Defense Affairs Program Manager

Role and Responsibilities

The Defense Affairs Committee (DAC) of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) provides support to a unique network of industry, government, and academic participants in an effort to position the region for growth in the defense and intelligence sector.

The DAC is a unique conduit for the sharing of information and facilitating networking opportunities for local defense industry contractors, local government, and service providers with interest in the defense and intelligence community and who desire visibility and access to federal government agencies. The DAC also works to understand, articulate and address the needs of the US military and defense organizations, the private defense sector employers, their employees, veterans and their families.

Essential Duties of the Defense Affairs Program Manager:

Serve as a primary point of contact for defense sector employers (industry and government), active-duty military, National Guard, reservists, and their families within the community.

Manage the development and oversee implementation of an updated DAC Strategic Plan and Work Plan goals that are in sync with Chamber Strategic Master Plan, all of which are updated from time to time.

Strengthen the “One Voice” approach to articulate the requirements of Rivanna Station and Department of Defense (DoD) needs to the Central Virginia defense community, adjacent regional communities, and external audiences.

Proactively liaise with the defense sector representatives to understand needs, propose customized solutions, provide the justification for the proposed solution and seek approval from the appropriate group(s).

Effectively communicate and maintain effective linkages with regional local government partners to facilitate a close working relationship between Rivanna Station, DoD, federal and state legislative decision makers, the defense sector, local government staff, and local elected officials.

Support regional and local economic development efforts consistent with the DAC Strategic Plan.

Support the DAC Leadership Council, including coordination and planning for monthly meetings; support the Committee Chairperson and Subcommittee Chairs (volunteers).

Facilitate networking opportunities between DAC members and other stakeholders in support of DAC goals and objectives.

Lead the planning, coordination and logistics of DAC meetings and events including quarterly programs on defense-related matters offered to Chamber members and guests.

Establish memberships and attend relevant meetings, conferences, and workshops serving as representative of the DAC in these venues and provide regular updates and feedback to the DAC Leadership Council.

Inform, motivate and present through outreach and public speaking to media, relevant organizations and other stakeholders on topics or events that further the DAC goals and objectives.

Explore the need for and facilitate special studies and programs that support the defense sector, such as locality pay, regional housing, regional workforce, etc.

Collaborate with the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee related to legislative priorities of interest to the defense and veteran sectors.

Manage the DAC office, currently located at North Fork, UVA’s Discovery Park.

Provide regular communication to Chamber leadership, including an onboarding module for new Chamber Board members articulating the goals and objectives of the DAC.

Support and promote the DAC within the Chamber and across the broader community.

Assist in the creation of print and electronic marketing materials. Ensure the DAC website is up-to date.

Assist the Chamber and DAC Leadership in their fundraising efforts to ensure the DAC is fully funded and sustainable.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

· Bachelor’s Degree or Higher preferred in relevant field.

· Residency in Greater Charlottesville area is required.

· Minimum of 10 years of experience in one or more of the following:

-- Department of Defense (DoD) Military Services

-- Intelligence Community (IC) Services

-- Working for a DoD/IC Contractor in a role requiring regular interaction with the government customer

-- Veterans Services and Support

-- Military service experience or direct experience working within military support organizations or defense industry

-- Knowledge of military culture, policies, and units in the area.

-- Familiarity with Central Virginia civilian and business environment

Preferred Skills:

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently, with limited administrative support

· Defense and intelligences knowledge

· Veterans’ affairs knowledge

· Business development and networking experience

· Presentation skills

· Desktop publishing (Microsoft Office, Canva)

· Web publishing

· High levels of enthusiasm for the DAC mission

The Position:

The Defense Affairs Program Manager will be a 1099 contract employee and report to the President & CEO of the Chamber, with performance goals determined in a matrix structure by the DAC Leadership Council and Chamber Board.

Position assumes on average 25-30 hours per week but may exceed that based upon event and critical meeting support.

Minimum salary is $70,000.

To Apply:

Deadline to apply is May 31, 2024
Send a Cover Letter & Resume to andrea.copeland@cvillechamber.com
Any and all inquiries should be addressed to Helen Cauthen, Chair of the Search Committee at hcauthen@centralvirginia.org
No phone calls.