Government Relations Specialist

The Government Relations Specialist serves a critical role in building and maintaining intergovernmental partnerships at all levels, coordinating advocacy efforts, and engaging stakeholders in the implementation of the strategic objectives and priorities of Johnston County. The Government Relations Specialist serves as a member of the County Administration team and will collaborate closely with the County Manager and County Attorney on legislative strategy and complex policy issues, plans, and projects.

Duties and Responsibilities Intergovernmental Advocacy and Relations

Serve as the primary point of contact for intergovernmental relations with federal, state, and local government officials and agencies

Advocate for local government priorities through direct engagement with elected officials, legislative staff, and executive agency personnel

Monitor and analyze federal and state legislation, regulations, and policy developments that impact local government operations and interests

Develop and implement advocacy strategies to advance organizational goals and local interests

Coordinate testimony, written comments, and position statements on legislative and regulatory matters

Build and maintain strategic relationships with government officials, staff, and key decision-makers

Regional Partnerships and Collaboration

Identify, develop, and leverage regional partnerships to advance shared goals and maximize resources

Represent the County in regional coalitions, associations, and collaborative initiatives

Coordinate joint advocacy efforts and policy positions with partner jurisdictions and organizations

Facilitate information sharing and best practice exchanges with regional partners

Stakeholder Engagement

Design and implement comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies for key initiatives and policy priorities

Organize and facilitate meetings, briefings, and forums with community leaders, business partners, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders

Manage stakeholder feedback processes and ensure concerns are appropriately addressed

Strategic Implementation Support

Support the implementation of board strategic objectives through external engagement and partnership development

Coordinate cross-departmental efforts to advance strategic priorities requiring external support or collaboration

Track progress on strategic initiatives and provide regular updates to leadership

Identify opportunities to align intergovernmental and external affairs activities with strategic goals

Communications and Reporting

Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and reports for elected officials and senior leadership

Communicate organizational positions and priorities to external audiences

Maintain accurate records of advocacy activities, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development

Provide regular reports on intergovernmental relations activities and outcomes

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local government structures, processes, and legislative procedures

Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with government officials and diverse stakeholders at all levels, internally and externally

Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess policy implications and develop strategic responses

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing policy documents and presentations

Experience presenting complex strategies to internal and external stakeholders and managing complex stakeholder processes

Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines

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