Government Relations Officer, District of Columbia; DC)

Position: Government Relations Officer, District of Columbia (DC)
** JOB DESCRIPTION*
* As part of the Government Relations Office, the Government Relations Officer is responsible for advancing Metro's legislative, policy, funding and community priorities across the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and their local governments. The incumbent advises the General Manager and Senior Executive Team; represents Metro before elected and appointed officials, legislative and executive bodies, regional organizations, and business, civic and community groups;

and communicates Metro's positions, policies, plans and programs with accuracy and timeliness. The role develops and executes government and community relations strategies, analyzes proposed legislation and administrative actions with internal subject-matter experts, prepares testimony and executive briefings, builds advocacy coalitions, and monitors political and jurisdictional developments. The incumbent maintains trusted relationships with government and community leaders, supports outreach and public meetings, explains the effects of policy changes, and coordinates communications during major projects, service changes, emergencies and disruptions.

** Principal

Job Duties *
* + Advocates for Metro's policy and funding objectives and contributes to the development of the Government Relations' strategies and plans for effective communication of Metro' plans, programs and positions. Initiates actions to promote Metro's programs and goals and acts as an ombudsman and active liaison with governments, the community, and business leaders on issues related to Metro operations, construction, rehabilitation and reinvestment.

+ Conducts policy analysis, in collaboration with subject matter experts within other departments of Metro, of proposed legislative and administrative actions, and drafts and delivers testimony, as well as engages in advocacy and coalitional activities, to ensure policy and administrative actions are advantageous to Metro's priorities.

+ Serves at Metro's representative on special legislative and policy committees, commissions and other groups convened to address matters in which Metro has an interest. Presents Metro's position or explains the effect of proposed legislation or changes in state or local laws, regulations, ordinances or policies.

+ Develops and maintains strong working relationships with the General Assembly, the Governor's or Mayor's office, and the political leadership in Maryland, Virginia or the District of Columbia. Maintains regular, contact with elected and appointed officials, community, business, and civic leaders of the member jurisdictions, including spending necessary amounts of time at the seat of government or other locations as may be necessary.

Plays primary role monitoring and representing the Metro's interests with the legislative bodies of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

+ Develops and manages community outreach strategies and plans designed to work cooperatively with community groups, such as Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and civic associations, build support for the Metro programs, solicit community input to Metro's plans and projects, support the environmental clearance process and other regulatory requirements associated with advancing Metro construction projects, service changes or other Metro programs.

+ Exercises excellent political judgment when working with legislators, local, state and national officials and other stakeholders. Maintains close working relationships with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and its associated bodies, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, and other regional transportation bodies, as appropriate, and all other governmental agencies and organizations within the designated…