Governmental Relations Administrator

Maricopa Association of Governments; United States; Hybrid; USD 99,138 - 148,707; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Arizona State Retirement System

11.5 paid holidays

Job summary

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is seeking a team‑oriented professional to lead intergovernmental relations, policy research, and legislative analysis across MAG member agencies and state partners. The role supports committees, conducts policy research, and manages special projects to advance MAG region priorities.

Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills, the ability to engage diverse audiences, and experience working with elected officials and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Relations, or related field.
• At least 5 years of related government relations or public policy experience.
• Equivalency of training, education and experience acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Engage with member agencies and intergovernmental staff on regional policy.
• Track and analyze proposed state and federal legislation.
• Develop talking points and presentations for committees and partners.
• Represent MAG at external meetings and brief stakeholders.
• Assist executive leadership with programs or special projects.
• Manage MAG’s state lobbying services contract.

Skills

Public speaking

Stakeholder engagement

Policy communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Relations, or related field

Master’s degree in public administration

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company

Company: Maricopa Association of Governments Closes: The position is open until filled. Status: Full time Pay Rate: Salary Title Range: $99,138.02 - $148,707.03

Why Join MAG

MAG is a great place to work. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a hybrid work environment, with one remote day per week, along with a collaborative culture where employee contributions make a real impact.

About MAG

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is a group of local governments working together on issues that touch the lives of every resident. We are a regional planning agency that develops solutions in areas such as transportation, environmental and air quality, and human services. MAG serves a thriving region of 5 million people. Our members include 28 cities and towns, three Native nations, and Maricopa and Pinal counties. Our planning area encompasses more than 10,000 square miles. MAG is the council of governments and the designated metropolitan planning organization for transportation planning for the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Visit www.azmag.gov to learn more.

Your Team

MAG's Executive Office provides strategic leadership, oversight, and support to ensure the effective implementation of our mission. It serves as the central hub for executive decision making, policy development, and cross-departmental coordination. The office works closely with senior leadership, member agencies and external stakeholders to drive organizational priorities, foster innovation and maintain high standards of accountability and performance across all units.

Position

MAG is seeking a team-oriented professional to lead local, state and federal intergovernmental relations efforts with MAG member agencies, state governmental partners and policymakers, and other stakeholders. In addition to intergovernmental duties, the position will support policy and technical committees, conduct policy research, prepare analysis, and manage special projects. Notably, this position will perform a variety of professional-level duties involving the review, research and analysis of proposed state and federal legislation affecting the MAG region and in support of MAG member agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Engaging, collaborating, and coordinating with member agencies and their intergovernmental staff on regional policy matters and legislative affairs.
• Compiling briefing materials for, and communicating with, MAG policy and technical committees as well as agency staff on legislative and policy issues that impact the MAG region.
• Tracking, researching, and analyzing proposed state and federal legislation.
• Monitoring hearings, maintaining a legislative tracking system, and being a liaison with legislative partners.
• Managing MAG’s state lobbying services contract.
• Developing talking points, presentations, fact sheets and various communication pieces for member agencies, staff and partners.
• Monitoring the activity of regional/state organizations and partners, such as the Arizona League of Cities and Towns, Valley RPTA, chambers of commerce, state agencies, etc.
• Representing MAG by attending external meetings and presenting to member agencies, stakeholders, and partners.
• Assisting MAG executive leadership with programs or projects.
• Leading special projects from concept through implementation, ensuring accountability, quality, and timely delivery.
• Supporting MAG programs, policies and assisting –external coordination.
• Performing other duties, as assigned.

The Candidate

The ideal candidate will have a passion for public service, demonstrated experience working effectively with elected officials at various levels, and excel at communication and relationship building. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to think analytically and proficiently assess complex topics to inform policies and strategies. Candidates should have excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills with experience presenting to and working with a variety of audiences (e.g., public, technical, stakeholder, elected). Candidates should demonstrate their experience in and ability to work effectively with elected officials and stakeholders with various political backgrounds and priorities. Successful candidates should be detail-oriented, comfortable working within a dynamic environment (both independently and within a team) and demonstrate a strong work ethic.

Technology Skills

Proficient in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office products, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Minimum Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Relations, or related field
• At least 5 years of related work experience, such as regional, state, or local government relations, public policy, or similar
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

Preferred Experience and Education

• Master’s degree in public administration
• Experience in transportation and air quality policy

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Maricopa Association of Governors is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Accommodations

During the selection process, any applicant requiring accommodation for a disability should advise the Human Resources Division at [e-mail] or by calling [phone].

Location

302 N. First Ave., Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85003

About Us

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) MAG was founded in the spirit of cooperation. MAG members believe that by uniting, they can solve common problems, take an active role in long range regional issues, and address concerns that affect communities in the greater Phoenix region. Our Member Agencies include 28 cities and towns, 3 Native nations, Maricopa and Pinal County, and the Arizona Department of Transportation. Our planning area encompasses about 10,600 square miles and represents approximately 5 million people—nearly 70 percent of the state population. Our primary areas of focus include transportation planning, including implementation of Proposition 479, environmental and air quality planning, and human services planning.

Benefits

• Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• 11.5 Paid Holidays Per Year
• Arizona State Retirement System (funded through 12% employee contributions - matched by MAG)
• Hybrid Work Schedules