Government Relations Assistant

About the position Responsibilities • Assist with briefings, testimony, memos, staff reports, letter correspondence, and other documents • Monitor all County Council meetings and provide summaries of each legislative day and workshop • Conduct policy and legislative research and compile and analyze information • Assist with the management of relationships with municipal officials • Aid the Director in developing advocacy materials for legislative priorities • Attend County and municipal government related meetings with or on behalf of the County Executive • Identify relevant government issues and trends including analyzing a range of proposed local legislation, regulation and polices to determine how it will impact county government • Organize the Quarterly County Executive/Mayors/Burgesses Meeting • Research and provide information and assistance regarding Government Relations programs and projects; receive and respond to concerns and questions; review issues and recommend corrective actions to the Director • Summarize proposed legislation and its effect on current law, and other policy implications • Attend meetings related to the legislative process and represent the GR Team in project oversight • Monitor County workgroups and meetings of County Boards and Commissions; inform the Director of relevant information and agenda items • Support the Director in managing relationships with advocates and external partners • Perform other duties as assigned Requirements • Bachelor's degree in Government, Political Science, Public Policy or a related field • Some experience (paid or unpaid internships or volunteer experience may be considered) in governmental relations or the legislative process • Beginner skills in Microsoft 365 • Possession of a valid automobile operator's license • NOTE: A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered towards the overall requirements • Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges • Ability to accurately compile, analyze and prepare statistical data and reports • Ability to maintain awareness of legislative trends and development through independent research • Strong clerical and record-keeping skills, including the ability to accurately perform basic math and financial functions • Ability to work with sensitive information and use good judgment to maintain appropriate confidentiality • Ability to apply critical thinking skills in analyzing data, trends, and patterns to spot problems and interpret their significance • Ability to effectively access and utilize Microsoft 365, e-mail, spreadsheet and other systems and equipment, and to learn new software as it is required • Ability to effectively organize work, and determine priorities, including the ability to make decisions and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision • Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal government organization and legislative processes as well as pertinent law, ordinances, statutes and regulations • Ability to conduct legal research, perform analysis and use logical reasoning in developing legislation • Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills including the ability to clearly explain policies and procedures • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, boards/commissions, community groups, state officials, local leadership teams, co-workers, and the general public Nice-to-haves • Experience working in a local or state government • Experience drafting legislative briefings • Experience preparing testimony for elected officials or leadership • Experience conducting legislative or policy research • Experience liaising with elected officials Benefits • 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment • 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover • 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays • Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending • Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care • 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit • County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan • Vesting after 5 years of service • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc. • Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program • Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program • Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan. Apply tot his job