Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
Government Affairs Manager
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, Riverside, California, United States, 92504
Overview
Come join VTA’s Government Affairs team as we shape the future of transportation policy – where impactful leadership meets transportation innovation! This role is pivotal in building the future of our regional transportation framework. Apply today! What You'll Be Doing
Under the general administrative direction of the Chief of Government Affairs, the Government Affairs Manager serves as the VTA policy advocate and liaison with regional Joint Powers Boards, other regional transit operators, rail advocacy groups and private and public sector interest groups on national and regional rail transit issues; may serve as senior staff liaison to the special committees appointed by the Board or the General Manager; manages and provides senior staff support to members of the Board of Directors, other local elected officials and their staff on regional and national issues; and fully executes special projects, which often include sensitive ramifications, as directed by the Chief of Staff and General Manager. Distinguishing Characteristics This management position routinely provides special research and/or assistance to the General Manager on matters relating to regional and national organizations which impact VTA; develops policy recommendations; authors policy text and interagency agreements; evaluates plans and programs of other agencies; and serves as senior VTA liaison to designated organizations. Ideal Candidate
Policy and Advocacy Expertise
- Extensive experience in transportation policy, program analysis, and intergovernmental advocacy, ideally in a large transit agency. Skilled in evaluating complex policies and crafting strategic responses. Legislative & Interagency Relations
- Strong understanding of Regional Transit Transportation Agency (e.g., Caltrain, MTC, Capitol Corridor) and interagency coordination. Proven ability to collaborate with elected officials, board members, and senior government staff. Strategic & Political Acumen
- Adept at anticipating policy and political challenges and leading strategic, organization-wide responses. Politically savvy with strong diplomatic skills. Leadership & Team Management
- Experienced in supervising multidisciplinary teams, providing coaching, evaluations, and development. Effective at driving alignment with executive priorities. Communication & Presentation
- Excellent writer and speaker, with experience drafting policy briefs and delivering presentations to boards, elected officials, and public forums. Project & Committee Leadership
- Skilled in leading cross-functional groups and advancing strategic initiatives through interagency committees and working groups. About VTA
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County’s authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participating as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express. As the county’s congestion management agency, VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development. VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County. As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services. For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP) The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families. Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance. Employment Standards
Sufficient education and increasingly responsible administrative and supervisory experience in transportation policy and program advocacy and analysis that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Development of the required skills, knowledge, and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to a four year degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, urban planning, political science, or a related field and extensive increasingly responsible experience in transportation policy and program analysis and advocacy, intergovernmental relations, or a similar capacity. Attainment of experience in a large public transportation organization or other agency involved in transportation issues is required. Knowledge of
Principles, practices and trends of public administration and intergovernmental relations; Transportation policies, planning, governmental institutional framework, funding processes, services, functions, legislative issues, and other activities; Public administration and planning analysis techniques at the program and political level; Principles of report writing and presentation; State, federal, and local governing laws and processes; Principles and practices of supervision, organization, and personnel management. Ability to
Analyze and interpret difficult policy, program and planning issues and ensure accurate presentation; Speak effectively before governmental and other public bodies; Prepare clear and concise reports; Direct and evaluate policy and program efforts to achieve the goals and objectives of the Board; Investigate, analyze, evaluate, and recommend solutions to complex policy, intergovernmental relations, budgetary, and administrative problems; Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing; Take initiative, reason logically and be creative in developing and introducing new ideas; Define problem areas and evaluate, recommend and implement alternative solutions to complex issues and problems; Deal effectively with a wide variety of community and government officials; Select, supervise, train, motivate, assign, evaluate, counsel and discipline staff; Prepare and control a budget. General Application Instructions
Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference. To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as “continuous,” we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation. Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application. Communication & Contact Information
All updates regarding your application—including notices for testing and interviews—will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays. Application Review & Processing
All current and prior relevant work experience—including experience with VTA—must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as “see resume” are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications. While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position. Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA. Tentative Examinations
Oral Panel: Mid to late October Conditions of Employment
Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, FBI (if applicable), reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment. Classification Bargaining Unit: Non-Represented Eligibility List The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email Personnel@vta.org at least five business days before the test. Equal Employment Opportunity
VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.
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Come join VTA’s Government Affairs team as we shape the future of transportation policy – where impactful leadership meets transportation innovation! This role is pivotal in building the future of our regional transportation framework. Apply today! What You'll Be Doing
Under the general administrative direction of the Chief of Government Affairs, the Government Affairs Manager serves as the VTA policy advocate and liaison with regional Joint Powers Boards, other regional transit operators, rail advocacy groups and private and public sector interest groups on national and regional rail transit issues; may serve as senior staff liaison to the special committees appointed by the Board or the General Manager; manages and provides senior staff support to members of the Board of Directors, other local elected officials and their staff on regional and national issues; and fully executes special projects, which often include sensitive ramifications, as directed by the Chief of Staff and General Manager. Distinguishing Characteristics This management position routinely provides special research and/or assistance to the General Manager on matters relating to regional and national organizations which impact VTA; develops policy recommendations; authors policy text and interagency agreements; evaluates plans and programs of other agencies; and serves as senior VTA liaison to designated organizations. Ideal Candidate
Policy and Advocacy Expertise
- Extensive experience in transportation policy, program analysis, and intergovernmental advocacy, ideally in a large transit agency. Skilled in evaluating complex policies and crafting strategic responses. Legislative & Interagency Relations
- Strong understanding of Regional Transit Transportation Agency (e.g., Caltrain, MTC, Capitol Corridor) and interagency coordination. Proven ability to collaborate with elected officials, board members, and senior government staff. Strategic & Political Acumen
- Adept at anticipating policy and political challenges and leading strategic, organization-wide responses. Politically savvy with strong diplomatic skills. Leadership & Team Management
- Experienced in supervising multidisciplinary teams, providing coaching, evaluations, and development. Effective at driving alignment with executive priorities. Communication & Presentation
- Excellent writer and speaker, with experience drafting policy briefs and delivering presentations to boards, elected officials, and public forums. Project & Committee Leadership
- Skilled in leading cross-functional groups and advancing strategic initiatives through interagency committees and working groups. About VTA
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County’s authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participating as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express. As the county’s congestion management agency, VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development. VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County. As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services. For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP) The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families. Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance. Employment Standards
Sufficient education and increasingly responsible administrative and supervisory experience in transportation policy and program advocacy and analysis that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Development of the required skills, knowledge, and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to a four year degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, urban planning, political science, or a related field and extensive increasingly responsible experience in transportation policy and program analysis and advocacy, intergovernmental relations, or a similar capacity. Attainment of experience in a large public transportation organization or other agency involved in transportation issues is required. Knowledge of
Principles, practices and trends of public administration and intergovernmental relations; Transportation policies, planning, governmental institutional framework, funding processes, services, functions, legislative issues, and other activities; Public administration and planning analysis techniques at the program and political level; Principles of report writing and presentation; State, federal, and local governing laws and processes; Principles and practices of supervision, organization, and personnel management. Ability to
Analyze and interpret difficult policy, program and planning issues and ensure accurate presentation; Speak effectively before governmental and other public bodies; Prepare clear and concise reports; Direct and evaluate policy and program efforts to achieve the goals and objectives of the Board; Investigate, analyze, evaluate, and recommend solutions to complex policy, intergovernmental relations, budgetary, and administrative problems; Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing; Take initiative, reason logically and be creative in developing and introducing new ideas; Define problem areas and evaluate, recommend and implement alternative solutions to complex issues and problems; Deal effectively with a wide variety of community and government officials; Select, supervise, train, motivate, assign, evaluate, counsel and discipline staff; Prepare and control a budget. General Application Instructions
Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference. To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as “continuous,” we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation. Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application. Communication & Contact Information
All updates regarding your application—including notices for testing and interviews—will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays. Application Review & Processing
All current and prior relevant work experience—including experience with VTA—must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as “see resume” are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications. While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position. Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA. Tentative Examinations
Oral Panel: Mid to late October Conditions of Employment
Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, FBI (if applicable), reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment. Classification Bargaining Unit: Non-Represented Eligibility List The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email Personnel@vta.org at least five business days before the test. Equal Employment Opportunity
VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.
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