Job Description

Director, Government Affairs

The main objective of this position is to direct the development and execution of The Port of Virginia's (the Port) Government Affairs efforts, with a focus on state and local government relations. This position represents the Port's policy positions and upholds its reputation in the state and local government public policy and legislative arenas, and develops and manages state and local government affairs outreach strategies for proactively addressing relevant issues.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains strong, strategic stakeholder relationships and relationships with elected officials, their staffs, committee staffs, agency staffs, and regulators to effectively communicate the goals and initiatives of the Port.
• Conducts research and evaluates and monitors state legislative and local government actions and communicates their impact on the Port and its operations to Port leadership and others as necessary. Identifies and implements necessary actions to mitigate impacts when appropriate.
• Develops and executes against an annual strategic action plan identifying how to leverage elected officials and strategic stakeholder relationships to support the Port's growth and operational efforts and strategic goals.
• Supports development and transportation policy in advocating for land use and transportation projects that further our strategic objectives related to attracting Port Centric Logistics to the Commonwealth and maintaining and expanding transportation and other outside the gate infrastructure to address port needs to move cargo between its terminals and inland markets, including site development, road, rail, and barge.
• Collaborates cross-functionally across the Port to optimize opportunities and ensure coordinated planning, programming, and consistent messaging.
• Collaborates cross-functionally to coordinate visits by state and local elected officials, legislative staff, dignitaries, agency staff, community groups, etc.
• Develops and executes communication strategies catering to different audiences to include policy position papers to advance the Port's mission and vision.
• Coordinates outreach and legislative strategy with supportive stakeholders on state and local public policy and legislative matters and leverage them as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• The Port of Virginia is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week, 365-day-a-year operation, schedule and location may vary based on the needs of the operation.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field required.

Licenses, Certifications, and Credentials

Valid United States Passport; Valid driver's license; Transportation Worker Identification Credential

Work Experience

Ten years of relevant experience required, with some leadership experience preferred.

Skills

Knowledge of Virginia legislative and policy processes - High

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders - High

Ability to lead a project team and to work as a member of project teams - High

Oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills - High

Attention to detail - High

The Port of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, disability or national origin. Selected applicant must be able to pass a pre-employment background check which may include any of the following: Academic record and verification of education and/or certifications; Employment history (including references); Criminal history; Driving record; Fingerprinting; drug and alcohol testing, Fit for duty Physical, Other records or information related to the candidate's suitability for the position. Selected applicant must be able to obtain a TWIC (Transportation Workers Identification Card). The Port of Virginia is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week, 365-day-a-year operation, schedule and location may vary based on the needs of the operation.

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