Legislative Liaison

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION•Jefferson City, MO

11d•$93,180 - $118,692•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for representation of the Department of Conservation on legislative matters before the General Assembly, the Governor’s Office, other federal and state government agencies, and conservation-focused associations and organizations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Political Science, Public Affairs, Public Administration, Public Policy, Communications, Resource Management, Biological Sciences or closely related field.
At least six (6) years of progressively responsible professional experience and/or administrative capacity.
Must maintain a valid, current driver’s license.
Knowledge of principles and practices of administrative functions (outreach and policy).
Knowledge of public relations practices sufficient to support others in understanding and meeting the Department’s mission.
Skills in human resources management principles and practices sufficient to address critical employee relations issues.
Skills in strategic and operational planning and budgeting sufficient to ensure Department-wide focus on the allocation and appropriate use of financial resources.
Knowledge of environmental and natural resources management matters relative to fisheries, forestry, wildlife, outdoor recreation, and enforcement sufficient to ensure continued Department success.
Ability to make independent decisions and act quickly and decisively on the determined course of action.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of all types of groups, Department staff and the public.
Ability to work effectively as a team member and assist in resolving conflicts.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with Department personnel and the general public.
Ability to develop and present programs to individuals and groups.
Holds self and team accountable for safety, conduct, performance, professional development, and public engagement.
Models and upholds the Department’s Code of Conduct, ensuring professional and ethical behavior.
Motivates, coaches, and develops team members to achieve organizational goals and maximize performance.
Applies strategic thinking, planning, budgeting, and conservation business principles to decision-making.
Demonstrates knowledge of Department policies, procedures, and supervisory responsibilities.
Identifies opportunities for improvement, analyzes root causes, and implements effective solutions.
Gives and receives constructive feedback while providing timely coaching and support.
Sets clear SMART objectives, provides resources, and empowers teams to take ownership of results.
Balances operational efficiency with effective staff management to deliver high-quality outcomes.
Collaborates across diverse perspectives, communicates clearly, and fosters a culture of innovation, accountability, organizational values, and talent development.
Demonstrates strategic vision by understanding the long-term direction of the Department and Branch, aligning priorities and values, and communicating a clear path toward achieving program goals.

Responsibilities

Serves as lead liaison with members of the General Assembly and Executive Branch and provides interagency coordination with various federal, state, and non-governmental interest groups on conservation issues.
Works directly with State Legislature on legislative hearings and fiscal issues.
Manages and develops legislative and communication strategies on introduced legislation.
Plans content and development of presentations and materials for legislative committees.
Responds to legislator inquiries for information and assistance on Department programs, services and policies.
Coordinates appropriate responses to inquiries with Department leadership and Branch Chiefs.
Prepares and presents testimony for legislative committee hearings and legislative committees.
Attends legislative hearings and closely tracks legislative floor activity and reviews and tracks bills filed in the General Assembly regarding impacts on Department and conservation programs.
Coordinates Department positions on legislative and public policy matters.
Provides effective communications with elected officials about Department programs and natural resource management.
Assists in obtaining legislative authorization for the Department’s operational and capital improvement bills.
Coordinates with other Deputy Directors and the Chief Financial Officer to develop the annual agency budget that advances priorities of Commission-approved strategic plan.
Organizes special legislative field trips and events focused on increasing the General Assembly’s understanding and support of Department services; performs other duties as assigned.
Employ meaningful measures to solicit and evaluate external input to improve Department processes and accountability.
Monitors and evaluates state and federal regulated activities that have the potential to impact fish, forest and wildlife resources to minimize negative consequences to those resources.
Coordination and relationship building with conservation and agricultural groups, monitor state and federal regulations, coordinate with other branches outside my responsibility.
Public speaking engagements with external partners.