Government Relations Assistant

About the positionResponsibilities• 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 assignedRequirements• 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 bolthires 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 bolthires problems and interpret their significance• Ability to effectively access and utilize bolthires 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 publicNice-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 officialsBenefits• 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-bolthires 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 DeferredCompensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.Apply tot his job