Government Affairs Advisor III

CapMetro; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CapMetro is seeking a Government Affairs Advisor III who reports to the Director of Government Affairs. This role leads a complex program portfolio, builds relationships with elected officials, regulatory agencies, and public-private partners, and represents CapMetro at governmental meetings.

You will coordinate policy monitoring, develop materials, and support internal/external communications while guiding stakeholders, events, and legislative advocacy initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; experience may substitute for education.
• Six years of legislative research, planning, and/or analysis experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and databases.

Responsibilities

• Represent CapMetro with elected officials and agencies to advocate policy goals.
• Lead government affairs initiatives across the agency and manage consultants.
• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and presentations for leadership and stakeholders.
• Organize events, outreach activities, and maintain stakeholder relations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal communication

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Government, Planning, Public Relations, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Databases

Job description

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The Government Affairs Advisor III reports directly to the Director, Government Affairs. This position will focus primarily on leading a complex government affairs program portfolio in coordination with the Director and Vice President of Government Affairs. This will include but is not limited to policy monitoring, establishing relationships on behalf of CapMetro, and supporting both internal/external coordination and stakeholder engagement. This role will play a key part in building and maintaining relationships with elected officials and their staff, regulatory agencies, intergovernmental peer organization C-suite leadership, industry trade associations, and other public- and private-sector partners. This position represents CapMetro at governmental meetings and briefings, facilitates the dissemination of policy updates and public information, and contributes to the agency’s efforts related to special events, legislative advocacy, and media or public affairs initiatives.

Job Description

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The Government Affairs Advisor III reports directly to the Director, Government Affairs. This position will focus primarily on leading a complex government affairs program portfolio in coordination with the Director and Vice President of Government Affairs. This will include but is not limited to policy monitoring, establishing relationships on behalf of CapMetro, and supporting both internal/external coordination and stakeholder engagement. This role will play a key part in building and maintaining relationships with elected officials and their staff, regulatory agencies, intergovernmental peer organization C-suite leadership, industry trade associations, and other public- and private-sector partners. This position represents CapMetro at governmental meetings and briefings, facilitates the dissemination of policy updates and public information, and contributes to the agency’s efforts related to special events, legislative advocacy, and media or public affairs initiatives.

Responsibilities

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Note: The duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

Leadership & Advocacy

• Represent CapMetro in interactions with elected officials and agencies, advocating for policies that support the agency’s strategic goals.
• Lead and align government affairs initiatives across the agency, including managing consultants and identifying opportunities to influence policy.
• Draft and manage Letters of Support (LOS) and ensure all communications and efforts reflect CapMetro’s priorities and objectives.

Policy & Communication

• Represent CapMetro at legislative hearings, briefings, stakeholder sessions, and official events, providing subject-matter expertise and supporting documentation.
• Prepare and deliver briefing materials, talking points, and presentations for leadership, the Board of Directors, and external stakeholders, support media relations and crisis communications.
• Serve as a liaison with elected officials and government entities, managing responses to inquiries and maintaining proactive relationships.
• Track and analyze policy developments, provide regular updates to leadership, and produce written communications including policy analyses and strategic recommendations.

Outreach & Internal Support

• Organize and represent CapMetro at special events and outreach activities, deliver presentations and engage with stakeholder groups.
• Develop targeted outreach strategies to connect with impacted communities and support internal departments with stakeholder relations and government affairs.
• Maintain contact and distribution databases and assist with communications related to grants and agency initiatives.
• Support Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by ensuring staff follows safety and security policies, considers safety in every action, and ensures safety and security concerns are reported.
• Perform other duties as required and/or assigned.

Qualifications

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Government, Planning, Public Relations, or related field. Related experience may substitute for educational requirements on a year for year basis up to four (4) years.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in legislative research, planning, and/or analysis.
• Proficient experience using Microsoft Office Applications, databases, and other software.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Possesses solid working knowledge of subject matter.
• Advanced skills in research, evaluation, and interpretation of complex information.
• Advanced interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees, media representatives, the CapMetro Board of Directors, the public and all parties, both inside and outside of CapMetro.
• Analytical and creative experience to find solutions to complex problems.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, able to present images and ideas in a clear, concise, organized, and interesting manner.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, work calmly under tight deadlines, organize time effectively, and identify resources for projects.
• Pay attention to detail, focus on strategic priorities, and be initiative-taking.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of policy development, methodologies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of customer service, customer relations, problem solving, and utilizing tools for use in conflict management.
• Working knowledge of transportation principles and methods for moving people and goods.
• Effective planning and strategic management skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is generally performed in an office environment in which there is only minimal exposure to unpleasant and/or hazardous working conditions. This position works with multiple project timelines and is responsible for performing work of a complex nature. Incumbent must be able to stand and sit frequently throughout an eight-hour period, reach vertically for overhead use and horizontally. Must be able to use a telephone or headset equipment. Incumbents must be able to lift and move material weighing up to 20 lbs., perform work at a computer terminal for 6-8 hours a day, and function in an environment with constant interruptions. Regular and predictable attendance at assigned work location is an essential function. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions as previously described.

Mobility Status

As an Onsite position, the incumbent’s primary workplace is a CapMetro facility or field location. Expected to work in the office or field location 4+ days a week. Mobility status is subject to change at any time based on business needs or organizational decisions.

COMMITMENT TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CapMetro is an equal employment opportunity employer and committed to creating a welcoming environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, age, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. CapMetro makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and organization needs at the time.