Government Relations Manager

Clean Water Services; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Clean Water Services in Beaverton, OR is seeking a Government Relations Manager to lead legislative advocacy, policy development, and state and federal coordination on priorities. The role requires collaboration across the organization and representation of CWS to policymakers and external stakeholders.

The candidate will guide a team and consultants to advance infrastructure and environmental objectives. This position requires 5 years of government relations experience, a relevant degree, and

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in government relations, legislative advocacy, and public policy analysis.
• Bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual development of legislative agendas and coordinate internal staff.
• Evaluate, prioritize, and track state and federal legislation, rulemaking, and policy initiatives.
• Conduct detailed legislative analysis and prepare reports on legislative outcomes affecting CWS.
• Provide input to Leadership Team and Board on legislative, regulatory, and intergovernmental issues.
• Collaborate with internal experts and leadership to develop coherent positions for CWS.
• Manage and direct consultants; oversee contracts, budgets, and RFP processes.
• Develop and execute legislative and advocacy strategies, including coalition engagement.
• Produce policy briefs, testimony, and fact sheets for policymakers and stakeholders.
• Identify risks/benefits of policy engagement and impact on key relationships.

Skills

Government relations

Policy analysis

Advocacy

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The Office of the General Manager is seeking a Government Relations Manager in the Government Affairs program. This position leads government relations, legislative and administrative policy development and analysis, and state and federal legislative advocacy to advance Clean Water Services (CWS) priorities and objectives. Collaborates and communicates effectively with all levels of the organization on policy analysis and development. Represents CWS to outside entities and policymakers. Advocates for CWS priorities and policy objectives before state and federal legislative bodies and agencies.

Essential Functions:

(This section outlines the essential functions assigned to the position. The essential functions listed below are not intended to include all duties that may be assigned to this classification. CWS may modify, add, or remove duties or functions at its discretion.)

• Leads annual development of legislative agendas, including internal staff coordination to identify issues and recommend policy positions; drafts state and federal legislative priorities and guiding principles incorporating Board feedback; participates in Board work sessions to solicit feedback on draft agendas; and presents finalized agendas to the Board, key partners, and policymakers.
• Evaluates, prioritizes, and tracks state and federal legislation, rulemaking, and policy initiatives with potential impact on CWS.
• Conducts detailed legislative analysis on proposed legislation, in collaboration with subject matter experts, and prepares reports on legislative outcomes, including new or modified laws, rules, or regulations that may impact CWS.
• Provides input and recommendations to the Leadership Team and Board of Directors on legislative, regulatory, and intergovernmental issues relevant to CWS.
• Collaborates with internal subject matter experts and leadership; navigates and resolves potentially conflicting priorities or approaches; and develops coherent and consistent positions on evolving issues on behalf of CWS.
• Manages and directs consultants supporting state and federal government affairs objectives. Oversees consultant contracts, including managing budgets, defining scope, developing requests for proposals, and managing the consultant selection process.
• Develops and executes legislative and advocacy strategies, including coalition engagement and relationship management with policymakers, to advance CWS priorities.
• Produces strategic communication materials, including policy briefs, testimony, and fact sheets, to educate and inform key policymakers and stakeholders.
• Identifies and evaluates risks and benefits associated with policy engagement or strategies, including analysis of CWS considerations and impacts on key relationships or partnerships.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, legislative and agency staff, and other key policymakers at the state and federal levels.
• Coordinates educational outreach activities, including tours, to enhance policymakers’ understanding of CWS’ state and federal legislative priorities, operations, water quality permitting, and infrastructure needs.
• Delivers effective verbal presentations to the Board, legislators, Clean Water Advisory Commission, and other key stakeholders.
• Creates and maintains a positive, engaged, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture within the department, to improve the work groups’ understanding and recognition of diversity in the workplace, and foster multidisciplinary and integrated team approaches.
• Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR LICENSES:

The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.

5 years of experience in government relations, legislative advocacy, and public policy analysis and development, working with elected officials, boards, or commissions.

Bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, public policy, government affairs, environmental science, environmental policy, natural resources, communications, economics, planning, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.

Candidates must file and maintain registration with the Oregon Government Ethics Commission upon hire.

Candidates must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license.

Additional Information:

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at 503.681.3600 or TDD 503.681.3601.

Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.

Application Review and Certification Statement:

Applicants will be reviewed and evaluated based on qualifications including relevant skills, education, training, and work history. Supplemental materials including resumes, cover letters, and other attachments will not be considered unless specifically requested as part of the application process. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application materials are detailed, accurate, clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum and, if applicable, special qualifications for the position, and are complete at the time the application is submitted. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be removed from further consideration or may result in disqualification from the application or selection process, rescinding an offer of employment, or termination of employment if discovered after hire. Application materials will be used to determine salary placement in accordance with applicable state and federal law, CWS Human Resources policies and guidelines, and collective bargaining agreements, upon extension of a job offer. Unless requested as part of the application process, supplemental materials provided will not be considered.

By submitting your application, and any supplemental materials specifically requested by CWS as part of the application process, you are certifying the information you have provided is true, accurate and complete and have read and understand the above statement.