Director, Government Affairs

WSSC Water
Laurel, MD

WSSC Water seeks a Director, Government Affairs (Intergovernmental Relations) to assist and advise the Office of the General Manager/CEO on governmental and legislative matters relevant to WSSC Water and serve as the primary contact for government affairs matters. The Director plans, develops and directs activities and services of the Intergovernmental Relations Office (IRO). Serves as the senior legislative professional in developing, analyzing, formulating, lobbying and representing the Commission’s positions and objectives before Maryland’s General Assembly, county governments and other governmental bodies and entities as appropriate.

 Specifically, the Director, Government Affairs:
 

  • Develops comprehensive legislative proposals, strategies and action plans
  • Monitors and reports on various committee sessions and sub-committee work sessions of the Senate and House of Delegates of the Maryland General Assembly, the Prince George’s County and Montgomery County councils, the US House of Representatives and Senate, and other local government bodies as necessary, as well as executive agencies, as appropriate
  • Analyzes the impact of state-wide legislative proposals affecting WSSC Water; obtains comments and prepares WSSC Water policy position recommendations
  • Develops draft legislative positions for consideration by the General Manager/CEO and the Commission
  • Drafts legislative proposals requested by the Commission
  • Prepares comprehensive briefing papers and oral briefings for legislators regarding legislation submitted by or affecting WSSC Water
  • Researches, drafts and lobbies Commission proposals through the state legislatures, Congress and executive branch agencies, as appropriate
  • Testifies before various legislative committees and subcommittees
  • Keeps the Office of the General Manager/CEO and the Commission up-to-date on status of WSSC Water legislation and related legislation
  • Prepares synopses of bills pending in legislative bodies for dissemination to appropriate parties
  • Prepares General Assembly post-session summary to acquaint appropriate officials and individuals with newly adopted legislation
  • Acts as liaison representing the Commission with the Maryland Association of Counties, the Maryland Legislative Council, and other local, regional, and national industry and related organizations
  • Drafts, prepares, presents and supports earmarks and markups for federal and state budget and grant requests
  • Manages staff; administers the Office to fulfill essential functions and achieve organizational objectives

 Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 12+ years’ experience in government affairs that includes experience as a legislative liaison or lobbying experience with a government agency, association or business
  • Experience with legislative analysis and policy development
  • Experience working with elected officials

Preferences:

  • Familiarity with WSSC Water service area
  • Familiarity with the legislative process and government operations in Maryland, specifically in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties