Governmental Relations Associate

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.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The purpose of this position is to assist in developing, advocating and implementing the Association’s legislative policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Identifies, analyzes and develops recommendations for the Association on state and federal policy issues which affect municipalities.

Monitors state legislation, regulations and laws and communicate with GMA members with emphasis on revenue and finance issues.

Testifies before legislative committees and state boards advocating on behalf of the Association.

Serves as registered lobbyist for the association at the Georgia General Assembly; attends committee meetings and legislative sessions; confers with local officials and state legislators regarding the Association’s legislative program; lobbies for the passage or defeat of legislative bills and amendments.

Responds to inquiries from GMA member cities’ officials regarding state and federal issues and other legislative matters.

Represents GMA at meetings, workshops and conferences; makes presentations on legislative issues and GMA activities.

Confers with National League of Cities and other state municipal leagues regarding local government policy issues.

Assists in planning and developing the Association’s policy development process.

Assists in convening Association policy committees to obtain input on Association’s annual legislative priorities.

Provides staff support to at least one of GMA’s policy committees and assists in providing staff support to other policy committees as needed.

Writes, prepares, or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, legislative analyses, legislative policies, policy statements, lobbyist reports, or other documents; drafts reports, guides and other documents for use by GMA officials.

Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, proposed legislative policies, policy research reports, proposed legislation, policy statements, laws, regulations, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Maintains working relationships with State agencies and advocacy organizations to ensure that the interests of cities are represented as regulations, programs and policies are developed.

Plans, organizes and conducts various sessions/activities at GMA’s annual conference.

Assists in developing, coordinating and participating in training sessions for municipal government officials.

Maintains a current knowledge of pertinent issues/policies and applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; conducts research and reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Reviews and proofreads various articles, reports, and correspondence.

Performs miscellaneous tasks, which may include copying documents or filing documentation.

Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, or related field required; three years of experience in public policy analysis or governmental affairs, preferably in local government or a related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.