This is highly responsible professional work communicating and advocating for federal legislative initiatives on behalf of Miami-Dade County.

Employees in this class advocate County positions at the federal jurisdictional level. Duties include identifying and prioritizing legislative issues of interest to the County; participating in the planning and coordination of meetings to discuss pending legislation with County officials, delegations to the federal government and related associations with mutual interests; attending County and Congressional hearings; and building and maintaining relationships with local, regional and national committees and leaders for the purpose of communicating and advocating the County's legislative interests. Employees in this class serve as a key legislative correspondent and liaison, ensuring accurate, timely and thorough presentation of the County's policy positions to legislators and their associates. Incumbents exercise considerable independent judgment and discretion in facilitating numerous advocacy activities. General direction is received from the Director, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs who evaluates work for quality of results in the effective promotion of the County's federal legislative interests.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Attends hearings and proceedings and reviews publications, agendas and registers for the purpose of tracking federal legislative activities.

Monitors initiatives, programs, communications, reports and legislation issued by Commissioners, the Mayor, the County Manager and department directors relating to federal legislative matters.

Plans and facilitates meetings with County administrators, Commissioners, and delegations to the federal government to discuss and present the County's position relating to federal legislative matters. Ensures Commissioners or department level officials are placed on the Florida Congressional Delegation's agenda for the purpose of presenting or discussing issues critical to Miami-Dade County.

Prepares and assists in the preparation of testimonies, talking points and leave-behinds for Congressional offices and agencies and for use by parties presenting positions of interest to the County.

Monitors and reports on the performance of the County's lobbyists.

Assists and participates in the planning and coordination of visits to Washington, D.C. by Commissioners, the Mayor, the County Manager or department level officials.

Liaisons with caucuses including members and representation from other large counties and municipalities.

Generates regular and intermittent reports detailing legislative activities and advocacy activities relating to pending legislation.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Thorough knowledge of the federal legislative process.

Considerable knowledge of the principles of public administration.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of lobbying and advocacy, and the interrelationships between governmental entities.

Considerable knowledge of federal programs, laws and regulatory requirements.

Considerable knowledge of the structure, functions and organization of Miami-Dade County government.

Ability to plan, coordinate and facilitate advocacy activities.

Ability to effectively communicate the County's interests before elected and appointed officials.

Ability to conduct research and prepare written reports and analyses.

NEW 9/05