Director of Government Affairs en Ben Franklin Transit, WA
Ben Franklin Transit, WA · Richland, Estados Unidos De América · Onsite
- Senior
- Oficina en Richland
About the Department
** REVIEW OF APPLICANTS 10/6/25**
Position Range: $124,428 - $172,238.
Hiring Range: $133,990 - $157,895.
Most applicants’ offers will fall within this hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role’s needs.
OUR MISSION
Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) provides exceptional and cost-effective transportation services that consistently exceed customer expectations while promoting the principles and practices of livable communities and sustainable development.
OUR VALUES
We value customer service, collaboration, diversity, fiscal accountability, innovation, sustainability and safety. Employees and representatives of BFT are expected to uphold our values and mission.
NATURE OF POSITION
The Director of Government Affairs is responsible for developing and executing the agency’s legislative strategy and intergovernmental relations across local, regional, state, and federal levels. This position serves as the primary liaison between the transit agency and elected officials, public agencies, and legislative bodies, advancing the agency’s priorities through effective advocacy, coalition building, and strategic communication.
The Director of Government Affairs ensures that public policy supports accessible, equitable, and sustainable transit systems across Washington State. This role champions collaboration, strengthens governmental partnerships, and aligns legislation and funding efforts with the agency’s mission and strategic goals.
Position Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and lead the agency’s legislative agenda at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Monitor, analyze, and respond to proposed legislation, regulations, and policies affecting public transit.
- Advocate for funding opportunities and legislative support to enhance agency operations, infrastructure, and innovation.
- Draft position statements, and policy briefs; provide expert advice to executive leadership and the Board on legislative activity.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, and government agencies.
- Represent the agency in regional transportation planning forums, statewide transit coalitions, and interagency task forces.
- Coordinate with peer agencies and associations (e.g., Washington State Transit Association, APTA, etc.) to align efforts on shared priorities.
- Collaborate with communications, planning, and executive teams to ensure unified messaging and transparency on legislative issues.
- Organize legislative briefings, public affairs campaigns, and advocacy days to educate and engage stakeholders.
- Serve as a public spokesperson on legislative and policy issues as needed.
- Lead a team of government relations and policy professionals, providing strategic direction, mentorship, and oversight.
- Advise the CEO, Board, and executive leadership team on political and regulatory developments.
- Integrate government affairs with agency-wide strategic initiatives, including equity, environmental stewardship, and regional mobility.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Excellent written and oral communication.
- Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize competing deadlines.
- Teamwork, collaboration, and punctuality.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s or JD preferred).
- 8–10+ years of progressive experience in government relations, public policy, or legislative advocacy, preferably in transportation, infrastructure, or public sector environments.
- Proven ability to build bipartisan relationships and navigate complex political landscapes.
- Strong understanding of equity, accessibility, and inclusion in public services.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and persuasive writing.
Other Qualifications
- Collaboration: Shares time and knowledge with others; adjusts priorities as circumstances dictate; follows through on commitments, accepts responsibility for actions, resolves interpersonal conflicts constructively.
- Diversity: Demonstrates an awareness and respect of cultural and individual values. Treats all people with dignity, courtesy and respect.
- Fiscal Accountability: Actively contributes to the productivity of the agency; demonstrates good stewardship of company time and resources; displays high standards of ethical conduct.
- Customer Service: Anticipates the needs of internal and external customers; delivers quality work products and services within expected timeframes. Considers and responds appropriately to people in various situations.
- Innovation: Considers new approaches to situations; encourages ideas and improvements.
- Sustainability: Actively encourages environmental benefits and the conservation of natural resources.
- Safety: Adheres to safety related laws, regulations, standards, and practices; performs work in a safe manner; encourages and supports others to be safe while at work.
BFT IS AN EEO EMPLOYER
