Director, Government & Community Affairs

The Director, Government and Community Affairs (GCA) reports to the Caltrain Chief of Staff and is responsible for the strategic development and management of government and community relations for Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain). The Director of GCA oversees and provides directions to the Managers of Caltrain Government and Community Affairs, Caltrain External Affairs Manager and any other dedicated Caltrain GCA staff.

• Advise the Chief of Staff and Caltrain Executive Team on legislative strategies. Formulate responses to policy proposals and regulatory developments. 
• Direct agency state and federal advocacy programs and political representatives. 
• Develop and implement community outreach for planning, capital projects and operations. 
• Liaison with regional, state, and federal political representatives and their staff, and various local, regional, state, and national advocacy agencies, organizations, associations, and committees 
• Supervise staff. Hire, mentor, and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed. Participate in selection of staff. Coordinate staff training and professional development. Establish performance objectives. Monitor and evaluate employee performance.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Prepare state and federal legislative programs and strategies for addressing regulatory issues. Plan and oversee implementation of the overall strategic communications with federal, state, regional and local government officials and staff, key community members and groups and other stakeholders. 
• Manage legislative consultants. Monitor legislative activities that pertain to relevant issues and report progress regularly to the Boards of Directors and Executive staff. 
• Make presentations to the agency boards and provide briefings as necessary. 
• Develop and oversee community outreach strategies for planning, capital, and operations projects. 
• Develop strong and effective relationships with Deputy Chiefs, Directors, and Managers in other divisions to advance agency goals and projects. 
• Manage outreach consultants. Communicate and advocate with community leaders and partners. Attend and make presentations to civic and community groups. 
• Collaborate with directors and staff within the Communications Division to incorporate the dissemination of messages and materials using conventional media, social media, and other mass communication to support the agency's policy, project, and strategic planning objectives. 
• Evaluate job performance of staff including professional development through the identification of on-the-job training and other professional development opportunities. 
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one’s self, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Policy, or related area. 
• Seven (7) years progressive experience in public policy, government affairs, or community relations. 
• Three (3) years of management experience. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.