The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) seeks an individual to assist with the development and communication of the public transportation industry’s positions on federal legislative issues to its members, Members of Congress, Congressional committees, the Executive Branch, other organizations, and the public.
BASIC FUNCTION:
The key responsibility of the Director-Government Affairs and Advocacy is to assist APTA in developing and communicating the public transportation industry’s positions on federal legislative issues to APTA members, Members of Congress, Congressional committees, the Executive Branch, coalition partners, and the public. The individual reports directly to the Senior Director, Government Affairs and Advocacy.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Communicating in writing and through personal contacts, APTA positions on legislative issues to Members of Congress, Congressional committees, the Executive Branch, coalition partners, and others;
- Working in a team setting to develop and execute strategies to advance APTA’s legislative priorities;
- Planning and executing advocacy strategies directed at building public awareness and support for public transportation and support for APTA policies;
- Advising APTA Legislative committees and subcommittees on issues of importance to APTA members and serving as Staff Advisor as assigned;
- Preparing Congressional testimony on topics of interest to the public transportation industry;
- Representing APTA at industry coalition meetings and state transit association meetings, as well as similar events and activities, as required;
- Preparing speeches to assist APTA officers and executive staff in communicating the public transportation industry’s views on federal legislative and government relations issues;
- Attending meetings, media briefings, or hearings as assigned and interpreting these events for APTA members through written and oral communication;
- Planning, managing, and implementing the Business Member Fly-In and assisting in preparing for the Annual Legislative Conference, including program planning and development, preparation of materials, selection of speakers, and on-site support; and
- Other duties as assigned.
MEASURES OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
- Extent to which assignments are carried out in a timely and comprehensive manner;
- Extent to which written work products (e.g., speeches, news releases, testimony, letters, and fact sheets) are accurate, timely, and effectively prepared;
- Extent to which APTA’s members are informed on relevant legislative issues; and
- Extent to which APTA’s legislative goals on relevant issues are achieved.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The Director-Government Affairs and Advocacy will have a minimum of four years of experience in a legislative staff position in Congress or a government affairs position in the Executive Branch or with a trade association, public transit agency, corporation, or consulting lobbying firm. A bachelor’s degree is required. A law degree or master’s degree in public policy, public administration, or similar field is considered a plus. Knowledge of federal public transit policies and programs, major issues and priorities in public transportation, and the federal legislative process, including authorization and appropriations issues, is required. Strong writing and communications skills are also required. Must be willing to travel to support committee meetings, events, and conferences.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The American Public Transportation Association offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability insurance; paid time off; a 401(k)-retirement plan; professional development opportunities; and commuter benefits to assist with public transportation costs. The annual base starting salary is anticipated to be in the range of $107,500 to $143,299.
This position is based in Washington D.C. and currently operates on a hybrid work schedule. Employees are required to work in the office on two specific days, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with the flexibility to choose a third in-office day. The remaining two days of the work week can be worked remotely. Please note that this schedule may be adjusted at any time based on the Association’s needs.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS:
This role requires the ability to use hands and fingers for handling or feeling objects, and the capacity to stand, walk, sit, reach, and communicate effectively. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The typical noise level in the work environment is moderate.
Individuals interested in applying for this position should submit their cover letter and resume to the Vice President of Human Resources & Administration via email at aptajobs@apta.com.
APTA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
