Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a politically savvy self-starter with excellent communication skills to join the Government Affairs Department as a Senior Government Affairs Office (SGAO) in the Orange County region. Under general supervision of the Manager of Government Affairs, the SGAO will be responsible for facilitating SCAG services with member agencies and partner organizations. Additionally, the SGAO will play a crucial role in convening diverse stakeholders and parties, conducting advance work for SCAG board members and executive team members, and implementing public outreach initiatives. This role supports two important agency goals: (1) Advance Southern California’s policy interests and planning priorities through regional, statewide, and national engagement and advocacy; and (2) Provide innovative information and value-added services to enhance member agencies’ planning and operations and promote regional collaboration.
The Government Affairs Department is SCAG’s “boots on the ground,” helping the agency to fulfill state and federal requirements, per SCAG’s designation as the metropolitan planning organization, multi-county transportation planning agency, and council of governments for the region. The SGAO plays a central role in maintaining open lines of communications with SCAG member agencies, elected officials, the planning community, public/private and non-profit stakeholders, and members of the public. The SGAO monitors the activities of SCAG’s members and partner agencies, makes recommendations concerning local issues, conducts advance work for SCAG board members and executive team members, including organizing events and writing talking points. Serving as a key liaison, the SGAO contributes significantly to fostering collaboration and achieving the agency’s goals.
WHO WE ARE
As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered.
SCAG operates as a hybrid organization because we recognize that work can be successfully performed in various locations. Designing a work environment and culture where SCAG’s mission, effectiveness, and collaboration can be more flexibly served demonstrates our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) by supporting work-life balance for our employees, retaining our existing dedicated staff, and increasing access to new talent pools.
As part of our Work@SCAG hybrid approach, employees’ eligibility in the three work models (office, hybrid, remote) will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties. All work models require employees to work from a location based within the SCAG region.
OUR LOCATIONS
In addition to SCAG’s main headquarters in Los Angeles, SCAG has five regional offices in the counties of Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura. The Senior Government Affairs Officer ensures that SCAG maintains close contact with member cities, agencies and stakeholders within the Orange County region. This position is required to report to the Orange County regional office. Travel is required to SCAG's main headquarters periodically, as well as other locations in the SCAG six county region, for work related purposes and during non-traditional work hours.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
MISSION
To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.
VISION
Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.
SCAG CORE VALUES
- Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.
- Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.
- Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.
- Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.
In this role you can expect to
- Act as the primary local liaison for SCAG member agencies and partner organizations and maintain productive relationships with all levels of government, community-based organizations, and related groups in the assigned territory.
- Support the implementation of SCAG’s strategic plans and public engagement objectives.
- Effectively communicate SCAG's policies, plans, and programs through one-on-one discussions, group presentations, and outreach engagements to various organizations, including local governmental agencies, community and interest groups, and state and federal staff.
- Conduct outreach and provide support for engagement efforts related to SCAG’s initiatives and programs.
- Respond to special requests from Regional Council members and members of SCAG’s policy committees.
- Provide staffing support at events and meetings.
- Serve as SCAG's spokesperson and actively participate in meetings of the Regional Council, policy and technical committees, county transportation commissions, council of governments, and other relevant bodies.
- Conduct advance work for SCAG’s elected officials and members of the SCAG executive team, including preparation of memoranda, writing talking points, and organizing events.
- Maintain positive relations with SCAG employees, elected officials, SCAG Partners, and other stakeholders.
- Provide recommendations to enhance SCAG’s relationships, outreach efforts, and overall communication strategy with organizations within the counties.
- Advise SCAG management on critical issues related to SCAG, including necessary actions such as follow-up on meetings, correspondences, research, and reports.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What you'll bring to this role
A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with five years of experience in public affairs and outreach and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.
We’ll be a great match if you also have:
- The ability to create relationships with stakeholders, become knowledgeable about SCAG programs and policies, and staff SCAG leadership.
- Experience working effectively with elected officials, board members, and members of the public.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to draft speeches and presentations.
- Strong knowledge of and established relationships in Orange County.
- Knowledge and awareness of current social, political, and economic trends in Orange County.
- Experience in project management.
- The ability to establish, nurture, and maintain positive and professional working relationships.
- Experience in community relations, outreach, and a deep understanding of community needs and relevant public resources.