Manager, Government and Community Affairs (20499157)

General

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 Transit District (SamTrans). .  Assistance with San Mateo County Transportation Authority and SMCEL JPA efforts may be required on as needed basis. This position will focus on local agency, stakeholder, and community engagement and assist with regional, state, and federal efforts.

Essential Functions & Duties

 

• Direct activities that support robust, diverse, and positive engagement with communities that are served by the agency.  
• Plan and execute multilingual public participation and communications efforts for strategic and operations planning, infrastructure, and other projects.
• Manage agency relationships and lead engagement with local stakeholders including cities, schools, and business and community groups, across San Mateo County and neighboring areas.
• Lead cross functional teams to ensure clear and timely communication on key policy, project, and planning goals and to respond to stakeholder requests and concerns.
• Provide strategic guidance to agency leadership and teams.
• Coordinate activities that support the creation and mobilization of a broad coalition of third-party advocates to build awareness and effectively promote the agency’s overall activities, policies, and goals.
• Participate in management and engagement with state and federal lobbyists and legislative activities, preparation of the annual state and federal legislative program, their contract and budget.
• Assist in overall departmental management including budgeting and department policy development.
• Supervise SamTrans 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:
 

• Meet with and respond to stakeholder questions and concerns; work internally and externally to resolve issues. 
• Supervise paid engagement with community-oriented groups and communications consultants. 
• Supervise the development and execution of Public Outreach Plans for key projects, including leading Communications Department and consultant teams across multiple disciplines including community and stakeholder engagement, marketing, social media, website and media outreach efforts. 
• Represent agency both in meetings and by giving presentations to various groups.
• 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. 

SUPERVISION:  Works under the general direction of the Director of Government and Community Affairs, who establishes goals and objectives and evaluates performance.  

 

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.  Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

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

 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possess critical thinking and independent judgment with direct impact on community engagement and strategic planning
• Ability to work on evenings and weekends. 
• Must have a valid California driver license with a safe driving record. 

 

Additional Information

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 

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.  A resume will not be accepted in lieu of the application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

• 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.