JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS OFFICE, DMVA

JOB CODE: 07651

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible professional work directing the legislative affairs functions in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).

The employee in this job directs, plans, organizes, and coordinates legislative affairs activities for the department. Work involves managing the review and analysis of proposed legislation for its impact on the department; representing the DMVA at legislative committee meetings and hearings; coordinating proposed legislation with the Governor’s Office, the Office of General Counsel, the Governor’s Office of Legislative Affairs, and other state agencies and stakeholders; developing and advocating for legislative proposals regarding federal and state laws affecting the department’s mission, programs, and operations; and serving as the principal adviser to the Adjutant General and other departmental decision makers on federal and state legislative issues. Supervision is exercised over legislative staff. Work is performed with a high degree of independence under the general direction of the Adjutant General and is evaluated through conferences and reports for effectiveness and attainment of goals.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Directs and coordinates the review and development of proposed legislation with department staff, the Governor’s Office, the Office of General Counsel, the Governor’s Office of Legislative Affairs, legislative members and the appropriate committees in the General Assembly, other state agencies, and stakeholders.

• Performs extensive review and interpretation of federal and state legislation and regulations affecting the Pennsylvania National Guard, its installations and facilities throughout the Commonwealth, and state veterans homes, programs, and services.

• Serves as the DMVA’s liaison and advocate with the General Assembly, represents the department at legislative committee meetings, hearings, and briefings, and prepares supporting materials, testimony, and background information for executive leadership.

• Develops recommendations regarding laws and regulatory changes that impact the DMVA’s mission and operations.

• Advises the Adjutant General and executive leadership on legislative matters and provides guidance on a wide variety of complex legislative issues and initiatives.

• Tracks legislation throughout the legislative session and provides briefings and updates to the Adjutant General and executive leadership regarding legislative activity and developments affecting the DMVA.

• Coordinates research and analysis with staff and departmental program offices to develop responses to legislative inquiries, proposed statutory changes, and requests for information from the General Assembly.

• Manages and coordinates responses to constituent inquiries received through the Governor’s Office and legislative offices in conjunction with staff and departmental program offices.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the general legislative process used to establish and modify laws.

• Knowledge of the structure and operations of state government, and its relationship to federal, county, and local governments.

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of legislative research, analysis, and planning.

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective communications and public relations.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to identify and analyze complex legislative issues.

• Ability to read and interpret written information.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Six years of professional experience in legislative development or liaison work that includes two years in an administrative, supervisory, or consultative capacity, and a bachelor’s degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.