Government Affairs Director

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Transportation:
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state’s quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.

Role Overview:

The Government Affairs Director represents the interests of INDOT and the Commissioner in various capacities across legislative, local, and broader government affairs. The Director coordinates governmental engagement with the Indiana General Assembly, the Governor's Office, executive agencies, industry partners, the congressional delegation, Indiana's mayors, city councilors, county commissioners, and other local elected officials. Acting as a liaison and two‑way conduit, the Director ensures alignment between the visions, goals, and strategies of INDOT and those of federal, state, and local policymakers to advance and improve the transportation industry. The Director develops and communicates INDOT policies, project impacts, funding opportunities, legislative analysis, policy research, and legal implications to legislators, local leaders, agency colleagues, industry partners, stakeholders, and constituents statewide. The position leads efforts in crafting and advocating for agency priorities, monitoring relevant policy initiatives, and fulfilling statutory reporting requirements to ensure agency compliance. In addition to the noted responsibilities in policy, legislative, and intergovernmental affairs, the Director provides excellent customer service and responsive communication to elected officials, stakeholder contacts, and constituents. The Director must work efficiently with agency personnel on constituent issues and inquiries, and also contributes to talking points, communications, and fact‑finding for a variety of agency engagements. The Government Affairs Director reports directly to the Deputy Chief of Staff.

Location:

This position is with INDOT's Central Office location.

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Coordinate, develop, and oversee agency legislative matters.
• Negotiate language with stakeholders and bill authors.
• Prioritize and manage legislative issues.
• Maintain relationships with House and Senate staff.
• Serve as the main point of contact for legislators, including working with legislators and their staff on constituent inquiries.
• Advise lead team members on legislative strategy.
• Run the agency’s legislative agenda.
• Monitor all legislation and legislative committees impacting the agency.
• Manage bill review process for staff.
• Assist with ensuring strategic workforce vision aligns with administration.
• Ensure stakeholders follow assigned responsibilities.
• Represent the agency in a variety of situations with other state agencies, the legislature, institutions, the general public and special interest groups.
• Maintain confidentiality in discussing sensitive organizational matters and issues.
• Ensure progress and satisfaction of all required tasks.
• Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
• Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Extensive knowledge of the theories, principles, practices and methodology of statutes, regulations and policies involving workforce development.
• Working knowledge of department charge and programs.
• Thorough knowledge of state government agency structures and legislature.
• Ability to be creative in developing alternatives to meet agency needs.
• Ability to communicate complex theories and principles to a broad spectrum, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain cooperative work relationships.
• Willingness and ability to adjust to change as the agencies may have needs arise that will require flexibility.
• Close attention to detail coupled with the ability to exercise good judgment.
• Strong organizational, oral, and written communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive nature. able to anticipate conflicts before they arise.
• Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively.
• Ability to handle calls and emails with professionalism, courtesy, and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain positive relationships with staff throughout the agencies.
• Ability to effectively allocate and prioritize time to several tasks to ensure completion of all.
• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
• Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.

A degree is not required.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.