Director of Legislative Relations

DAVIDSON TRANSIT ORGANIZATION

Title: Director of Legislative Relations

Purpose: This position is responsible for overseeing the legislative relations for the MTA and RTA service areas, monitoring issues of importance to the organization as well as helping to resolve issues or address requests made by elected officials and their constituents.

Reports to: Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Growth and Development 

Job Functions:

         Legislative Liaison

• Develop relationships with elected officials, including members of the Metro Council and those at the state and federal level representing MTA and RTA jurisdictions; establish relationships with corresponding staff as well
• Communicate and represent MTA and RTA policies to elected officials and bodies
• Make staff aware of issues of importance to the transit industry and specifically the operation and funding of the organization
• Research and disseminate information of importance or impact upon the operation of the MTA and RTA, including laws, resolutions, ordinances or policies
• Relay the positive benefits of transit and issues of importance to both the MTA and RTA to elected officials and their staff
• Address information requests or issues received from elected officials and staff
• Present, testify or represent the MTA or RTA during public meetings or community events, bringing back information to WeGo staff
• Monitor issues of importance to the organization, including person/s and key information relevant to developing strategy or plans to address the issue
• Represent MTA and RTA with organizations such as Tennessee Public Transportation Association, American Public Transit Association, or other organizations with activities including Day on the Hill, legislative conferences and other key events
• Attend regular board meetings of the Nashville & Eastern Railroad Authority and Cheatham County Rail Authority, serving as non-voting liaison to each board
• Organize and develop a Transit Candidate Forum for those candidates seeking to run for Metro Council providing them with an overview of transit, its operations, funding sources, and role in serving the community
• Assist the coordination and onboarding of new members to the RTA Board
• Monitor and report out the election or status of elected officials who will be either serving on the RTA board, or representing the citizens of both the MTA and RTA service area 
• File regular reports with both Council or the Mayor’s Office, including dashboard data, special information requests, and other reporting
   
   

        MTA and RTA program support

• Identify and assist in developing relationships with area businesses, non-profits, and organizations that will further promote transit, employer-based transit benefits, or other services offered by the MTA and RTA
• Work closely and coordinate with other departments in collecting, reviewing and assisting in reporting information to the general public
• Respond to customer and general public phone and email inquiries
• Monitor monthly billings, review invoices, program contracts for terms or conditions and expiration dates, when applicable
• Draft or edit related documents as needed, including memorandums of understanding, contracts, or legislative resolutions
• Help produce and distribute QuickTicket fare media to elected officials
• Oversee, monitor and report monthly on the MTA and RTA Fraud Line
• Help supply statistical or customer information to others in the organization for accurate reporting and promotion of all programs and services
• Make presentations or staff events, as necessary, to promote services, programs or initiatives of the organization

       Public Information 

• Coordinate with and support other departments across the organization in sharing information to better inform and further the role of public transit
• Participate in, and identify appropriate organizational or community events to promote MTA and RTA services
• Represent leadership of the organization at meetings or events, as assigned
• Develop and give public presentations representing the organization or industry, as needed
• Provide information to the MTA and RTA Board of Directors, as requested
• Speak or interact with media, when appropriate 

   Performs Other Duties as Assigned

The principal duties are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job and must be performed unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.  Other responsibilities are those functions, which are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of the job.  This job description does not imply that the above are the only duties assigned to the position.  Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management.

Physical Requirements with or without reasonable accommodations: 

Physical activity includes but is not limited to:  

• Sitting, standing, lifting, reaching, walking, writing, carrying, grasping, holding, clarity of vision, speaking, listening.
• Must be able to operate office equipment, including but not limited to telephone system, keyboard, computer system, printer, copy machine, facsimile machine, calculator, and camera equipment.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to work any schedule, including evenings and weekends on a regular schedule, and work overtime as needed
• Respond to emergency situations (such as reporting to work early/staying late due to bad weather)
• Understand the legislative process at the federal, state and local level
• Understand budgets, general principles of planning, and transit 
• Read schedules, maps, route guides, detour sheets, etc. and interpret information
• Understand and carry out detailed written or verbal instructions
• Perform arithmetic calculations
• Accurately reports figures
• Solve problems
• Speak clearly and distinctly
• Work with little supervision
• Perform repetitive work
• Possess competency in keyboarding
• Practice good customer service skills
• Meet required deadlines
• Maintain effective working relationships with all levels of employees
• Support other departments, as needed
• Maintain confidentiality

Recommended Preparation for Employment:

Bachelor’s degree and/or 7 years of related experience.   Excellent verbal and written communication skills required, including public speaking.  Must acquire knowledge of MTA and RTA services and be familiar with Davidson County and the 9-county region of the RTA.  High level of skill in dealing with the public is required.   Must have a good working knowledge of computer programs. Understanding of federal and state transportation agencies preferred.  

Classification under Fair Labor Standards Act: Exempt