Job Description

Instructions to Applicants

Send resume via email to: jobs@drbc.nj.gov

Applicant must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States without sponsorship.

Deadline for filing applications: Open until filled

POSITION TITLE: Government Affairs Lead

DRBC GRADE: E-20

EMPLOYEE STATUS: Full-Time Probationary

BRANCH: External Affairs & Communications

SUPERVISED BY: Director, External Affairs and Communications

Brief Description

Reporting to the Director of External Affairs and Communications, the Government Affairs (GA) Lead effectively manages all strategic and tactical aspects of government affairs for the Delaware River Basin Commission. The GA Lead maintains strong partnerships with elected and appointed officials and community stakeholders within the four-state Basin (Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware) at the federal, state and local level regarding the DRBC’s public policy priorities. This includes: coordinating and scheduling GA-related events and activities; assisting the Executive Director and Director of External Affairs and Communications with strategic aspects of planning and execution for DRBC programs relating to local, state and federal government issues; researching and analyzing state and federal legislation and public policy issues impacting the Commission; assisting in the development of position statements and responses on behalf of DRBC; and participating in community-facing events to ensure GA involvement and perspective throughout the Basin.

General Responsibilities

• Cultivates and maintains relationships with key federal, state and local officials within the Basin to help build support and recognition for DRBC.
• Conducts policy research including:
• Preparation of local and statewide political briefs to evaluate Commission actions in light of current and future political landscape.
• Reviews proposed legislation that may impact the Commission and its operations, develops recommendations and directs DRBC responses to legislative and regulatory actions.
• Identifies opportunities to advance Basin priorities through legislation.
• Identifies and manages requests for appropriations, directed spending, community project and other funding.
• Plans and executes outreach and educational programs, meetings and events including:
• Briefings and events with federal, state and local elected officials and other government influencers showcasing the Basin’s water resources.
• Community-facing events to engage Basin communities and their decision-makers in water resources.
• Works closely with the External Affairs and Communications team by:
• Convening and partnering with diverse stakeholders and communities to increase participation in the Basin’s water resource programs.
• Preparing read-ahead materials, fact sheets and testimony on federal, state and local legislative topics.
• Preparing talking points, organizational messaging and responses to inquiries relating to the Commission.
• Presenting the Commission’s legislative policies and viewpoints to local, state and national elected officials and staff, in person and in writing.
• Maintains relationships and participates in coalitions and associations that have shared policy interests with the Commission.
• Coordinates with consultants and contractors.
• Supports Commission meetings and hearings.
• Participates in Commission volunteer and training events.
• Other duties as assigned by senior management team.

Qualifications:

Education: Master's preferred (experience required) or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in political science, communications or a related field, or equivalent similar experience.

Experience: 5+ years in government policy, legislative staff, legislative relations, government affairs and/or closely related roles.

Familiarity with federal and state legislative processes and procedures. Knowledge of environmental, community and public affairs issues. Willingness to travel throughout the Basin and work some evenings and weekends, as required. Detail-oriented with strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.

Salary within the range specified will be determined based on education and experience.

E-20: $79,250 - $118,900

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