Government Relations Program Manager

City of Sparks•City of Sparks, NV

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Aside from working for a City team that is dedicated to their community, the position requires that the person selected work standard business hours, however, the selected person must be able to maintain flexibility to work outside normal business hours including evenings, weekends and to be available for urgent issues. The selected candidate must be able to attend legislative sessions, hearings and other meetings in-person, which may require travel offsite and to the state capital, federal agencies, or other locations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Business, Law, or a related field AND a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, legislative or regulatory affairs, public policy, or related field; OR An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
A valid Nevada Class C driver’s license or equivalent is required at time of hire and must be maintained throughout employment.
Strong analytical skills: ability to interpret complex legislation/regulations and anticipate outcomes and risks.
Excellent written and verbal communication: preparing testimony, policy briefs, and public speaking.
Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills: building relationships with elected officials, other City departments, outside agencies, and community stakeholders.
Project management: ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple initiatives independently.
Strategic thinking: long-term planning, horizon scanning, and responding proactively to policy environments.
Ethical conduct, discretion, integrity; ability to maintain confidentiality when necessary.
Access to information and maintain confidentiality with sensitive and confidential information.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of legislative, statutory, and regulatory processes at state and federal levels.
Knowledge of municipal government operations, public policy, budgeting, land use, infrastructure, and environmental regulation.
Knowledge of economic development policy and funding mechanisms.
Knowledge of research, policy evaluation, and analysis techniques.

Responsibilities

Monitor, evaluate, and analyze proposed and existing state and federal legislation, rulemaking, and judicial decisions affecting City operations, finances, infrastructure, land use, public safety, environment, and quality of life.
Prepare policy analyses, issue briefs, recommendations, talking points, testimony, correspondence, and other materials articulating the City’s positions.
Develop, recommend, and lead implementation of the City’s legislative agenda and regulatory priorities aligned with strategic goals.
Serve as the primary liaison with state and federal elected officials, legislative staff, regulatory agencies, neighboring jurisdictions, and regional partners.
Represent the City in intergovernmental committees, task forces, regional coalitions, or partnerships, advocating for or coordinating on shared issues.
Engage with community groups, business stakeholders, nonprofits, and private sector entities to build consensus, gather input, and inform City policy.
Develop and maintain a work plan for legislative and regulatory initiatives, tracking deadlines, priorities, performance metrics, contacts, and outcomes.
Advise executive leadership and elected officials on policy trends, risks, and opportunities; anticipate potential impacts.
Prepare regular updates to City leadership, City Council, and other stakeholders on legislative/regulatory developments and advocacy progress.
Proactively engage with other departments regarding legislative or regulatory issues and developments affecting their work.
Coordinate with economic development agencies on activities, regulations, and legislation that support business attraction, retention, expansion, infrastructure, and workforce development.
Occasionally work outside normal business hours (evenings, weekends) during legislative sessions or for urgent issues; travel to state capital, federal agencies, or other locations may be required.