Government Affairs Specialist

(Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following)

• Works collaboratively to establish and maintain strong working relationships with elected leaders and government officials, their staff, the lobbying community, the business community, residents, advocates and all others working with the City.
• Tracks, researches, and analyzes legislation, agency rulemakings, federal, state and local government policies and grant programs and produces reports on potential impacts to the City. 
• Collects information and feedback from internal subject matter experts to help determine how a particular issue affects the City; educates others about City programs, activities and efforts; helps negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues or complaints.
• Represent the Government Affairs Department at meetings and events with other City departments, elected officials and outside agencies; professional groups; participate in and coordinate activities with other departments and outside agencies, organizations and stakeholders.  
• Prepares reports, correspondence and communication for government affairs; delivers clear and concise oral presentations at various meetings and events.  
• Stays abreast of trends, changing laws, rules and practices related to Government Affairs.
• As needed, assists the director in representing the City interests and positions as a lobbyist at the federal, state, regional and local levels. Attends legislative sessions, public government meetings, events and activities to support legislative efforts of the City.
• Responsible for all other duties as assigned. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

As necessary, must travel by air and/or ground transportation to attend meetings locally, in Carson City, Washington, D.C., and other locations as necessary.  May be required to reside in Carson City during the time the Legislature is in session.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, business, urban studies, government administration, or a closely related field; 
• OR, a combination of formal education and directly related work experience may substitute for the degree

Preferred Qualifications:

One year of recent professional work experience providing government relations or internal/external affairs professional services. Lobbying experience and established relationships with elected representatives, government officials and within the lobbying community on the local and state levels

Licenses and Certifications:

Must possess or obtain a valid Nevada state driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory motor vehicle record.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A broad knowledge of state, local, and federal government functions, including an understanding of the state house, municipal governance and finance, or related fields. 
• Ability to foster and maintain collaborative relationships with local, state, federal, and regional officials, academic agency leaders, community-based and advocacy organizations, and individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of the role, function and responsibilities of City Council members and other elected leaders as well as City operations and functions.
• Ability to work independently and proactively, use initiative and exercise good judgement in dealing with high-level public officials, members of the public and media and ability to appropriately handle highly confidential and sensitive information; organize workload and meet deadlines. 
• Thorough knowledge of the legislative process and structure of the legislature in the state of Nevada; interpretation of Federal, state, and local laws and statutes; methods for conducting research, program analysis, data tracking and report preparation; records research, management, review and tracking of regulations.
• Ability to use office equipment including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet and legislative tracking systems.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in a normal office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt and the like; and, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions including extreme heat, noise, dust, dirt and the like. 

• Sedentary work: Exerting up to 15 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Non-Sedentary work: Can involve a significant amount of travel or movement which can take place either indoors or outdoors. The employee may have to attend off-site meetings and events.
• Visual Acuity: The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as; preparing and analyzing data, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading.
• May be required to attend meetings and events outside of normal working hours.
• Regular and timely attendance is required.

Selection Process: 

Qualification Assessment: Oral Interview 100%
Passing Score: 70%