Intergovernmental Affairs Manager

Salary range: $118,185 - $177,276
This is an exempt position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity.

Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career
The success of Mecklenburg County rests on strong, competent talent at all levels of the organization. The County Manager’s Office is responsible for executing the policy decisions of the Board of County Commissioners and leading the County organization by overseeing the administration of County departments. If you enjoy working with the public and are looking for a career where your work is important to the community, come be a part of Mecklenburg County Government and help us provide a community of pride and choice for people to live, learn, work, and recreate.

POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Deputy County Manager/Chief of Staff, this position oversees the County’s legislative agenda, intergovernmental affairs and lobbying. The position serves as the County's legislative liaison with state and federal officials, directs contract lobbying efforts, and manages collaborative initiatives with local and regional stakeholders including, other elected bodies and advocacy organizations. The position prepares the annual state and local legislative agenda and works directly with the Board of County Commissioners and the Intergovernmental Relations Committee for prioritization, approval, and advocacy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide research, strategic analysis, and recommendations related to pending legislation, regulation and intergovernmental priorities to determine their impact on the County
• Articulate the County’s legislative agenda and position on pending legislation to local, state, and federal legislative bodies, lobbyists, executive team, county departments, community organizations, and local agencies
• Monitor legislative activities and informs the County Manager, Board of County Commissioners, Executive Team members and Department Directors of major intergovernmental policies and legislative issues affecting the county
• Lead development of intergovernmental initiatives and strategy that align with County priorities, and promote mutually beneficial relations, between the County and other government agencies at the local, state, regional and federal levels
• Make appropriate recommendations to ensure the County is complying and is in alignment with rules and regulations at the state and federal levels
• Interact with community stakeholders, as appropriate, to understand impacts to potential policy and/or regulatory changes
• Develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships and communication with local, state, and federal governmental entities and agency staff, state legislators, interest groups, and other stakeholders for the purposes of advancing the county’s legislative interests.
• Plan and schedule meetings between the Board of County Commissioners or other departments with governmental bodies for purposes that include but are not limited to discussing advocacy for legislative initiatives, receiving/providing updates on County priorities, or communicating solutions/decisions about related topics
• Obtain input on a regular basis from state and federal lobbyists regarding pertinent governmental matters and determines the proper course of action for advocating, addressing, or communicating specific issues/concerns
• Represent the County before various legislative committees, including attending and/or monitoring interim legislative hearings and providing testimony regarding the County’s positions on issues discussed
• Manage congressional delegation support for County grant applications and regulatory policy engagement
• Provide management support for the Intergovernmental Relations Committee including alignment of agenda and County priorities
• Travel to Raleigh, NC, Washington, DC, and stakeholder conferences as needed to work on legislative priorities and regulatory strategy
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Minimum of eight years of experience related to the assigned area of responsibility
Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Communications, or a related field
Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: Yes

Licenses and Certifications
North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree
• Ten years of experience related to the assigned area

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of

• Business English, spelling and arithmetic
• Overall function and responsibilities and services in assigned area
• Administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, filing and other office procedures and terminology
• Project management and research principles and resources. Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• Methods, principles, and techniques associated with research, data collection, report writing with data analysis and interpretation
• State and federal legislative environments and processes
• State and federal regulatory environments and processes

Skills
Competency with various software applications i.e., Microsoft Office Suite

Abilities

• Strong creative and critical thinking, self-starter
• Ability to work with initiative and independence
• Strong data analysis and report writing skills
• Strong understanding of legal, safety, and business concepts
• Effective public speaking and presentation skills
• Strong project management skills
• Self- motivated & directed
• Experience with methods, principles, and techniques associated with research, data collection, report writing with data analysis and interpretation
• Ability to diplomatically navigate political issues and difficult situations
• Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments simultaneously
• Ability to maintain confidential information and exercise discretion with sensitive documents and requests
• Ability to successfully function in a fast-paced environment

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.