Basic Function
Plans and directs Metro′s government relations program, as it relates to federal, state, and local legislation, by advocating Metro′s policies, projects, and programs before federal and state legislative bodies, and regional and local governments. Senior Director, Government Relations works at the direction of Metro′s Deputy Executive Officer to ensure that Metro's Board-approved positions on policy, projects, programs, and funding are effectively and efficiently communicated to the Federal Government. Also, serves as day-to-day liaison between Metro and members of the U.S. Congress, Congressional staff, officials within the Executive branch of the Federal Government, and other federal government officials. This position will, as appropriate, be based in the agency's office in Washington, D.C. and will be responsible for advancing Metro's Board-approved Federal Legislative Agenda.
Example Of Duties
- Directs the development and implementation of programs, strategies, and plans for communicating and obtaining support for agency goals and objectives to elected officials, community leaders, other agencies and the public
- Monitors developments related to governmental and public affairs; evaluates impact to Metro and recommends and implements policy and procedural improvements
- Advocates for Metro with members of the United States Congress and other federal, state executive and legislative branches, and local government officials to inform them of and support legislation and policies benefiting transportation services and projects
- Directs the work of Metro′s team of federal and team of state contract lobbyists
- Meets and speaks with local, state, and federal government officials, and public and private sector groups to build coalitions and foster support for Metro′s projects and programs, and legislation in Metro′s interest
- Reviews literature, legal decisions, and proposed/enacted legislation to determine impact on Metro and makes recommendations to Metro executive staff and the Board of Directors regarding action
- Reviews and analyzes proposed local government ordinances and development plans to determine their effect on the agency; develops strategies and makes recommendations for Metro′s response
- Confers with federal and state legislators and regional and local officials to emphasize supposed weaknesses or merits of specific bills to influence passage, defeat, or amendment of measure, or introduction of legislation more favorable to Metro′s interests
- Contacts individuals and groups having similar interests in order to encourage them to contact legislators and present views
- Prepares written and oral reports for Metro management, Board of Directors, outside agencies and the public
- Coordinates with Communications in the preparation of news releases and informational pamphlets; conducts news conferences in order to affirm Metro′s views and to inform the public of features of proposed legislation considered desirable or undesirable
- Contacts regulatory agencies and testifies at public hearings to enlist support
- Provides technical and advisory assistance to senior management on state legislative matters that may come, or are before the Board for its consideration
- Plans meetings between Board members and elected officials to discuss legislative issues and proposals and allow officials to respond to Metro′s concerns
- Manages the review and analysis of board reports to determine impact on Metro and region and provide objective analysis to assist Board Members in making informed decisions
- Recommends actions and strategies for the successful passage of policy items under consideration by the Board
- Implements and evaluates reports, programs, and services which require Metro Board approval
- Establishes legislative programs in conformance with Board direction
- Represents the department with Metro executive staff and other interdepartmental task forces and committees
- Evaluates Department′s goals, programs, performance, staffing, and budget
- Communicates Metro's safety vision and goals; oversees the implementation of agency and departmental safety rules, policies, and procedures; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employees
- Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out
May be required to perform other related job duties
Requirements For Employment
A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a one-for-one year basis. A typical combination includes:
Education - Bachelors′ Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, or a related field; Master′s Degree in a related field preferred
Experience - Five years of relevant management-level experience administering a legislative affairs program, public sector public policy, public affairs program for a public or governmental agency or working as a management-level staff member for a federal or state elected official, legislative committee, or public affairs office, or experience in government relations or public affairs
Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements - A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions
- 24 hour on-call
- This position will, as appropriate, be based in the agency's office in Washington, D.C.
Preferred Qualifications Preferred Qualifications (PQs) are used to identify relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) as determined by business necessity. These criteria are considered preferred qualifications and are
not intended to serve as minimum requirements for the position. PQs will help support selection decisions throughout the recruitment. In addition, applicants who possess these PQs will not automatically be selected.
The following are the preferred qualifications:
- Experience lobbying for policy goals in federal legislation
- Experience drafting federal bills and report language
- Experience collaborating with key stakeholders in a Congressional Office handling policy matters and the Executive branch on federal priorities
- Experience preparing detailed reports and correspondence for senior-management
Knowledge:
- Theories, principles, and practices of public policy development, public affairs and community relations
- Theories, principles, and practices of legislative processes and protocol which includes bill drafting, legislative analysis, and legislative structures
- Applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations governing transportation policies, funding sources, real estate leasing, and development practices
- Research and report preparation methods
- Organizational structure, functioning, and protocol of local governments and public agencies
- Modern management theory and principles
Skills: - Planning, organizing, and directing the work of a federal, state, and regional work unit
- Preparing complex legislative analysis
- Communicating effectively orally and in writing
- Interacting professionally with Board of Directors and their respective staffs, Metro executive staff, various levels of Metro employees, elected officials and outside representatives
- Exercising sound judgment and creativity in making decisions
- Determining effective strategies to achieve goals
Abilities:
- Represent and advocate for Metro before the public and legislative bodies
- Meet tight time constraints and meet deadlines
- Prepare comprehensive correspondence and reports
- Handle highly confidential material
- Analyze situations, identify problems, and recommend solutions
- Think and act independently
- Manage the organization and coordination of community meetings and councils
- Understand, interpret and apply Metro policies, rules, regulations, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor/management agreements
- Travel to offsite meetings
- Read, write, speak, and understand English
Selection Procedure
Applicants who best meet job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process that may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral appraisal to further evaluate job-related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.
Application Procedure
To apply, visit Metro's website at www.metro.net and complete an online Employment Application.
Computers are available to complete online Employment Applications at the following Metro location:
METRO Headquarters, Employment Office
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Telephone: (213) 922-6217 or persons with hearing or speech impairments can use California Relay Service 711 to contact Metro.
All completed online Employment Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. (AT)
*Open to the public and all Metro employees**This is an At-Will position and employee serves at the pleasure of the hiring authority.
This job bulletin is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other related job duties.
Closing Date/Time: 09-MAY-24
Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.
