DEPUTY DIRECTOR INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS - External Affairs

About the Department

The Deputy Intergovernmental Affairs Director (DIAD) will be responsible for assisting with the daily functions of the External Affairs department by serving as the County’s senior strategic and operational deputy to the Director of External Affairs, serving as the County’s secondary representative in all government agency interactions. The DIAD operates under the strategic direction of the Director of External Affairs in maximizing opportunities and mitigating threats to County operations. That work includes securing federal and state funding, aiding the passage or defeat of legislation, tracking federal and state legislation, and maintaining a stakeholder network beyond the County that supports all those activities. The DIAD informs County media engagement and communications with relevant policy and political insights to build a more cohesive voice for County operations. The County does not have an incumbent serving in this role.
 

Position Duties

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Monitor legislative activity affecting the County, including bills, committee hearings, budget actions, agency rulemaking and identifies strategic actions for County leadership consideration.
• Conduct research and compiles histories of enacted, amended, and proposed laws relevant to County operations.
• Develop and drafts proposed legislation to advance County objectives.
• Prepare reports, fact sheets, briefing materials, and information packets for County leadership and the Director of External Affairs.
• Provide high-level guidance to the Director of External Affairs and County leadership regarding legislative trends, risks, and emerging issues.
• Co-develops and leads the implementation of legislative strategies with County Administration and the Director of External Affairs.
• Serves as a key point of contact with legislative staff, public agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders outside of the County operational matrix representing the County in high-level intergovernmental discussions.
• Tracks federal and state budget processes and solicits opportunities to obtain funding for the County.
• Leads coordination with statewide and national associations, to ensure strategic alignment.
• Coordinates intergovernmental relations activities and logistics for meetings, events, and legislative sessions.
• Responds to routine inquiries from citizens, businesses, external organizations, and County departments regarding legislative matters.
• Assists in the preparation of materials for collaborations with associations such as the Texas Association of Counties, Conference of Urban Counties, and National Association of Counties.
• Serves as the Deputy Director for intergovernmental matters, supporting continuity of operations when the Director of External Affairs is unavailable.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Excellent customer service and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain extensive networks. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. 
• Must be able to stay organized and know how to prioritize the workload. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Competency with computers and Microsoft Office 365 Suite. 
• Advanced analytical skills.   
• Strong analytical and research skills related to legislative and policy matters.
• Ability to present legislative information clearly and concisely. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment within established guidelines.
• Ability to represent the department in meetings when delegated.
• Knowledge of working with legislative bodies at the state or federal level.
• Advanced knowledge of federal and Texas legislative processes, specifically the appropriations processes and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Political Science, Business, or related social science field. 
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in legislative affairs, public administration, policy analysis, or governmental relations.
• Experience preparing written legislative reports and summaries, drafting legislation and amendments, and other policy-oriented documents.

Preferred Requirements:

• No preferred requirements

Other Qualifications

• While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent may be required to bend, hear, keyboard, sit, stand, talk, work alone and with others, and work overtime. Must be able to lift up to 25lbs. 

Benefits

Tarrant County offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees, retirees, and their families. These programs include group health plans for medical, dental, and vision coverage; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); life and long- term  disability insurance; and flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care reimbursements. The County also provides retirement benefits. Full time employees participate in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS), and employees may also participate in a retirement savings program (Deferred Compensation). In addition to these "basic employee benefits" and retirement services, employees benefit from a variety of other programs including 13 paid holidays, a Wellness Program, and more.

*Note: These benefits are for Tarrant County employees only. For benefit information regarding Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) employees, please contact Patrice Smith at (817) 884-1227.

 

Agency Information

EmployerTarrant CountyAddress 100 E. Weatherford Suite 301

Fort Worth, Texas, 76196-0105 Phone(817) 884-1188
Website http://www.tarrantcountytx.gov