislation, as well as determine potential impact(s) on the GNO business environment and the priority industries of GNO, Inc.

In addition to the specific duties detailed below, GNO, Inc. operates with a cross-functional mentality.  It is a job with both significant responsibility and reward and is an opportunity to play an important role in the economic future of the Greater New Orleans region. This position is reporting to the Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO).  Please note that duties are subject to change, based on organizational and regional needs, at the discretion of the CEO and CEAO, and in appraisal of the selected candidate’s professional background.

Job Responsibilities

Policy Development and Management

• Draft federal and state legislation to enhance and improve the Greater New Orleans business environment in the areas of insurance, tax, international trade, and coastal restoration policy efforts
• Monitor federal and state legislation and its potential impacts to GNO, Inc.’s key focus industries
• During state legislative sessions, serve as internal lead on insurance, tax, international trade, and coastal restoration policy and collaborate with CEAO to determine GNO, Inc.’s position on key bills
• Track resolutions and legislatively-created groups, ensuring proper administration and timely delivery by the statutorily designated agency
• Draft and submit public comments for various policy processes, studies, and regulations 

Research and Analysis

• Conduct analyses of proposed and current state and federal legislative measures effecting GNO, Inc.’s state and federal policy priorities and document impact of legislative changes
• Draft policy white papers and specialized research to advance advocacy around GNO, Inc. key policy priorities, as requested
• Track national and local news around trends in critical areas impacting the GNO business environment
• Provide ad hoc policy research support for local and regional partners, as requested

Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead GNO, Inc.’s nationwide alliance to address the affordability of flood insurance, the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance (CSFI), and the Coalition for Coastal Resilience and Economy (CCRE) to advance the business community’s advocacy for a resilient coast
• Maintain and grow relationships with key congressional offices and relevant federal and state agencies
• Provide webinars and in-person presentations to regional and national groups and forums on GNO, Inc.’s insurance, tax, international trade, and coastal restoration policy platforms
• Draft and submit letters of support by request of regional partners applying for competitive grant programs, appropriations, and other funding sources
• Serve as the Policy Lead for World Trade Center New Orleans-related matters
• In coordination with Senior Vice President of Communications, work with local and national media to proactively provide responses to inquiries related to GNO, Inc.’s insurance, tax, international trade, and coastal restoration policy platforms
• Participate in regional and national task forces organized by partner organizations related to GNO, Inc.’s insurance, tax, international trade, and coastal restoration policy platforms

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required

Experience: 8+ years of full-time experience in public policy or related field

Skills, Background, and Capabilities:

• Strong, demonstrable track record of public policy development and analysis
• Experience in insurance, tax, international trade, and/or coastal restoration Louisiana policy preferred
• Proven track record of relationship, network building, and public speaking
• Self-starter, ability to work independently and make intelligent decisions
• Produces accurate work while meeting deadlines, with attention to detail
• Intermediate to advanced-level knowledge of MS Office products
• Grant writing and management experience
• Works in a team-oriented, goals-driven organization that emphasizes a friendly culture and takes ownership of work responsibilities
• Ability to travel to the 10 Greater New Orleans parishes as well as to statewide and national conferences/meetings occasionally
• Love of Greater New Orleans!

Allowable Substitutions: A combination of education, experience, and/or training that provides the required knowledge and skills for the position may be considered in lieu of education and/or experience at GNO, Inc.’s discretion.

Compensation

Compensation commensurate with experience; generous benefits package available.

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Greater New Orleans, Inc. believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to the success of the company; that contribution should not be limited by the work identified assigned tasks, and overall responsibilities. Each employee is expected to offer their talents, expertise, and services whenever necessary to ensure the achievement of organization goals.

Interested candidates are asked to apply via WorkNOLA.com. No phone calls.