Manager, Government Affairs

Job Summary

Anticipated hiring range is between $121,615 - $143,076 depending on qualifications

The Manager, Government Affairs is responsible for the Port's local legislative relations program. This position has primary responsibility as the legislative liaison to Pierce County, the City of Tacoma, and other local governments located in Pierce County. This position also represents the Port and / or provides staff support to commissioners on regional bodies such as the Puget Sound Regional Council and Pierce County Regional Council. The Manager, Government Affairs represents the Port in numerous local community and advocacy organizations as they engage in local government affairs efforts. This position also serves as a liaison with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.

Essential Functions

• Develops and implements the Port’s local legislative program. Identifies and analyzes emerging policy issues. Initiates ongoing internal communication and management of local governmental issues among appropriate Port personnel, Commissioners and outside counsel to achieve the Port’s legislative goals.
• Develops and maintains contacts with local elected officials and staff in Pierce County cities and in Pierce County government. Represents the Port in council and meetings. Responds to legislative and public inquiries regarding impact of legislation on the Port. Provides Port briefings and tours for elected officials and local government staff.
• Represents the Port as staff for the policy committees (e.g. Transportation Policy Board) of the Puget Sound Regional Council and the Pierce County Regional Council. Supports Commission involvement on PSRC and PCRC policy boards and coordinates with port staff who are engaged in the technical committees of both organizations.
• Represents the Port’s local governmental affairs perspective in organizations including : the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, the government affairs committees of suburban chambers of commerce, the Manufacturing Industrial Council for the South Sound and RAMP.
• Develops and maintains contacts with elected officials and staff at the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Supports Commission and Port staff engagement with representatives of the Tribe, to include Tribal Council when directed.
• Prepares briefing materials, talking points and presentations to support Port executives and commissioners to advance the Port’s legislative goals.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in political science, communications, business, public administration, or related field required. An additional four (4) years may be substituted for the degree requirement.

Five (5) years’ professional public policy experience and a strong understanding of the local governments within Pierce County is required.

Demonstrated experience working on issues in the transportation and environmental public policy arena is desirable.

Additional Requirements

This position requires a thorough, working knowledge and understanding of the local legislative and regulatory processes, as well as tribal relationships. Must have operating knowledge of software applications such as Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) and IBM compatible PC equipment is necessary. The ideal candidate must possess relevant legislative experience, superb written and oral communication skills and have the demonstrated ability to perform in a fast-paced work environment. Individual must possess strong written and verbal communication abilities; demonstrate the capability for non-partisan issue advocacy; and exhibit the ability to multi-task in high-pressured situations. The ability to operate as a team player is imperative.

Individual must possess the ability to align with the vision, goals, and constructive culture desired at the Port of Tacoma; demonstrates enthusiasm, vitality and creativity; demonstrates a strong customer service attitude and treats all individuals with courtesy, dignity and respect and actively supports and clearly communicates the goals, objectives and strategies of their individual department and the Port.

This individual must demonstrate a caring customer service attitude, a strong commitment to operational excellence, and dedication to the organization’s core values : Integrity & Transparency; Excellence; Adaptability; Stewardship; Teamwork & Partnerships; and Health & Safety. The Port seeks candidates who will embrace and model these values both internally and externally, and who understand what it means to carry out these values in their everyday work. We value individuals who also bring an impeccable work ethic, honesty, and integrity, and who consistently exhibit enthusiasm, energy, and a drive to succeed.

In accordance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986, all persons offered employment must provide acceptable proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States. Proof will be required prior to employment.

Candidate must be able to successfully complete a background investigation. Candidate must also be able to obtain / maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), which is a program managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Information on this program can be viewed here.

Unless altered by an applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or by a written employment agreement signed by an employee and the Executive Director, the conditions of employment for this position are ‘at-will’, which means that either the Port or an employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason not prohibited by law. No supervisor, manager, or director of the Port, other than Executive Director, has the authority to alter these employment conditions.

THE PORT OF TACOMA IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A WORKPLACE THAT IS FREE FROM ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT. WE ADHERE TO ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS.