Created in 1933, the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) is the only state organization that represents municipal governments in Georgia. Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and technical consulting services to its members.
The Manager of Federal Advocacy and External Relations will serve as a key liaison between GMA and federal government entities and assist in building relationships with various agencies and organizations whose mission impacts the interests of Georgia's cities. The role involves monitoring legislative developments, educating our members on federal policies, advocating for policy positions, being the lead staff person for the Federal Policy Council, and building relationships with government officials and agencies. This is an exempt position that will report to the CEO and Executive Director of the Association.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Manages the Association's federal outreach and advocacy efforts, including coordinating advocacy efforts for GMA's Federal Policy Council; conducting annual and periodic trips to Washington, DC to call on legislative staff and congressional members; and providing issue-specific information to district and DC staff, members of the Federal Policy Council, members of the GMA Board of Directors, and city officials on an ongoing basis.
Works with the GMA Federal Policy Council to develop federal legislative priorities and to communicate with their delegation members to get direct feedback and support on municipal issues.
Works with Congressional District staff throughout the state to support and promote a statewide network of information sharing on municipal issues and priorities, and to encourage congressional staff to participate in GMA meetings and local events around the state.
Works with the National League of Cities' federal advocacy staff to coordinate messaging of municipal priorities and policies with GMA members and the Georgia congressional delegation members and staff; prepares GMA support letters for city officials seeking to serve in NLC leadership positions and on NLC committees; and coordinates with GMA's Conferences and Management Services staff to plan Association caucuses, receptions and other events at the annual NLC City Summit and Congressional Cities Conference.
Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with federal agencies both in Washington, DC and in Region IV offices to advance the interests of our member cities.
Prepares briefings , testimony, and presentations on federal issues for internal and external stakeholders for the CEO and Executive Director, Board of Directors, Federal Policy Council, members and staff of the Georgia congressional delegation and other organizations as appropriate.
Prepares testimony for Association's leadership to deliver at congressional or agency hearings when necessary.
Serves as lead staff to prepare and deliver Municipal Training Institute classes that provide information about Congress, federal agencies and how municipal officials can engage most effectively at the federal level to advocate for municipal priorities.
Represents the Association at meetings and events sponsored by agencies and organizations whose mission intersects the interests of member cities and develops relationships with leaders of such entities. This includes state agencies who administer federal programs and funding, and organizations such as the Georgia and Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
Communicates with city officials, professional associations, state/federal agencies, university officials, utility companies, consultants, outside agencies, the public, and others as needed to coordinate activities and exchange information.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in public administration, urban studies, city planning, or related field (Master's degree preferred); three years of experience involving federal advocacy; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.