Government Affairs and Regional Policy Manager

Education and Experience:   

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, business or a related field, with a master’s degree or above and experience in public administration preferred; and five (5) years of experience in a government affairs or policy advisor position, or a related position which demonstrates the incumbent’s experience managing or addressing policy matters in politically charged environments.

• Valid Washington State driver's license, or ability to obtain
• Must be able to successfully pass a position relevant preemployment background check

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage complex intergovernmental relations activities for the City at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.
• Oversee the development and implementation of the City’s state and federal legislative and policy agendas to effectively achieve the goals and objectives of the City.
• Work closely with and manage and monitor the work of contracted lobbyists.
• Testify on behalf of the City during the legislative session and at the County and regional levels on matters of interest to the City.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships between the City, County, State and federal governments while effectively pursuing the goals of the City and resolving challenges facing the City.
• In relation to regional issues, coordinate with, advise, guide and mentor staff in the development of policies, strategies, and approaches that serve the City’s interests; develop, support and prepare related approaches and responses; and assist with organizing, coordinating and preparing regional support of City interests.
• Monitor and prepare reports regarding County, State and federal legislation affecting the City; apprise the Mayor, Council and appropriate department directors of such developments; and plan and facilitate timely and appropriate action.
• Advocate for the interests of the City at the regional, state, and federal level. Develop, implement, and supervise local, regional, state, and federal advocacy as needed. Draft advocacy materials and provide updates as needed.
• Provide the Mayor, Council, and directors with policy analysis and support for decision-making related to politically divisive issues.
• Work closely with non-City elected and appointed officials at the local, state, and federal levels in pursuance of City interests.
• Collaborate with communications staff for presentation content and community outreach tailored to target audiences.
• Schedule, coordinate and attend regional meetings with the Mayor and members of the Council, and where appropriate, provide presentations and advocacy at such meetings on behalf of the City. Attend meetings representing the City’s interests.
• Assist the Mayor and Councilmembers in preparing for regional meetings in supporting City interests.
• Help negotiate resolutions to regional issues to better-serve the interests of the City.
• Assist with, and in some cases prepare, grant submissions on behalf of the City.
• Work closely with and assist all departments, including but not limited to Economic and Community Development, Parks, Public Works and Police in matters of community and regional concern. Perform or assist in the performance of research and provide reports to the Mayor, Council and directors.
• Develop and maintain trusting, positive, and collaborative relationships with regional partners, counterparts, and representatives of other government entities.
• Actively support the City’s vision, mission, and values.

Peripheral Duties:

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Successful Incumbents for this Position Will:

Have Knowledge Of:

• Principles and practices of municipal administration
• Organization, finances, infrastructure, programs and services of state, county and city government
• Public policy on a broad array of regional issues, including economic development and regional economics, transportation, criminal justice, solid waste, wastewater, natural resources, growth management and land use, affordable housing, homelessness, and health and human services.
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures affecting local government functions
• Local and regional political environments, as well as the national political environment, and the ability to function effectively in that environment

Be Skilled In:

• Organization and expression of ideas through use of Effective oral and written communications
• Program, policy and financial analysis/evaluation and development of policy and regional plan options
• Research, interpretation and application of rules, regulations, statutes, and state laws related to current regional or policy issues
• Conflict resolution and consensus building with groups that have conflicting viewpoints
• Effective presentation of information to government entities and political figures, businesses, community groups, committees, boards, and the public
• Effective use of interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient and courteous manner
• Establishing trusting relationships
• Conducting efficient and effective meetings
• Effectively defusing disputes and building consensus and cooperation amongst groups with diverse and competing interests
• Learning and synthesizing complex information

Be Able To:

• Present ideas and data clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Develop and draft high quality written materials and presentations that effectively communicate a desired position
• Research complex issues and develop recommended actions
• Exercise keen judgment, imagination and foresight in representing the interests of the City
• Pay attention to details while maintaining focus on the big picture impacts
• Build consensus among entities with different interests
• Function effectively in the region’s political and economic environment
• Gain credibility and establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with the Mayor City Council, city staff, employee groups, colleagues in similar positions in municipal organizations, other government entities, businesses, and the public