Associate​/Senior Government Relations Analyst

Description

Overview of the Government Relations Team

The Government Relations team advances SANDAG programs and projects through intergovernmental strategies, policy, and legislation. With a key focus on collaboration, the Government Relations team cultivates partnerships at the regional, state, federal, and binational levels to help secure the funding and support needed to deliver the agency’s priorities.

This position is best suited for a Government Relations Analyst with experience and interest in collaborating with Federal and/or State of California and regional partners. The Analyst will support the funding and advancement of SANDAG programs and projects. Focus areas include the implementation of the annual Legislative Program and coordinating with other SANDAG departments to develop comment letters on state policies, effort and support state and federal funding opportunities (in concert with the Grants division, as applicable).

The successful candidate will be hired at an Associate or Senior, depending on experience.

• Monitor federal and/or state legislative, regulatory, and policy activities; recommend responses to legislation related to existing programs or newly enacted laws.
• Manage the preparation of speaking points and state and federal legislative presentations (for officials, committees, etc.); develop background documents and informational materials regarding proposed legislation and legislative matters; contribute to the development of political and communication strategies to advance the agency’s positions at the state and federal levels.
• Manage partnerships with SANDAG staff, elected officials and staff from regional jurisdictions, and staff from state and federal representatives to support various projects and programs in support of Government Relations authorization and appropriations cycles, including congressionally directed spending and state budget requests.
• Manage partnerships with SANDAG staff, elected officials and staff from regional and binational partners to support various projects and programs in support of SANDAG projects and programs.
• Review and recommend positions on proposed state and/or federal legislation and regulations, including actions to achieve desired results that are consistent with the agency’s interests.
• Present written, oral, and visual reports to the Board of Directors, Policy Advisory and stakeholder committees, outside agencies and organizations, and/or community.
• Potentially manage a small team of staff, assign work, provide feedback, support professional development activities.
• Support the review of federal and/or state legislative, regulatory, and policy activities; provide recommendations on proposed legislation related to existing programs or newly enacted laws.
• Maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, business community leaders, binational officials, tribal leaders, interest groups, and legislative and SANDAG staff.
• Coordinate Government Relations activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; provide information and assistance regarding Government Relations programs and projects; receive and respond to concerns and questions; review issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Participate in meetings with committees, outside agencies and organizations, and/or community groups as a representative for the Government Relations team and SANDAG.
• Support the preparation of various documents with multiple internal and external stakeholders.

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with major course work in political science, regional planning, public or business administration, International relations, or a related field. A combination of education and recent work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Ability to travel as needed (5 to 10%).
• Experience collaborating with local, state, and federal elected officials, and representatives from neighboring counties, tribal governments, and Mexico (Associate 3 years, Senior 5 years).
• Knowledge of various federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to SANDAG…