Governmental Affairs Associate

Position Summary Coordinates policy development processes, researching to shape, influence, and change state and federal policy (both existing and proposed), coordinating ACCG's policy positions and agenda, and advocating on behalf of ACCG membership. Responsible for monitoring, reviewing, analyzing, and summarizing legislation as well as proposed and existing rules and regulations, preparing and maintaining files and records, preparing reports, effectively supporting and opposing proposed legislation and state or federal rules on behalf of the Association, and related work as apparent or assigned. Position involves preparing and writing articles and other documents for publication, public speaking, testifying, and delivering presentations. Training, direction, and oversight is under the detailed leadership of the Director of Governmental Affairs. Qualification Requirements To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Position Responsibilities

• Provide and exhibit outstanding customer service, teamwork, and organizational commitment that reflects well on the entire Association;
• Assist with coordinating policy development processes for key functional areas of county government and services in your respective policy area; promote the Association's legislative initiatives and positions, and represent the association before the Georgia General Assembly, Congress, and other state and federal agencies; and engage in frequent testimony and public speaking to advance the Association's legislative agenda and policy positions;
• Assist with and conduct research to develop background information and knowledge on a wide range of county issues and positions;
• Support the coordination of work, as well as work directly with counties and other stakeholders, to formulate and advance the Association's policy positions and agenda;
• Monitor, review, analyze, summarize, comment, and report on legislation at the state and federal level to determine impact on counties;
• Under supervision of Director of Governmental Affairs, receive and respond to inquiries on policy related issues and questions from counties, legislators, state agencies, other branches of government, media representatives, the general public and other stakeholders; develop strategic relationships with media representatives and others; educate others about county operations as it relates to policy issues;
• Participate in representing the Association's policy positions on various statewide and regional committees, task forces, and other working groups on behalf of county government; must consistently exhibit strong social skills and the ability to communicate, build, and maintain relationships effectively with various types of people and personalities;
• Consistently exhibit a commitment and understanding of the processes to pass, defeat, or enhance legislation in accordance with ACCG's policy positions; assist in forming coalitions in support of or opposition to legislation, rules and regulations;
• Assist colleagues and work directly with county membership to aide their efforts to remain compliant with state laws, rules, and/or regulations;
• Prepare written material and provide input in the preparation of appropriate articles and stories for the Association's magazine, newsletters, social media, handbooks, guidebooks, and videos;
• Work with ACCG Policy Committee Chairpersons to develop meeting agendas and facilitate meetings; work with policy advisory committees to formulate federal and state policy recommendations; serve on federal, state, and regional advisory committees representing the Association and serving the policy and research needs of counties and members;
• Facilitate district and other meetings; stay apprised of activities and county issues within the district; conduct periodic district visits.
• Support the overall organization by executing the directives as set forth by the Association.
• This position requires travel within the state of Georgia with occasional overnight travel.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree with coursework in political science, criminal justice, law, planning, public administration, or related field, and
• Moderate experience (typically 3 years minimum) in public policy which included extensive writing, communication, and public speaking experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and general understanding of the programs and services offered by the Association;
• Thorough knowledge of the Handbook for Georgia County Commissioners and the relevant fundamentals of county government in Georgia;
• General knowledge of the Official Code of Georgia, state and federal rules and regulations applicable to the development of legislative policies;
• General knowledge of research methods and techniques;
• General knowledge of education and training techniques;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills;
• Skill in the use of standard office software applications, specifically Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word and Excel;
• Ability to prepare and maintain records;
• Ability to communicate ideas effectively orally and in writing;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, elected and appointed state and local officials, outside stakeholders, interest and lobbying groups, media representatives and the general public.

Notice: ACCG employees must have a primary residence within the state of Georgia. In addition, employment candidates are subject to a background screening in compliance with established ACCG background check procedures. Apply To This Job