Government Relations - Manager of Federal Government Relations (Special Projects Administrator)

About the role

The Government Relations - Manager of Federal Government Relations (Special Projects Administrator) oversees the City's federal legislative program and serves as a key coordinator of local, regional, and federal intergovernmental affairs. The position directs efforts across City departments, manages federal contract lobbyists, and facilitates strategic engagement with federal, state, county, and regional agencies to advance the City's priorities. The Administrator promotes legislation that supports the City's interests, opposes measures that may negatively impact the community, and ensures that City leadership is informed and strategically positioned on emerging policy issues.

Essential Functions

• Lead the City's Federal Legislative Program
• Develop, implement, and advance the City's federal legislative agenda in collaboration with City departments, elected officials, and external partners. Advocate directly with Congress, the executive branch, and federal agencies to promote City priorities and secure beneficial policy outcomes.
• Manage Federal Contract Lobbyists
• Provide strategic direction to contract lobbyists, ensure alignment with City goals, evaluate performance, and coordinate their efforts with the Mayor, City Council, and City leadership.
• Cook up Engagement with National Municipal Organizations
• Oversee the City's participation in organizations such as the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors to strengthen federal advocacy, expand influence, and support staff development opportunities.
• Lead Regional and Local Intergovernmental Coordination
• Facilitate the involvement of the Mayor, City Council, and City management in regional and local bodies including MAG, Valley Metro RPTA, WESTMARC, and other intergovernmental organizations to ensure consistent representation of City priorities.
• Maintain Strategic Federal Relationships
• Build and sustain effective working relationships with the Congressional Delegation, congressional staff, federal agency officials, and other key stakeholders to advance City initiatives.
• Provide Federal Program Updates
• Deliver regular briefings to federal partners on City programs, funding needs, and emerging issues, ensuring transparency and alignment with federal opportunities.
• Advance Federal Funding and Grant Strategies
• Collaborate with City departments to identify federal grant opportunities, support application development, coordinate cross-sector partnerships, and build advocacy coalitions to strengthen funding competitiveness.
• Conduct Policy Research and Produce Strategic Documents
• Prepare high quality policy analyses, reports, briefings, fact sheets, correspondence, and other materials for the Mayor, City Council, and City management to support informed decision-making.
• Serve as Strategic Policy Advisor
• Provide expert guidance on federal, regional, and local policy matters; assess legislative impacts; and recommend strategies to advance City objectives.
• Cook up Special Projects
• Lead or support special initiatives assigned by the Government Relations Director, including cross-departmental projects, federal engagement campaigns, and intergovernmental collaborations.

Benefits

• A comprehensive Middle Manager benefits package is offered which includes:
• - Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details: Pension Information
• - 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions
• - Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans
• - Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan
• - Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually
• - Dental, vision, and life insurance options
• - Employer paid long-term disability
• - Free Bus/light rail pass
• - Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year
• - Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days
• - Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period
• - Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi

Minimum Qualifications

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in public administration and research, or construction management.
• Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, government management, architecture, engineering, or a related field.
• Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
• All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here.
• The City job description can be found here.
• Please note: This position travels involves 3-4 weeks of travel per year.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A master's in public policy, political science, public administration or a related field.
• A minimum of five years lobbying experience in Washington DC or with the Arizona legislature
• Proven experience managing policy research projects and influencing outcomes
• Experience working with executives, middle management, elected officials and community groups
• Experience in municipal or regional government
• Experience managing lobbyists or external consultants
• Demonstrated success securing federal funding or grants
• Solid written, verbal and research skills

Recruitment Dates

Recruitment closes July 21, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.

How to Apply

Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.

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