Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) is hiring for Vice President, Government Affairs.
ABOUT MRA: Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) is the largest state retail association in the nation. Through its affiliated entities, MRA provides various services to its members and other businesses, including but not limited to legislative representation, credit card processing, and workers’ compensation.
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Vice President, Government Affairs
LOCATION: Lansing, Michigan
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Build and improve the MRA brand with members and non-members through legislative advocacy with the executive and legislative branches and various state agencies in the state of Michigan.
- Regularly identify specific retail-focused legislative objectives and develop concrete strategies for achieving those objectives.
- Represent the retail industry before the state legislature through written and verbal testimony and relationship development with all members of the legislative branch, in addition to the executive branch, various state agencies, and issue stakeholders.
- Engage with regulatory agencies and regularly monitor their various administrative rules which impact the retail industry. This includes, but is not limited to, Treasury, MDARD, MLCC, MIOSHA, WIC, EGLE, MDHHS, the Board of Pharmacy, and Pharmacy Provider Medicaid.
- Review, track, monitor, and regularly update all introduced legislation impacting retail and make the information available to members in an easy-to-read and understandable format.
- Develop and maintain relationships with lawmakers and other like-minded associations.
- Provide legislative reports to MRA’s Boards of Directors at regularly scheduled meetings.
- Provide all members with regular legislative and regulatory email updates and major members with regular Zoom updates in order to exchange ideas, share information, and develop strategies.
- Raise and distribute funds for MRA’s Political Action Committee and prepare all required state PAC filings.
- Prepare, file, and maintain all required lobbying compliance reports.
- In conjunction with the Vice President of Communications, respond to legislative and policy-focused media requests.
- Respond to member questions on legislative, regulatory, and state law-related matters including “Ask Us First” questions.
- Maintain relationships with industry partners such as NRF, RILA, FMI, NGA, NACDS, CSRA and attend meetings and fly-ins.
- Author articles for the Michigan Retailer and other publications.
- Develop and score candidate questionnaires in election years to establish MRA’s Friends of Retail.
- In conjunction with the Vice President, Communications, plan the annual legislative reception including fundraising to cover costs, selecting vendors, food choices, gifts, invites, and sponsor signage.
SKILLS:
Ability to connect with legislators, decision makers, and organizations; to talk to media on and off camera; produce legislative and advocacy informational materials and web content; strong writing; excellent organization skills and an ability to monitor multiple tasks simultaneously; keep Management and the Boards apprised of important developments and provide regular updates.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A college degree is required. An advanced degree in public policy or a similar discipline is beneficial. A minimum of five years’ experience in state or federal government, preferably with direct engagement in legislative activity, or other legislatively-focused roles such as lobbying. Demonstrated technical proficiency for effective communication.
REPORTING: This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: As negotiated.
TRAVEL: Travel is required on a limited basis.
APPROXIMATE START DATE: To Be Determined, but preferably no later than February 28, 2025.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Until filled.
CONTACT: Resumes and a writing sample should be directed to Amy Jolley, Director of Human Resources and Executive Assistant by email to ajolley@retailers.com or regular mail at 603 S. Washington Ave., Lansing, MI 48933.
Questions? Call 517.372.5656. Inquiries may also be directed to Ms. Jolley.
