Job DescriptionAs part of the Government Relations Office, the Government Relations Officer is responsible for advancing Metro's legislative, policy, funding and community priorities across the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and their local governments. The incumbent advises the General Manager and Senior Executive Team; represents Metro before elected and appointed officials, legislative and executive bodies, regional organizations, and business, civic and community groups; and communicates Metro's positions, policies, plans and programs with accuracy and timeliness. The role develops and executes government and community relations strategies, analyzes proposed legislation and administrative actions with internal subject-matter experts, prepares testimony and executive briefings, builds advocacy coalitions, and monitors political and jurisdictional developments. The incumbent maintains trusted relationships with government and community leaders, supports outreach and public meetings, explains the effects of policy changes, and coordinates communications during major projects, service changes, emergencies and disruptions.
Principal Job Duties- Advocates for Metro's policy and funding objectives and contributes to the development of the Government Relations' strategies and plans for effective communication of Metro' plans, programs and positions. Initiates actions to promote Metro's programs and goals and acts as an ombudsman and active liaison with governments, the community, and business leaders on issues related to Metro operations, construction, rehabilitation and reinvestment.
- Conducts policy analysis, in collaboration with subject matter experts within other departments of Metro, of proposed legislative and administrative actions, and drafts and delivers testimony, as well as engages in advocacy and coalitional activities, to ensure policy and administrative actions are advantageous to Metro's priorities.
- Serves at Metro's representative on special legislative and policy committees, commissions and other groups convened to address matters in which Metro has an interest. Presents Metro's position or explains the effect of proposed legislation or changes in state or local laws, regulations, ordinances or policies.
- Develops and maintains strong working relationships with the General Assembly, the Governor's or Mayor's office, and the political leadership in Maryland, Virginia or the District of Columbia. Maintains regular, contact with elected and appointed officials, community, business, and civic leaders of the member jurisdictions, including spending necessary amounts of time at the seat of government or other locations as may be necessary. Plays primary role monitoring and representing the Metro's interests with the legislative bodies of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
- Develops and manages 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 associated with advancing Metro construction projects, service changes or other Metro programs.
- Exercises excellent political judgment when working with legislators, local, state and national officials and other stakeholders. Maintains close working relationships with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and its associated bodies, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, and other regional transportation bodies, as appropriate, and all other governmental agencies and organizations within the designated jurisdiction, including surrounding municipalities.
- Prepares and transmits briefing materials and other information to the General Manager, members of the Senior Executive Team - including but not limited to the Senior Vice President for Government Relations - regarding topics that have jurisdictional or political implications.
- Maintains strong working relationships with local government units, task forces, advisory groups, citizens associations, businesses, the Board of Trade, Chamber of Commerce, advocacy organizations, trade associations and all other governmental agencies and organizations with the designated jurisdiction, on behalf of Metro, including:
- Works with the Community Relations staff to:
- Continually identify key community, civic, business and political leaders and associations and assessing public attitudes of these groups towards current and planned Metro activities; and
- Schedule, coordinate, participate and present information at public meetings with political, business, civic and community groups.
- Works with the Communications and Community Relations staff to:
- Collect, edit preparing and coordinating Metro communications with the community, aimed at promptly addressing construction, service or other issues raised by the community. Assisting in the development and distribution of cogent public information and timely written materials to inform the community and political leadership about Metro actions and programs.
- Promptly informs, state, local and community officials about Metro plans and policies, and maintains regular communications with these officials in the event of emergency activities and major service interruptions. Keeps Metro informed on matters of state, local or community concern.
Other Duties- May act for the Director of Government Relations in the Director's absence.
- May work flexible hours in order to attend events such as community meetings and state and local legislative sessions or meetings.
- Performs related duties as required.
- Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions. Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with our Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System and just culture principles.
The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.ResponsibilitiesKnowledge- Thorough knowledge of the functioning of state and local governments, plus the ability to deal effectively and diplomatically with government officials of the designated jurisdiction.
- Thorough knowledge of the community, coupled with the ability to deal effectively and diplomatically with community concerns and with citizens from a diverse population.
- Knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly acquire the knowledge of laws, ordinances and regulations related to the activities and interests of Meto. Ability to become familiar with multi-jurisdictional government relations activities.
- Knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly acquire the knowledge of transit operations, facilities and technology, as well as Metro policies and procedures.
Skills- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other offices of state legislatures, other government agencies, community, business and civic groups and other organizations.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other offices within Metro, as well as city government / state legislatures, other government agencies, community, business and civic groups and other organizations.
- Interpret and evaluate problem situations in affected governments and agencies and to take decisive action when needed.
Abilities- Ability to function independently and exercise superb judgment in sensitive political situations.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
Machine, Tools, Equipment, Software, Hardware Required- Microsoft Office Suite, including effective use of Copilot (AI) within adopted Metro guidance
Supervisory ResponsibilityNot responsible for supervising others.
QualificationsMinimum Education- Bachelor's Degree in a related field, such as Public Affairs, Public Administration or Public Policy
Minimum Experience- A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, regulatory affairs, or advocacy, including at least three years of direct experience within the District of Columbia. D.C.
- Experience navigating the District's legislative, budgetary, regulatory, and political processes and exercising sound judgment on complex or sensitive public-policy matters
Minimum Certification/LicensurePreferred Qualifications 
