Strategic Government Relations Officer (DC/MD/VA)

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority seeks a Government Relations Officer to advance Metro’s legislative, policy, funding and community priorities across the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and their local governments.

The role advises Metro’s leadership, represents Metro before officials and communities, and develops strategies for effective advocacy and outreach across multiple jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Advise the General Manager and Senior Executive Team; represent Metro before elected and appointed officials, legislative and executive bodies, regional organizations, and business, civic and community groups; communicate Metro’s positions, policies, plans and programs with accuracy and timeliness.
• Develop and execute government and community relations strategies, analyze proposed legislation and administrative actions with internal subject-matter experts, prepare testimony and executive briefings, build advocacy coalitions, and monitor political and jurisdictional developments.
• Maintain trusted relationships with government and community leaders, support outreach and public meetings, explain the effects of policy changes, and coordinate communications during major projects, service changes, emergencies and disruptions.
• Develop and manage community outreach strategies and plans designed to work cooperatively with community groups, such as Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and civic associations, build support for the Metro programs, solicit community input to Metro’s plans and projects, support the environmental clearance process and other regulatory requirements.
• Exercises excellent political judgment when working with legislators, local, state and national officials and other stakeholders; maintains close working relationships with regional transportation bodies and all other governmental agencies within the designated jurisdiction.
• Prepares and transmits briefing materials to the General Manager and Senior Executive Team regarding topics with jurisdictional or political implications.
• Maintains strong working relationships with local government units, task forces, advisory groups, citizens associations, businesses, and other governmental organizations within the designated jurisdiction.
• Works with Community Relations staff to identify key leaders and associations and coordinate public meetings; with Communications staff to coordinate Metro communications with the community.

Job description

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority seeks a Government Relations Officer to advance Metro’s legislative, policy, funding and community priorities across the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and their local governments.

The role advises Metro’s leadership, represents Metro before officials and communities, and develops strategies for effective advocacy and outreach across multiple jurisdictions.