Government Affairs Manager

Come join VTA's Government Affairs team as we shape the future of transportation policy - where impactful leadership meets transportation innovation! This role is pivotal in building the future of our regional transportation framework. Apply today at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/vtasantaclara/jobs/4966711/government-affairs-manager

What You'll Be Doing

Under the general administrative direction of the Chief of Staff and the General Manager, the Government Affairs Manager serves as the VTA policy advocate and liaison with regional Joint Powers Boards, other regional transit operators, rail advocacy groups and private and public sector interest groups on national and regional rail transit issues; may serve as senior staff liaison to the special committees appointed by the Board or the General Manager; manages and provides senior staff support to members of the Board of Directors, other local elected officials and their staff on regional and national issues; and fully executes special projects, which often include sensitive ramifications, as directed by the Chief of Staff and General Manager.


Distinguishing Characteristics

This management position routinely provides special research and/or assistance to the General Manager on matters relating to regional and national organizations which impact VTA; develops policy recommendations; authors policy text and interagency agreements; evaluates plans and programs of other agencies; and serves as senior VTA liaison to designated organizations.

Ideal Candidate:

• Policy and Advocacy Expertise - Extensive experience in transportation policy, program analysis, and intergovernmental advocacy, ideally in a large transit agency. Skilled in evaluating complex policies and crafting strategic responses.
• Legislative & Interagency Relations - Strong understanding of Regional Transit Transportation Agency (e.g., Caltrain, MTC, Capitol Corridor) and interagency coordination. Proven ability to collaborate with elected officials, board members, and senior government staff.
• Strategic & Political Acumen - Adept at anticipating policy and political challenges and leading strategic, organization-wide responses. Politically savvy with strong diplomatic skills.
• Leadership & Team Management - Experienced in supervising multidisciplinary teams, providing coaching, evaluations, and development. Effective at driving alignment with executive priorities.
• Communication & Presentation - Excellent writer and speaker, with experience drafting policy briefs and delivering presentations to boards, elected officials, and public forums.
• Project & Committee Leadership - Skilled in leading cross-functional groups and advancing strategic initiatives through interagency committees and working groups.
  
  
  About the Division
  
  Government Affairs is responsible for Government Affairs and the Board Office. Government Affairs is responsible for developing and coordinating VTA's legislative and intergovernmental programs at the federal, state, regional, and local levels. Staff analyzes the impact of legislative and regulatory issues and develops a coordinated strategy for responding to these issues. Government Affairs manages VTA's legislative advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., Sacramento, and the Bay Area. Additionally, staff keeps close contact and serves as the main point of communication with elected officials at the federal, state, regional, and local levels. The Board Office is responsible for VTA Board and Committee support, which includes preparation of meeting agendas and minutes, distributing and responding to Board correspondence, developing and maintaining relationships with Board and committee members and VTA constituencies, and providing support services to the Board of Directors. It is also responsible for preparing the annual Board and committee work plans, maintaining official records, and ensuring compliance with statutory noticing requirements.
  
  
  
  About VTA
  
  The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.
  
  
  
  Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region.
  
  
  
  VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.
  
  As the county's congestion management agency, VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit-oriented development.
  
  
  
  VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.
  
  As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.
  
  For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward
  
  
  Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP)
  
  The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families.
  
  
  
  Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance.
  
  
  
  
  
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