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Government Affairs Specialist

City of Philadelphia
Full-time
On-site
Philadelphia Pennsylvania United States
Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Department of Aviation owns and operates Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE). These airports are operated as commercial businesses to the greatest extent feasible given their ownership by the City. In addition to City regulations, the airports are subject to extensive federal regulations, particularly by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Bureau of Aviation Regulation.

Job Description

Position Summary

This is professional work supporting the Government Affairs Division at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Employees in this class are responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and helping to influence legislative and regulatory activities that impact airport operations, administration, and policy. Work involves supporting the development and implementation of government relations strategies, preparing legislative analyses and written materials, and fostering relationships with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and community partners. Employees work under the direction of the Government Affairs Director and exercise initiative and independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.

Essential Functions

Supports and helps maintain positive relationships with government entities, regulatory bodies, and relevant legislative committees to promote and protect the interests of PHL Airport.
Monitors legislative and regulatory developments at the local, state, and federal levels and assesses potential impacts on Airport operations and policy.
Assists in drafting policy briefs, position papers, correspondence, and testimony in support of the Airport’s legislative and regulatory priorities.
Collaborates with the Government and Regulatory Affairs team to help implement strategies and initiatives that align with laws, regulations, and agency goals.
Tracks legislation and regulations through all stages of the legislative lifecycle, supports impact analysis, and contributes to the development of agency responses.
Prepares regular updates, reports, and summaries for internal stakeholders regarding relevant legislative and regulatory activity.
Helps identify and analyze industry trends, legislative developments, and economic factors affecting airport operations and administration.
Builds and maintains working relationships with carriers, industry associations, and business groups with an interest in the aviation sector.
Participates in cross-departmental collaboration to support policy development, legislative strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
Assists in the coordination of meetings, events, and communications with policymakers, legislative staff, and regulatory officials.
Supports the development and implementation of public policy strategies that advance the Airport’s goals, reduce risk, and create opportunities for growth.
Performs other related duties as assigned by the Director of Government Affairs.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory processes.
Governmental structures and political processes affecting public agencies.
Public policy and legislative research techniques and sources.
Principles and practices of government relations, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.
Current issues and trends in aviation, transportation, and public infrastructure policy.
Principles of effective communication, report writing, and legislative drafting.

Skill in:

Analyzing and interpreting proposed legislation, policies, and regulations.
Conducting research and presenting complex information clearly and concisely.
Drafting correspondence, position papers, fact sheets, and testimony.
Building and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and stakeholders.
Organizing meetings, briefings, and public events with government and community partners.

Ability to:

Monitor and track legislative activities across multiple jurisdictions.
Collaborate with internal and external partners to support agency objectives.
Represent the agency professionally in meetings and public forums.
Work independently and manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality as needed.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public policy, political science, public administration, communications, or a related field.

At least three years of experience performing legislative research, government relations, public policy analysis, or related work in a public agency, legislative office, or advocacy organization.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a resume.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $85,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Generous retirement savings options are available
Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx