Government Relations Specialist

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:

Experience with , and strong working knowledge of, local government programs.

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…