Legislative Officer

Bay Area Air Quality Management District; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is seeking a Legislative Officer to oversee the Legislative Office, coordinating program planning, staffing, and resource allocation while serving as a policy advisor to executives and the Board.

This management role requires monitoring federal, state, and local legislation, presenting recommendations, and representing the district in meetings with the public, industry, and agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus six years of professional experience, including three years in supervision.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Five or more years of experience as legislative staff, lobbyist, or advocate for a public agency/non-profit/industry
• Ten or more years of experience working on legislation at the local, state, or federal level
• Strong understanding of the state and federal legislative process, procedures, systems

Responsibilities

• Directs and evaluates goals, operations, policies, procedures, and work standards of the Legislative Office.
• Liaises with policymakers and external agencies and serves as the liaison for the Air District.
• Monitors federal, state and local legislation affecting the Air District; provides recommendations to executives and the Board.
• Prepares and administers the office budget; develops and presents issues to the Board and management.
• Represents the Air District at meetings with the public, industry, and other agencies.

Skills

Public policy analysis

Legislative process knowledge

Staff supervision

Stakeholder engagement

Oral and written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a job-related field

Job description

Join an agency committed to creating a healthy breathing environment for every Bay Area resident while protecting and improving public health, air quality, and the global climate!

About the Air District

The Bay Area Air District (Air District) is a regional government agency, committed to achieving clean air to protect the public's health and the environment. The Air District accomplishes this goal through regulation of industrial facilities and various outreach and incentive programs designed to encourage clean air choices. The Air District's jurisdiction encompasses all of seven counties - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Napa, and portions of two others - southwestern Solano and southern Sonoma.

At the Air District, we take pride in our commitment to fostering a workplace that values diversity and promotes cultural awareness. We prioritize employee engagement by providing a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages active participation and open dialogue. Additionally, we believe in pay equity and strive to create an equitable compensation structure. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, we understand the importance of supporting our employees' well-being both inside and outside the workplace. Join us in a dynamic and inclusive culture where your contributions are celebrated, and your growth is nurtured. The Air District recognizes and values the contributions of every employee and works to sustain an environment where everyone is respected. We incorporate the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion within our decision-making strategies, policies, procedures, regulations, funding initiatives, public outreach, planning, and hiring.

The Air District is currently accepting applications for the position of Legislative Officer. This position reports to the Deputy Executive Officer of Public Affairs. This is an open recruitment for one (1) full-time, exempt, management position.

About the Position

The Legislative Officer oversees all the activities and serves as the subject matter expert in the Legislative Office. The position coordinates and implements program planning, staffing requirements, resource allocation, and identification of future resource needs. The position interfaces with all managerial levels within the agency and outside agencies and serves as a representative in meetings involving policies, procedures, and operations.

The Legislative Officer is responsible for monitoring federal, state and local legislative, judicial, and regulatory activity affecting the Air District; conducting analysis of public policy proposals and providing recommendations to executives and the Board of Directors; and serving as a liaison for the Air District at the State Capitol, advocating for policies and representing the position of the Air District.

The following duties are typical for jobs in the class. They are for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect the full scope of job duties.

• Directs, plans, monitors, and evaluates the goals, operations, policies, procedures, and work standards of the Legislative Office.
• Plans, organizes, administers, reviews, and evaluates the activities of assigned staff. Coaches assigned staff for career development and performance improvement.
• Selects personnel and provides for their training and professional development.
• Provides technical and managerial direction to Air District staff and others.
• Directs the allocation of resources to achieve timely outcomes and measurable goals within budget. Adjusts plans and programs to meet emerging or new programs, while continuing to address major agency priorities.
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of the office’s operations, organizational structure, staffing levels, systems, and other internal policies and procedures. Recommends alternative approaches and implements changes.
• Represents the Air District at meetings with the public, industry, and other agencies. Serves as the liaison for the agency.
• Plans, develops, implements, or directs major or complex projects or programs. Directs the research of complex and highly technical issues, analyzes alternative solutions or approaches, and recommends most effective course of action.
• Directs and oversees the preparation and administration of the office’s budget.
• Develops and presents technical, policy, operational, or administrative issues and recommendations to the Air District Board and executive management.
• Reviews and analyzes reports. Directs the preparation of monthly and annual reports. Directs the gathering and analysis of information and evaluates processes.
• Assists in the identification, development, and implementation of agency goals, objectives, policies, and priorities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills is:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in job-related field and six years of professional level work experience, including three years of supervisory experience. Some positions may require specialized training, education and experience.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position will be considered.

• Five or more years of experience as a legislative staff member; lobbyist; advocate for a public agency/non-profit/industry
• Ten or more years of experience working on legislation at the local, state, or federal level
• Strong understanding of the state and federal legislative process, procedures, systems

Knowledge & Skills

The minimum knowledge and skills needed to perform the essential duties of the classification.

Knowledge of

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and program and budget development.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including selection, training, work evaluation, and performance management.
• Principles and practices of effective public relations.
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report presentation.

Skills in

• Planning, organizing, assigning, directing, reviewing and evaluating the work of assigned staff.
• Selecting and motivating staff and providing for their training and professional development.
• Interpreting, explaining and applying Air District rules and regulations and local, state, and federal laws.
• Representing the Air District effectively in contacts with the public, industry, and other agencies.
• Analyzing complex technical, scientific, and administrative problems. Evaluating alternative solutions and adopting effective courses of action.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships to build and preserve trust and credibility with internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicating effectively through excellent verbal, listening, and written communication
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Exercising sound independent judgment within policy guidelines.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Physical demands

• Sitting for long periods of time and walking and/or standing is only required occasionally.
• View computer screens and type for prolonged periods of time.

Working conditions

• Work is primarily performed in a typical office environment.
• May be required to work outside of standard working hours.
• Some local travel.

The full classification specifications can be found here.

Selection Criteria

Selection may be based upon a competitive examination consisting of a written exercise, interview, or combination of the two. Depending on the number of qualified applicants, an application screening and/or panel interview may be used to determine the most qualified applicants.

The Air District may hire from this recruitment process to fill future vacancies occurring within the next 18 months.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations

Persons with disabilities who may require reasonable accommodations during the application and/or selection process should notify the Human Resources Division at [phone].

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Air District does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, genetic information, medical condition, or mental or physical disability, or any other attribute or belief protected by law. It is the Air District’s policy to provide fair and equal access to the benefits of the programs or activities it administers.