WSSC Water Hiring for Director, Government Relations at Laurel, MD Full Time

The Director, Government Relations provides assistance to the Office of the General Manager/CEO (GM/CEO) on governmental and legislative matters relevant to WSSC Water. Plans, develops and directs activities and services of the Intergovernmental Relations Office (IRO). Serves as the senior legislative professional in developing, analyzing, formulating, lobbying and representing the Commission’s positions and objectives before Maryland’s General Assembly, county governments and other governmental bodies as appropriate. Works in a seamless, integrated manner with senior leadership team members to achieve goals and objectives established by the Office of the GM/CEO and pursuant to the policy decisions made by the Commission. The incumbent is responsible for helping to achieve WSSC Water strategic goals, objectives, and annual action plans by developing strategies and implementing actionable plans in the area of intergovernmental relations. The incumbent is the primary WSSC Water point of contact for Intergovernmental Relations matters. The incumbent ensures that Intergovernmental Relations activities are aligned with the Commissioners’ Strategic Plan and WSSC Water’s mission and vision.

• Supervises employees including selecting or recommending selection, training, assigning and evaluating work, counseling, disciplining, and/or termination or recommending termination

• Manages staff and administers the Intergovernmental Affairs Office to fulfill essential functions, to achieve organizational objectives and WSSC Water personnel policies

• Develops comprehensive legislative proposals, strategies and action plans
• Effectively manages IRO attendance, monitoring and reporting on various committee sessions and sub-committee work sessions of the Senate and House of Delegates of the Maryland General Assembly, the Prince George’s County and Montgomery County councils, the US House of Representatives and Senate, other local government bodies as necessary, as well as executive agencies as appropriate

• Analyzes the impact of state-wide legislative proposals on WSSC Water, obtains comments and prepares WSSC Water policy position recommendations

• Develops draft legislative positions for consideration by the General Manager/CEO and the Commission

• Drafts legislative proposals requested by the Commission for presentation to the County Executives for possible state-wide introduction

• Prepares executive leadership for any external appointments, including development of talking points and materials

• At the direction of executive leadership, organizes meetings with stakeholders

• Prepares comprehensive briefing papers and oral briefings for legislators regarding legislation submitted by, or affecting, WSSC Water

• Researches, drafts and lobbies Commission proposals through the state legislatures, Congress, and executive branch agencies as appropriate

• Testifies before various legislative committees and subcommittees to provide information on the Commission’s position on pending legislation

• Keeps the Office of the General Manager/CEO and the Commission up-to-date on status of WSSC Water and related legislation

• Prepares synopses of bills pending in legislative bodies for dissemination to appropriate parties;

• Prepares General Assembly post-session summary to acquaint appropriate officials and individuals with newly adopted legislation

• Acts as liaison representing the Commission with the Maryland Association of Counties, the Maryland Legislative Council, and other local, regional, and national industry and related organizations

• Drafts, prepares, presents, and supports earmarks and markups for federal and state budget and grant requests

• Attends and monitors public hearings and voting sessions on local legislative proposals during off-season months of the Maryland General Assembly

• Consults and coordinates activities with the Office of the General Counsel, as well as WSSC Water subject matter experts and the Office of Communications

• Performs other related duties as required

Business casual office setting; legislative government settings

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of legislative analysis, county and state governments

• Knowledge of public finance, budgeting and the operating and capital budget processes at state and county levels

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices and references utilized in legislative research
• Demonstrable ability to exercise strong interpersonal communication skills and maintain effective working relationships

• Demonstrable ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing

• Ability to work a flexible schedule depending upon the assignments received

• Ability to determine alternative courses of action, the impact of such options and to recommend choices

• Ability to determine and assess opposition to and support for legislative initiatives, and to handle unanticipated challenges

• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in managing personnel and administering an office

• Bachelor’s degree;

• 10+ years experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of this position

• Experience in legislative liaison or lobbying work with a governmental agency, association or business, including legislative analysis, policy development, and working with elected officials; and

• 5+ years management experience