Under administrative direction from the County Administrator, the Government Relations Administrator position manages government affairs programs for the Baldwin County Commission to ensure the County’s interests are represented at the local, regional, state, and national level. In addition, this position promotes the strategies developed to carry-out the mission and vision of the Baldwin County Commission; and performs related work as required.
This position requires driving as an essential function of the position. For Baldwin County driving requirements, please see the following link: Driver Qualifications. Successful applicants must be at least 20 years old, insurable by the County’s insurance carrier, pass a criminal and motor vehicle background check and will be subject to a pre-employment drug test and physical.1. Develop and maintain contacts with legislators, elected officials, representatives of other governmental agencies, and other lobbyists related to the County's legislative and intergovernmental objectives.
2. Function as the County’s advocate on issues of legislative concern which includes consulting with contract lobbyists, County departments, and other government agencies seeking input from appropriate County staff and providing information to management, the County Commissioners and to Legislators.
3. Monitor proposed legislative issues, bills, resolutions, ordinances, and meetings at the local, regional, state, and federal level; analyze potential impact on the County’s operations and strategic goals and alert appropriate staff of potential changes; request input from a variety of sources.
4. Promotes externally and internally the County’s strategic plan including communicating the progress of meeting established goals and objectives.
5. Develop strategies to advocate, to communicate and to educate diverse audiences to understand the County’s position on various issues and strategies to carry-out the mission and vision of the County Commission across multiple platforms, especially social media.
6. Assisting Commission members with preparing for and/or participating in interacting with various forms of media.
7. Conduct research, collect data, analyze findings, prepare recommendations, and facilitate meetings/workshops in support of assigned government affairs; assist in formulating the County’s position on issues, and articulate the County’s position.
8. Prepare complex technical reports which communicate goals, objectives, priorities, policies, workflow designs, and procedures that have department or county-wide impacts; summarize and report results, findings, and recommendations.
9. Periodically attend meetings of city councils, boards and commissions, legislative committees, advisory committees, government agencies, and other special interest groups.
- Bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, business administration or a closely related field AND five (5) years of experience in government affairs/relations, or as a management or policy analyst in a professional or government advocacy role related to local, state, or federal legislative issues, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable by Baldwin County’s insurance standards.
Other Characteristics- Willing to travel for the purposes of professional development, meetings and as needed for Baldwin County Commission priorities.
- Willing to work overtime as required and maintain a presence at the Baldwin County Emergency Operations Center as directed during an emergency event/activation.
(Any item with an asterisk will be taught on the job.)- Knowledge of policies, practices, and procedures of Baldwin County including the Board of County Commissioners and other governing boards, organizational structure of Baldwin County government and operations, and services in relation to other governments, agencies, community organizations and citizen groups.
- Knowledge of policies and procedures of the Alabama Legislature regarding lobbying and attendance at legislative sessions, processes, and hearings.
- Ability to formulate goals, objectives, strategies, and action plans.
- Ability to develop and utilize research material, spreadsheets, graphics, databases, and other computer applications to assist with analytical studies, reports, and projects.
- Ability to interpret and apply statutes, codes, regulations, and policies pertaining to state and local governments.
- Ability to analyze complex issues, evaluate alternatives and make recommendations.
- Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
- Ability and skills to compile and analyze data. Prepare clear, concise, and accurate analytical and statistical reports.
- Ability and skills to communicate effectively, prepare and present clear, concise, and accurate statements and reports; be articulate and speak with confidence; make visual and oral presentations; tailor the message to the intended audience.
- Ability to conduct in a professional manner in professional and social settings, especially when representing the County Commission.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective, cooperative, and productive working relationships with those contacted during work including the media, elected and appointed officials, management, County staff, citizen groups and advisory boards, the general public and others contacted.
- Ability and skills to understand communications across multiple platforms including social media.
- Working knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
- Knowledge of computer software specific to the assigned department/division.