GENERAL SUMMARY:
Directs, oversees, and has ultimate responsibility for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Government Relations Department including the activities relating to the day-to-day management of the department, and advising and supporting agency initiatives as directed concerning actions, strategies, and positions of the U.S. Congress, federal executive branch, Texas Legislature, and state executive branch, regional, county and local governments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Directs, oversees, provides day-to-day support, and is ultimately responsible for the activities of the Government Relations Department.
2. Provides accurate and timely information, oversees and leads government relations and public policy activities for the agency, including coordinating, monitoring, reporting and preparing detailed analysis of legislation, regulations, and issues with actual or potential impact on the agency.
3. Serves as an active liaison and point of contact with governments, business and community leaders, and transportation advocacy associations and organizations at the national, state, and regional levels.
4. Responsible for analysis, strategy and implementation of DART?s legislative agendas with extensive latitude for independent judgment in preparing recommendations, proposed strategies, and plans for executive management review.
5. Develops strategies and plans for effective communication of potential or actual impacts of proposed legislation, rules or regulations on agency plans, programs, projects or services.
6. Establishes and secures approval of goals and policies for the department with broad latitude for decision making. Makes policy recommendations to the Deputy Executive Director for approval on a regular basis.
7. Understands, executes, enforces, and recommends changes to policies and procedures. Reviews and approves policies and procedures developed for divisions within department.
8. Undertakes initiatives to promote agency programs and goals, and advocates DART?s legislative and policy goals.
9. Develops and maintains positive working relationships with government officials and agencies, and business, community, and civic leaders.
10. Directs and oversees coordination of special events which involve federal, state, and local government officials.
11. Serves as a member of committees, task forces, and transit-related organizations as a representative of the agency.
12. Represents the agency before public agencies and constituent bodies.
13. Develops, submits for approval, and manages department budget.
14. Prepares and makes formal presentations to the DART Board, national conferences, and city and community meetings, as required.
15. Interviews, selects, supervises, develops, evaluates, counsels, and if necessary, disciplines subordinate personnel in accordance with established laws, policies, procedures and guidelines, including Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) program goals and objectives.
16. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Note: An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the below stated minimums excluding High School Diploma, GED, Licenses, or Certifications.

1. Bachelors degree from accredited college or university in Public Affairs, Communications, Government or related field. Graduate degree is highly desirable.
2. Fourteen (14) years progressively responsible experience in government relations to include six (6) years with a public agency in transportation/transit planning, policy analysis, intergovernmental relations, legal or related field and seven (7) years directing and overseeing a professional staff involved with governmental relations or public affairs programs.
3. Knowledge and experience at the federal, state or local levels of government, including legislative processes, public administration and coordination of activities between multiple government entities, public bidding/contracting, funding and grants administration procedures and guidelines.
4. Have a Texas Class C Drivers License or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.
5. Consistently exercises exceptional judgment.
6. High level of analytical ability to find solutions to complex interpersonal, professional, technical, and administrative problems.
7. Proficiency in analyzing complex and sensitive intergovernmental issues, developing and making recommendations to agency leadership and implementing decisions.
8. Exceptional interpersonal skills to sensitively communicate with all levels of supervisory and non-supervisory employees, government and civic leaders, Board members and others inside and outside of DART.
9. Ability to use sound judgment and maintain the strictest of confidentiality.
10. Ability to manage time and workload effectively which includes planning, organizing, and prioritizing.
11. Excellent writing, communication and organizational skills.
12. Ability to demonstrate a fiduciary obligation to section, division, department, and DART in handling materials and information of a confidential nature.
13. Ability to travel 15% - 25% of time, lift objects weighing 5 - 15 pounds.
14. Ability to use standard office equipment such as copiers, calculators, computers, standard and smart phones, etc.
15. Proficient with business software such as Microsoft Office.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works in an environment where there is minimum exposure to dust, noise, or temperature. May be moderately exposed to unpleasant working conditions to include dust, noise, temperature, weather, petroleum products, and chemicals while visiting DART's operating facilities, assuming incumbent is observing all policies and procedures, safety precautions and regulations, and using all protective clothing and devices provided.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.

DART is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity in the workplace. M/F/D/V