Summary Description of This Position’s Work and Contributions to The Chamber’s Success:

The Vice President of Military Affairs, Aerospace and Cybersecurity is responsible the strategic direction and implementation of military supporting initiatives and growth in Cybersecurity, and Aerospace industries for the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.

This role requires a dynamic, discreet, and articulate leader with a passion for fostering collaboration between member businesses, Active, Guard, and Reserve military mission partners, educational institutions, and community organizations to support and celebrate the region’s military service members and families, as well as maintain and grow the military presence. The VP will drive programs that address current and future military mission needs, enhance opportunities to partner, and support the economic growth of the region in relation to Department of Defense, Cybersecurity, and Aerospace industry sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive military engagement strategy aligned with the Chamber's mission and regional economic goals.
• Identify emerging trends and create programs to address needs related to the quality of life of service members and promote partnerships to support military missions.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of current military affairs focused events and political subject matter affecting the military in the federal, state, county, and city, and upcoming potential issues affecting the military community in the Joint Base San Antonio region and its impact on the surrounding business community.
• Collaborate with local schools, colleges, and universities to support recruiting and retention efforts to meet service demands.
• Represent the business community as a liaison to the City’s Military Transformation Task Force and to the JBSA Public-Public, Public-Private (P4) Executive team.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including business leaders, educational institutions, government agencies, community organizations and military leaders.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Chamber and military leadership in the Alamo Region and serve as Senior Military Advisor to the Chamber’ Executive Board and Leadership.
• Work with the JBSA Legislative Liaisons, Association of Defense Communities (ADC), Governor’s Committee to Support the Military serving as a key leader in recommending priorities in the legislative and policy area. Include Public Policy team to help monitor and influence legislation and regulations that impact military initiatives at local, state, and national levels.
• Work with the Communications team to promote military initiatives through various communication channels, including public speaking, media engagements, and written communications.
• Develop and manage the budget for military focused initiatives and work with the Special Events team to plan and execute the annual Celebrate America’s Military events, multiple military receptions throughout the year, and other military events such as the biannual JBSA Air Show.
• Serve as an Executive Account Manager and work with other members of the senior team to cultivate strong relationships with existing Chamber members through regular communication, engagement activities, and personalized interactions.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (Master’s degree preferred).
• Prior military service as a Service Member, DoD Civilian, or Military Spouse, with a proven track record of leadership and program development.
• Working knowledge of military protocol and etiquette, diverse military missions in a joint/combined mission environment, as well as issues affecting military service members and families.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to work well in a team.
• Excellent communication (written and oral), negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze complex issues and develop innovative solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal military impacting policies and funding mechanisms.