Summary:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Provides oversight for VIA's comprehensive community relations, government relations, legislative advocacy, and regulatory engagement at the Federal, State, and local level. Responsible for the planning, design, and dissemination of advocacy initiatives and information campaigns that promote VIA's strategic priorities, programs, and projects. Facilitates partnerships and positive working relationships with local elected officials, community organizations, stakeholders, and the general public to distribute information and foster support for public transportation throughout the region.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Directs, manages, and evaluates Government and Community Relations staff, to include planning and overseeing work assignments, conducting administrative and personnel actions, training and developing staff, and ensuring alignment with department's strategic goals and initiatives.
• Plans and develops outreach strategies, communications, and presentations that promote and advance VIA initiatives, priorities, programs, and projects; ensures alignment with VIA's overall communications and public engagement efforts.
• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with elected officials, government staff, and community stakeholders, and advocates for VIA and public transportation while gathering feedback and input from elected officials, stakeholders, and the public.
• Oversees internal and external communications efforts to ensure effective and frequent communication with neighborhood groups, stakeholders, community organizations, and the public about VIA developments, ongoing efforts, and strategic initiatives.
• Coordinates efforts to increase public and community support for public transportation and VIA's mission to meet the growing and diverse needs of the region.
• Oversees legislative outreach and communications, to include policy and technical documents, and monitors regulatory and policy developments that may impact VIA.
• Directs, manages, and evaluates external consultants and contractors, ensuring alignment with VIA strategies, policies, and procedures, and maintains accountability for work performed.
• Coordinates with other departments and VIA leadership to collaborate and integrate public engagement efforts and maintain consistency in communications, marketing, and promotions.
• Represents VIA in public meetings, community forums, and other events as needed.
• May present to public agencies, community groups, and the general public, and assists with preparing VIA leadership for public presentations to maintain consistency in messaging.
• Assists with developing and managing departmental budget and monitoring expenditures.
• Ensures compliance with records management policies and procedures.
• Prepares reports, summaries, and performance measurements for department leadership.

This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, Communications, or a related field, and ten (10) years of experience in governmental relations, public relations, or transportation policy and programs, to include four (4) years of supervisory experience. Experience may be substituted in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis up to four (4) years.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's or advanced degree.
• Prior experience in public relations related to transportation or public section entities.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, statutes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local government programs, processes, and procedures.
• Knowledge of marketing and public relations methods, practices, and processes.
• Knowledge of technology and social media related to public communications and engagement.
• Knowledge of computer software and applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Copy writing and editing skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate complex policy matters and technical information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy when working with diverse audiences.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible while managing multiple, competing priorities.
• Ability to effectively interact across diverse business, socio-economic, and cultural environments.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information and data.
• Ability to use sound judgement and make independent decisions.
• Ability to supervise, evaluate, and monitor subordinate's performance in accordance with established VIA policies and procedures, to include contractors and consultants.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with VIA staff and the general public.
• Ability to read and understand complex material.
• Ability to use a personal computer and other standard office equipment.
• Must be able to maintain good work attendance.

Safety Accountability Statement:

- Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers.

- Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security.

- Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department.

- Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach, and occasionally lift 5-25 pounds of objects, such as files, equipment and supplies, and books.

WORK ENVIRONMENTS:

• Work involves deadlines and multiple priorities.
• Works within normal office environment.