DEPUTY DIRECTOR INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS - External Affairs

About the role

The Deputy Intergovernmental Affairs Director (DIAD) will assist with the daily functions of the External Affairs department by serving as the County’s senior strategic and operational deputy to the Director of External Affairs and as the County’s secondary representative in all government agency interactions. The DIAD operates under the strategic direction of the Director of External Affairs to maximize opportunities and mitigate threats to County operations, including securing federal and state funding, aiding the passage or defeat of legislation, tracking federal and state legislation, and maintaining a stakeholder network that supports these activities. The DIAD also informs County media engagement and communications with relevant policy and political insights to build a cohesive voice for County operations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor legislative activity affecting the County, including bills, committee hearings, budget actions, and agency rulemaking, and identify strategic actions for County leadership consideration.
• Conduct research and compile histories of enacted, amended, and proposed laws relevant to County operations.
• Develop and draft proposed legislation to advance County objectives.
• Prepare reports, fact sheets, briefing materials, and information packets for County leadership and the Director of External Affairs.
• Provide high-level guidance to the Director of External Affairs and County leadership regarding legislative trends, risks, and emerging issues.
• Co-develop and lead the implementation of legislative strategies with County Administration and the Director of External Affairs.
• Serve as a key point of contact with legislative staff, public agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders outside the County, representing the County in high-level intergovernmental discussions.
• Track federal and state budget processes and solicit opportunities to obtain funding for the County.
• Lead coordination with statewide and national associations to ensure strategic alignment.
• Coordinate intergovernmental relations activities and logistics for meetings, events, and legislative sessions.
• Respond to routine inquiries from citizens, businesses, external organizations, and County departments regarding legislative matters.
• Assist in the preparation of materials for collaborations with associations such as the Texas Association of Counties, Conference of Urban Counties, and National Association of Counties.
• Serve as the Deputy Director for intergovernmental matters, supporting continuity of operations when the Director of External Affairs is unavailable.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Political Science, Business, or related social science field.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in legislative affairs, public administration, policy analysis, or governmental relations.
• Experience preparing written legislative reports and summaries, drafting legislation and amendments, and other policy-oriented documents.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent customer service and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain extensive networks.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize workload.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Competency with computers and Microsoft Office 365 Suite.
• Advanced analytical and research skills related to legislative and policy matters.
• Ability to present legislative information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment within established guidelines and represent the department in meetings when delegated.
• Knowledge of working with legislative bodies at the state or federal level.
• Advanced knowledge of federal and Texas legislative processes, including appropriations processes and procedures.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent may be required to bend, hear, keyboard, sit, stand, talk, work alone and with others, and work overtime. Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.