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Government Relations Specialist - 201

US:TX:San Antonio | Government Relations | Full-time

61,995 - 84,833 USD per year

Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

The Government Relations Specialist supports all aspects of VIA's Government and Community Relations work. This position plays an integral role in developing and sustaining relationships with local elected officials and their staff, public agency partners, business and industry representatives and various private-sector entities. This position works with minimal supervision in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment. This individual provides timely and responsive assistance to elected officials and other internal and external stakeholders and shares information regarding VIA projects and programs. Also plays a key role in advancing VIA's efforts to be an active and involved partner in the local and regional community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Creates, analyzes, and interprets policy briefing documents.

Coordinates with VIA's Public Engagement Group to create content for informational materials and briefing documents to be used for efforts related to Government and Community Relations.

Composes reports, speaking points, briefing documents, legislative communications and other policy and technical documents as needed to support VIA's efforts at the local and regional level.

Contributes to activity reports created for community purposes to be distributed to executive management, VIA Board of Trustees and other parties on a regular basis.

Maintains close communications and working relationships with key VIA divisions to advance VIA's public involvement and local relationships' efforts.

Communicates VIA's vision with local elected leaders and shares their input and feedback with VIA's leadership to complement the existing working relationships of VIA Executives with local elected officials.

Builds and maintains strong working relationships with staff and agencies at the local, state and federal levels.

Coordinates meetings and briefing sessions as directed and necessary with local partners, major stakeholders, representatives of the business community, partner organizations, regulating agencies, and other key local partners.

Monitors relevant agendas of community and transportation partners (examples include, but are not limited to, City Councils, Commissioners Court, MPO, TxDOT Commission, and Alamo Area RMA) and share information with others in the organization to ensure VIA's input and inclusion in key local efforts and initiatives.

Actively works with VIA's Grants Team to identify and pursue relevant federal grant opportunities that align with VIA Transit Authority's Mission/Goals. This includes, but is not limited to:

Proactive monitoring of federal funding announcements (e.g., Grants.gov, agency-specific websites, Congressional appropriations).

Conducting thorough research to determine eligibility and alignment with funding priorities.

Developing compelling and competitive grant proposals, including all necessary narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation.

Assisting with or directly submitting grant applications in accordance with federal guidelines and deadlines.

This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's Degree in Government, Public Affairs, Public Administration, Communications, Business, Marketing, or related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in state and local governmental relations, public policy development, legislative affairs, or intergovernmental coordination. Experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis up to four years.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Governmental or public relations experience related to transportation.

Experience representing a public entity or elected official.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to create content that is factual and grammatically accurate.

Must be able to communicate complex policy matters in a concise and easy-to-understand manner.

Must be able to maintain confidential and sensitive information. Working knowledge of local, state and federal legislative processes. Working knowledge of public information practices and processes. Must be able to interpret, analyze and compile complex data.

Must be able to prioritize, summarize and deliver key messages succinctly and effectively.

Must be able to engage and inform stakeholders to help ensure public involvement in VIA's key programs and initiatives.

Must possess strong working relationships, excellent customer service skills, a positive attitude, and be service-oriented and responsive.

Must be able to undertake several projects at once, often with competing priorities and deadlines.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Must be able to maintain good work attendance.

Safety Accountability Statement:

- Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers.

- Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security.

- Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department.

- Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used.

Must comply with and support all applicable VIA EEO Policies and Procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach and lift objects weighing 5-25 pounds such as files, supplies, equipment and large heavy reference manuals and books.

WORK ENVIRONMENTS:

Work frequently involves multiple deadlines and competing priorities.

Works within a normal physical office environment.

Work may involve irregular work hours and some weekends.

VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.