Government Affairs Representative

Basic Function

Assists the Vice President, Government Affairs in developing and managing METRO’s legislative priorities.  Responsible for working with elected and appointed officials to manage and promote METRO’s overall goals and policies.  Handles confidential information in a proper manner.  Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Develops and maintains working relationships with elected and appointed officials including the City of Houston, Harris County, the multi-cities, state, and federal officials.
• Monitors Harris County and City Council agendas to identify local policies impacting METRO; assists in the development of appropriate responses.  
• Develops and executes strategies for communicating METRO's legislative priorities, upcoming projects, and plans for improving the transit system to elected officials and agencies at all levels of government, as well as to professional associations, policy groups and other interested parties.
• Serves as one of the primary contacts between METRO and elected officials and manages inquiries from elected officials, their staff, and constituents regarding METRO services.
• Works with internal METRO staff and department heads to collect necessary information to properly respond to elected official requests and concerns.
• Partners with Government Affairs Manager to troubleshoot potential problems by providing information and clarification to elected and appointed officials on METRO services.
• Writes professional correspondence to elected officials for the President & Chief Executive Officer, METRO Board Members, and other staff.
• Develops informational quarterly newsletter or other communication for elected officials.
• Develops process and manages the dissemination of letters to elected officials regarding procurement contracts that impact their constituents. 
• Represents METRO at external meetings/conferences and community events.
• Performs the research, coordination, and preparation of informational materials for elected officials to increase their awareness of METRO, its programs, operations, and accomplishments.
• Assists with creation of PowerPoint presentations, including the coordination of information from other departments across METRO. 
• Identifies, analyzes, and monitors emerging issues and public policy matters.
• Compiles ongoing political news and stories that will have an impact on METRO.  
• Maintains elected official databases and coordinates elected official meetings.  
• Coordinates special projects and tours for elected officials.
• Assists with bill tracking during legislative session; assists with development of informational report for Board of Directors.  
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO’s internal and external customers.
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Government, Communications, or related degree is required.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum five (5) years’ experience in the public or private sector or government environment handling government issues and working with elected and appointed officials.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Excellent communication (written/verbal) skills, customer service, organizational and interpersonal skills.  Analytical skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment, attention to detail and problem resolution.  Working knowledge of the political process is a plus.  Ability to develop and maintain key contacts with Houston area elected officials.  Working knowledge of PC’s and related software, Microsoft office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.