What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Governmental Affairs position at Georgia Ports Authority?
JOB INFORMATION:
Job Title: Vice President of Governmental Affairs
Department(s): 5061 - Administration
Location(s): Garden City Terminal
FLSA Status: Exempt
JOB OVERVIEW:
Under the supervision of the President, the Vice President of Governmental Affairs establishes and manages the legislative program of the Authority. Monitors legislation and legislative issues affecting the Authority at the local, state, and federal levels. Develops position statements, correspondence, and testimony in connection with legislative and regulatory issues. Represents GPA before lawmakers, government agencies, and political stakeholders. Serves as legislative liaison and supports the legislative and community outreach efforts for Authority board and executive staff members. Coordinates responsibilities regarding Waterway development projects. Serves as a visible and respected voice representing GPA's interests and contributions.
Upholds the values of the GPA to promote Safety, Integrity, Respect, Community, Creativity and Opportunity. Promotes a safe work environment by participating in safety initiatives and reporting unsafe conditions and behaviors.
JOB DUTIES:
- Establishes, manages, and coordinates the legislative program of the Authority.
- Identifies and monitors legislative issues affecting the Authority and reports on the progress of pertinent legislation at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Coordinates the development of legislative and community outreach initiatives.
- Coordinates Authority responsibilities and serves as staff liaison to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project and related waterway programs.
- Attends and participates in, as necessary or as directed, committee hearings, public hearings, and briefings concerning proposed legislation.
- Establishes and maintains a legislative tracking system and provides periodic status reports to senior staff and Authority members as required.
- Develops a strategy and program of work for each specific piece of legislation to achieve necessary modification prior to passage.
- Demonstrated success influencing public policy and securing governmental support at the state and/or federal level.
- Prepares position statements, correspondence, and testimony in connection with legislative issues affecting the Authority.
- Maintains an ongoing program of regular contact and establishes a cooperative working relationship between the Authority and legislators, legislative and administrative staffs, and public agencies having jurisdiction over the affairs and activities of the Authority.
- Conducts periodic briefings for senior staff and Authority members regarding legislative matters.
- Executive presence, sound judgement, and the ability to advise senior leaders in a complex, high-profile environment.
- Performs research to develop background on particular legislation or legislative initiatives.
- Conducts tours and briefings for legislators, legislative aides, government officials, and the public.
- Participates in departmental activities as directed.
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Complies with all policies and standards
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively and professionally with the GPA staff on all levels as well as members of the shipping industry and the general public.
- Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills required.
- Good judgment and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and cooperatively to achieve objectives.
- Good organizing skills and ability to effectively overcome frequent interruptions.
Experience
- 10 years Working with the legislative process at the local, state or federal level Required
- 4-6 years Leadership Experience Preferred
Education
- Required Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, or related field
- Preferred Master's Degree
Licenses & Certifications
- TWIC - Transportation Worker Identification Credential Required
- Driver's License - Valid state driver's license Required
Note: This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, job requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require the performance of different or additional tasks. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, an without direct threat to the health or safety of others.
Revised: 10/14/2026
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