Overview

Austin, TX, United States

JOB DESCRIPTION

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

The Director, Government Affairs-Federal and State reports directly to the Vice President, Government Affairs. This position serves as the CapMetro/ principal government affairs representative on federal and state issues and  is responsible for developing and delivering complex federal and state government affairs and communications strategy, to include serving as a liaison to public officials and entities, representing CapMetro programs and services at public/government meetings, dissemination of public information, public relations, communications, management of internal and stakeholder communications, provide strategic input for special events and media/public relations efforts.

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.

  • Develop and implement an integrated government affairs strategy and engagement process for federal/state government interactions.
  • Advise the VP of Government Affairs and staff on a wide variety of sensitive internal and external issues impacting intergovernmental and stakeholder relations.
  • Direct and develop strategy for the CapMetro activities with federal and state elected officials and agencies for the benefit of CapMetro services and programs.
  • Ensure that stakeholders and elected officials have the opportunity to provide input regarding CapMetro programs and initiatives prior to key milestone decisions being made as part of the agency’s larger public involvement efforts.
  • Direct the selection process, work program and activities of federal and state legislative consultants. Facilitates interaction between staff, the Board of Directors and consultants.
  • Strategically direct the development of public information materials and serve as a resource for media, in coordination with appropriate departments, in coordination with the Vice President, Government Affairs.
  • Develop fact sheets, reports, legislative and policy analysis, and public information materials.
  • Develop briefing materials, speeches/speaking points and presentations for CapMetro executive team members and Board of Directors, in coordination with appropriate departments, in coordination with the Vice President, Government Affairs
  • Support Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by following safety and security policies, considering safety in every action, and reporting safety and security concerns.
  • Perform other duties as required and/or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

WHAT YOU BRING

  • Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Relations, Government Affairs, Political Science or related field.  Additional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to four years.
  • Seven (7) years progressively responsible experience managing a program of government relations, which includes working with federal and state legislatures, legislative staff, and county/city and regional governments.
  • Experience in the areas of planning, research, program development and budgeting required.
  • A background in transportation services is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

  • Working knowledge of government relations principles, practices, and research and planning techniques.
  • Working knowledge of government relations laws, regulations and legislative processes governing transportation policies and funding sources.
  • Knowledge of local/regional/state media, community leaders, governmental bodies and elected officials. Demonstrated ability to work at a very high executive level with confidence to effectively lead superiors and peers and to enlist the contributions of those who are not direct reports in accomplishing Authority wide goals
  • Excellent strategic and organizational skills.
  • Ability and experience in establishing relationships with elected officials and respective staff at the state and local levels
  • Skill in verbal communications such as making public presentations or speaking to the media.
  • Ability to research and quickly synthesize information, present it creatively, and in a variety of formats and mediums to target audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to deal with sensitive, confidential and complex government and community relations issues.
  • Ability to work quickly under deadline pressure.
  • Ability to work after hours and on call.
  • Ability to work independently and establish and maintain effective relationships with the public, media and CapMetro staff.
  • Technical proficiency with computer hardware and software, including Microsoft Word Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint.

SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE

ABOUT US

Cap Metro is Austin’s regional public transportation provider. We’ve been around since 1985 and work every day to give residents, commuters, and visitors the best possible transit options available to match their busy everyday lives.

We’re always on the move, connecting people with jobs, schools, restaurants, shops, festivals, and other great places to hang out. In fact, we have more than 31 million boardings each year.

ABOUT THE TEAM

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

  • Work with a diverse, collaborative and energetic workforce whose focus is to bring innovation into the industry and how we serve our customers and team members.
  • Utilize our free and reduced fare transit service to get to the office and then plan to hit the gym (for free) and work with our onsite trainers, before heading back home.
  • If you have children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years old, enroll them in the onsite award-winning Child Care and Learning Center.

…and much more!

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW 

Capital Metro is deeply committed to building a workplace where inclusion is not only valued but prioritized. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating a welcoming and diverse environment. 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. Capital Metro makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and organization needs at the time.