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 navigates areas within the United States (U.S.) Federal Government and ensures that Metro's Board-approved positions on policy, projects, programs, and funding are clearly communicated and ultimately accepted by the various federal agencies. 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 requires frequent travel to Washington DC.

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

• Frequent travel to Washington, DC will be required

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

• Lobbying techniques

• Applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations governing transportation policies, funding sources, real estate leasing, and development practices

• Federal grants process

• 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:

• Mediate and negotiate

• 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.