531004.Director of Government Affairs

Under the general direction of the Chief Legal Officer, the Director of Government Relations coordinates the Authority's inter-governmental relations at federal, state, and local levels, advocating for legislation that may affect the Authority. This role includes developing the legislative agenda at the state and federal level while monitoring local government and engaging with elected officials and staff at all three levels of government.  Additionally, the Director develops and implements legislative and funding initiatives and keeps staff informed about new laws relevant to the Authority.

SUPERVISES OTHERS\: YES

FLSA STATUS\: EXEMPT 

COMPENSATION\: $160,000.00 - $180,000.00 Based on Experience

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops and maintains relationships with federal, state, and local elected officials and agency representatives associated with the operation and development of commercial international and general aviation facilities and surrounding transportation and economic development.

• Prepares and presents updates to the Authority Board and staff as to the status of all legislative activities that are under review that could impact the Aviation Authority.

• Attends and engages in public meetings of elected bodies and federal, state, and local agencies that may impact operation and/or development of the Authority’s airport system.

• Coordinates the Authority’s federal, state, and local inter-governmental relations activities by assembling information, engaging in legislative and regulatory proposals, and preparing recommendations for review of the Chief Executive Officer.

• Coordinates and conducts meetings with public leaders and agencies to promote federal state, and local funding and legislative initiatives.

• Develops and maintains contact with industry trade associations that benefit the aviation and transportation community.

• Researches and proposes legislation that may impact the Authority and develop strategies for approval of legislation supported by the Authority.

• Drafts and disseminates legislative summaries and conduct briefings for relevant staff members.

• Represents the Chief Executive Officer and serves as liaison with federal, state, and local professional associations.

• Regular and reliable attendance is required as an essential function of the position.

This list is not intended to be all inclusive and you may not be responsible for every item listed.  The employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessary.

COMPETENCIES

• Organizational Focus: Applying a broad understanding of the industry, possibilities for the organization, and financial acumen; focusing on what the organization needs to do to succeed today and in the future; demonstrating and understanding longer-term trends when setting priorities; focusing on the sustainability of the organization.

• Cultural IQ: Fully understands and is able to apply our Cultural IQ philosophy.  Consistently considers the cultural alignment of all decisions made; Intentionally seeks ways to reinforce our cultural beliefs through day-to-day operations; Contributes to achieving our key initiatives.
• Developing Organizational Talent: Thinking about the evolving needs of the organization and encouraging skill and individual development in light of this; fostering and promoting long-term learning to improve organizational and individual capability; focusing on developing skills and capabilities the organization will require in the future.
• Sound Judgement\: The ability to make sound and timely decisions by analyzing and understanding situations and information clearly by carefully examining the details.  Exhibits a sense of urgency where appropriate.

REQUIRED FOR ALL HCAA JOBS

• In the event of an emergency or disaster that impacts the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA), an employee may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee’s department or the HCAA Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Such assignments may be before, during, or after the emergency/disaster.
• Complies with all HCAA Policies, Standard Procedures, Rules and Regulations, and Operating Directives.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Communications, or related field.

• Eight (8) years experience in the public sector or areas related to the legislative process.

• Leadership experience in government or community relations.

• Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. 

• Must possess a valid Florida Driver License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in Political Science, Communications, or related field. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local legislative processes, including relevant laws and regulations that impact aviation operations.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others within and outside the Authority.  

• Ability to handle restricted, sensitive, and confidential information.  

• Ability to represent the Authority with courtesy and professionalism.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Occasional standing and walking  

• Continuous sitting

• Continuous typing 

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority-Tampa International Airport provides equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, political affiliations, marital status, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, membership, or non-membership in an employee organization, or based on personal favoritism or other non-merit factors.

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority-Tampa International Airport welcomes and encourages applications from minorities, veterans, and persons with physical and mental disabilities, and will reasonably accommodate the needs of those persons in the application, testing and hiring process. The decision to grant reasonable accommodation requests will be made case-by-case.