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 Relations serves as the primary liaison between the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and federal government entities. This position is responsible for monitoring federal legislative and regulatory developments, informing and educating GMA members on relevant federal policies, advocating for the Association's policy priorities, and leading the staff support for the Federal Policy Council. Additionally, the role involves cultivating and maintaining strategic relationships with federal officials, agencies, and key stakeholders. This is a full-time, in-office exempt position reporting to the Director of Governmental Relations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Manages the Association's federal outreach and advocacy efforts, including coordinating advocacy efforts for GMA's Federal Policy Council; conducting 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.
- Collaborate with the Federal Policy Council to identify and develop annual federal legislative priorities. Facilitate communication between GMA members and their congressional delegations to advocate for municipal concerns.
- 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.
- Partner with NLC federal advocacy staff to align federal policy messaging and initiatives. Prepare support documentation for Georgia city officials seeking NLC leadership roles, and coordinate GMA participation in national events such as the NLC City Summit and Congressional Cities Conference.
- Serve as GMA's principal liaison with the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, arranging annual meetings with that office and establishing ongoing communication regarding White House actions that impact GMA's member cities and being certain GMA's input is provided in that process.
- Build and sustain strategic partnerships with federal agencies to support and advance the interests of Georgia's municipalities.
- Prepare policy briefings, written testimony, and presentations for both internal stakeholders and external audiences, including elected officials and agency representatives.
- Works with the Office of Training and Leadership Development, the Office of Member Services and other departments to develop workshops, seminars, webinars and other training programs to promote efficient operation of municipal government and compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
- Serve as a liaison to city officials, professional associations, state and federal agencies, universities, utilities, consultants, and the public to coordinate activities and share information relevant to GMA's mission.
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.