The Manager, Government and Community Affairs reports to the Director, Government and Community Affairs and is responsible for strategic development and management of government and community relations with a primary focus on the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA), with additional work on San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) and the San Mateo County Express Lanes Joint Powers Authority (SMCEL-JPA). This position will focus on local agency, stakeholder, and community engagement and assist with regional, state, and federal efforts.

Essential Functions & Duties

• Plan and execute robust, diverse, and inclusive broad-based communications and direct engagement with relevant communities; primary focus is capital construction projects for SMCTA, SamTrans, and SMCEL-JPA, secondary focus is engagement for strategic planning projects; work closely with technical staff and supervise consultant work.
• Lead GCA communications support for strategic planning and capital construction projects the SMCTA is providing technical assistance on.
• Build support for projects, manage agency relationships and lead engagement with residents and local stakeholders including elected officials, cities, business, and community groups.
• Monitor responses to projects and engage cross functional teams to ensure clear and timely communication on key policy, project, or planning goals and to respond to stakeholder and community requests and concerns.
• Provide strategic guidance to agency leadership and teams on areas ranging from community opposition to a specific project to Federal funding.
• Manage state and/or federal lobbyists, prepare the annual state and federal legislative program, and provide support for grant and other funding applications.
• Assist in overall departmental management including budgeting and department policy development.
• Supervise SamTrans/TA Government and Community Affairs staff. Hire, mentor, and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed. Participate in the selection of staff. Coordinate staff training and professional development. Establish performance objectives. Monitor and evaluate employee performance.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Develop and execute Public Outreach Plans for capital construction, strategic planning, and transportation tax revenue projects; lead cross-functional teams of staff and consultants; track deliverables and deadlines.
• Meet with stakeholders to identify questions and concerns; work with internal staff and consultants to develop appropriate responses and resolutions.
• Work on development and execution of transportation funding revenue measures; coordinate with internal and external stakeholders; gather community feedback and identify key issues; manage consultant deliverables and deadlines.
• Incorporate working with paid community-oriented groups into engagement process.
• Represent agency both internally and externally; participate in meetings and present information.
• Write, review, edit, and approve collateral materials, including webpage content, presentations, fact sheets, project updates, work notices, and newsletters.
• Manage staff and report progress on projects to Government and Community Affairs Director.
• Evaluate job performance of staff which also includes the professional development of staff through the identification of on-the-job and other professional development opportunities.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one’s self, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Political Science, Planning, Public Policy, Communications or other relevant field.
• Five (5) years of full-time experience in the area of policy development, public engagement, political campaigns or another relevant field.
• Two (2) years’ experience managing professional staff or consultants

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Direct experience leading communications for capital construction projects.
• Possess critical thinking and independent judgment with direct impact on community engagement, governmental partnerships, and strategic planning
• Ability to work on evenings and weekends.

The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.

How to Apply

• Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date. Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of fully completed applications. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that applications are completed with all relevant information (experience, education, certifications, licenses, references and/or other information).
• The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.
• We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.