Government Relations Assistant

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; full-benefits; partial teleworking schedule may be available in accordance with Division policies.

Working in the Frederick County Government Office of the County Executive, this professional position will be responsible for monitoring the legislative process for state or local government. Supervision is received from the Director of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships. This position is appointed and serves at the pleasure of the Frederick County Executive.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

Total Compensation Package

Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Vesting after 5 years of service
• Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
  

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

• Assist with briefings, testimony, memos, staff reports, letter correspondence, and other documents
• Monitor all County Council meetings and provide summaries of each legislative day and workshop
• Conduct policy and legislative research and compile and analyze information
• Assist with the management of relationships with municipal officials
• Aid the Director in developing advocacy materials for legislative priorities
• Attend County and municipal government related meetings with or on behalf of the County Executive
• Identify relevant government issues and trends including analyzing a range of proposed local legislation, regulation and polices to determine how it will impact county government
• Organize the Quarterly County Executive/Mayors/Burgesses Meeting
• Research and provide information and assistance regarding Government Relations programs and projects; receive and respond to concerns and questions; review issues and recommend corrective actions to the Director
• Summarize proposed legislation and its effect on current law, and other policy implications
• Attend meetings related to the legislative process and represent the GR Team in project oversight
• Monitor County workgroups and meetings of County Boards and Commissions; inform the Director of relevant information and agenda items
• Support the Director in managing relationships with advocates and external partners
• Perform other duties as assigned
  
  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Bachelor’s degree in Government, Political Science, Public Policy or a related field
• Some experience (paid or unpaid internships or volunteer experience may be considered) in governmental relations or the legislative process
• Beginner skills in Microsoft 365
• Possession of a valid automobile operator’s license
• NOTE: A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered towards the overall requirements
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Ability to accurately compile, analyze and prepare statistical data and reports
• Ability to maintain awareness of legislative trends and development through independent research
• Strong clerical and record-keeping skills, including the ability to accurately perform basic math and financial functions
• Ability to work with sensitive information and use good judgment to maintain appropriate confidentiality
• Ability to apply critical thinking skills in analyzing data, trends, and patterns to spot problems and interpret their significance
• Ability to effectively access and utilize Microsoft 365, e-mail, spreadsheet and other systems and equipment, and to learn new software as it is required
• Ability to effectively organize work, and determine priorities, including the ability to make decisions and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
• Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal government organization and legislative processes as well as pertinent law, ordinances, statutes and regulations
• Ability to conduct legal research, perform analysis and use logical reasoning in developing legislation
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills including the ability to clearly explain policies and procedures
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, boards/commissions, community groups, state officials, local leadership teams, co-workers, and the general public
  
  

Preference May Be Given For

• Experience working in a local or state government
• Experience drafting legislative briefings
• Experience preparing testimony for elected officials or leadership
• Experience conducting legislative or policy research
• Experience liaising with elected officials
  
  

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit, walk and drive; occasionally lift up to 20 pounds, push up to 40 pounds, reach and perform repetitive motions; and rarely climb
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors; and rarely work outdoors and walk on uneven ground
• Available for varied evening and weekend work hours to accommodate meetings, special events, etc.
• Ability to provide own transportation to meetings, etc.
  
  

KIND OF EXAMINATION (may Include)

• An evaluation of training and qualifications
• One or more interviews