Title:

Policy Director, Technology Reports to:

VP, Public Policy Nature and Scope of Work:

CBIA is Connecticut's largest business organization, with thousands of member companies, small and large, representing a diverse range of industries from every part of the state. We are the leading voice for businesses at the state Capitol. The Policy Director, Technology serves as CBIA's lead advocate and subject matter expert on technology and innovation policy issues affecting Connecticut employers. This role works directly with elected and appointed officials, agency leaders, CBIA members, business coalitions, and the media to advance policies that support innovation, investment, and economic growth. Key issue areas include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data privacy, digital infrastructure, autonomous and robotic technologies, social media and online platform regulation, technology workforce development, and incentives for research, development, and innovation. The Policy Director, Technology analyzes legislative and regulatory proposals, develops advocacy strategies, and communicates CBIA's positions to policymakers, members, and the public. The role requires demonstrated expertise in technology-related public policy issues and the ability to translate complex policy matters into practical business impacts, supporting both CBIA's advocacy and communications efforts while strengthening member engagement and influence in the public policymaking process. The Policy Director, Technology plays a critical role in shaping Connecticut's technology policy landscape to ensure the state remains a competitive place to innovate, invest, hire, and grow.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Builds and maintains relationships with elected officials and government decision makers.
• Monitors and tracks proposed technology-related legislation; analyzing potential impact on organization members; developing positions thereon; communicating views internally and externally to policymakers, members, the media, and allies.
• Writing and delivering testimony before various committees of the General Assembly and administrative agencies.
• Contributes to the development of CBIA's annual advocacy agenda; advancing this agenda before elected officials and government decision makers.
• Administers CBIA Technology Council meetings and policy agendas.
• Collaborate with key departments to manage relationships among members, key stakeholder groups, and state legislators.
• Assist in the maintenance of membership databases and rosters.
• Develops and maintains relationships with contacts at businesses and professional organizations.
• Develops, coordinates and promotes support for CBIA's public policy initiatives among CBIA member companies and other professional organizations.
• Supports membership development and outreach efforts, serving as an effective liaison between CBIA and the business community.
• Knowledgeable of CBIA's and affiliates' products and services.
• Attends events held by chambers and other professional organizations to build relationships and identify leads in support of CBIA's policy and membership goals.
• Coordinates and attends policy-related events, including, but not limited to legislator/member visits, chamber legislative updates, and professional organization or CBIA events.
• Assist in the building of coalitions, dissemination of advocacy communications, and developing strategies for education and grassroots engagement of member companies and collaboration partners (Ex. Chambers, professional organizations, etc.) on advocacy issues.
• Supports membership department's efforts to recruit and retain members companies during advocacy engagements.
• Be conversant on CBIA's advocacy positions and talking points and be willing to discuss those positions in public speaking opportunities as a subject matter expert.
• Must register as a lobbyist.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify innovative technologies, opportunities and/or events to increase membership and membership engagement.
• Reviews internal processes and looks for ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness of CBIA's membership engagement efforts.
• Complying with all ethics and election laws and reporting requirements.
• Assisting other members of the Public Policy department as needed.
• Travel required within Connecticut.
• Other duties as assigned or needed.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong persuasive communication skills, both oral and written.
• The capability to recommend both active and reactive strategies for accomplishing the organization's public policy goals.
• Ability to understand complex public policy and economic issues.
• Ability to work independently and utilize teamwork and other total quality practices to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Flexibility and willingness to work long hours when called upon for events and during the legislative session.
• Knowledge of Connecticut's legislative, executive, and regulatory processes is preferred, but not required.

EDUCATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree
• Demonstrated experience in public policy development, advocacy, government relations, or lobbying related to technology and innovation issues at the local, state, or federal level is required. Experience with issues such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data privacy, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, or emerging technologies is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Connecticut's legislative, executive, and regulatory processes is preferred, but not required.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Experience:

CT's legislative, executive, and regulatory processes : 1 year (Preferred) technology and innovation public policy development: 1 year (Required)

Work Location:

In person