Government Relations Director

DescriptionThe Director of Government Relations leads UTA’s agency-wide strategy across federal, state, and local government, serving as a key advisor to the Board of Trustees and Executive Director while overseeing legislative advocacy, lobbying efforts, and stakeholder engagement. Reporting to the Chief of Board Strategy & Governance and managing a small team, this leader develops and executes strategic government relations plans; analyzes and recommends responses to proposed legislation; maintains high-visibility relationships with elected officials, agencies, and community partners; and collaborates across UTA to ensure aligned, proactive communication of policy positions. The ideal candidate brings strong political acumen, strategic insight, relationship-building skills, and experience navigating complex policy environments with diplomacy, tact, and a commitment to ethical and effective governance.As the Director of Government Relations, you will:Lead UTA’s federal, state, and local government relations strategy, ensuring agency priorities are proactively advanced and clearly represented.Advise the Board of Trustees and Executive Director on legislative issues, providing detailed analysis of proposed policies and strategic recommendations.Oversee all lobbying activities and manage relationships with lobbyists, elected officials, government agencies, and key community partners.Develop and execute comprehensive government relations plans, including communication strategies aligned with UTA’s goals.Maintain high visibility with policymakers and regional partners, cultivating strong, trusted relationships across all levels of government.Manage, mentor, and develop the Government Relations team (two FTEs), ensuring effective coordination and accountability.Minimum Qualifications EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/TRAINING: Five or more years’ experience in planning, public policy, intergovernmental relations, community affairs,legal or related field.Experience analyzing complex and sensitive intergovernmental issues, developing and making recommendations to senior level management, and implementing decisions in regulations and company policies.Experience in government, community affairs, public transit management and policies are strongly preferred.Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, or closely related fields; advanced understanding of public policy preferred.KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: Demonstrated leadership in a business atmosphere, supporting or overseeing crucial strategic projects and initiatives, or in government relations required.Strong project management, strategic analysis, and critical thinking skills required.Demonstrated competency in communicating with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, at all levels, with diplomacy and tact.Strong written communication skills to include writing business communications and reports.Proficiency with computer applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint preferred.Understanding of UTA operational issues preferred. ABILITIES: Political acumen and sensitivity required.Must have a valid Utah driver's license and no more than 4 moving violations in the past three 3 years; cannot have more than 1 violation of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs within the last 10 years.This job requires regular and predictable attendance.Rate of Pay: Starting at $176,200.00 and up dependent on experience.Please Reply by: Open until filled.- OR -An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.[UTA reserves the right to determine the equivalencies of education and experience.]As a full-time Administrative Employee, your Total Rewards Benefits Package will include: Health, dental, vision, life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance (eligible after 30 days of employment), with Flexible Spending and Dependent Care accounts. Choice between Traditional Co-Pay or High Deductible Health Plans for medical coverage. HSA with company match available to employees enrolled in the HDHP. Benefit plans include coverage for domestic partners (eligibility affidavit required for coverage).Onsite Health and Wellness Clinics for medical care at no cost to employees, spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children.22 days of accrued paid time off (13 vacation days and 9 sick days), which increases with tenure at UTA.10 paid holidays and two paid (2) floating holidays per year.Retirement options - Pension Plan with 5-year vesting schedule and 457 Contribution Plan, available for immediate contributions and company matching.Generous tuition reimbursement for higher education, available for any higher education degree (bachelor, master, or PHD). Course of study must be approved prior to enrollment.Training, development, and career advancement opportunities.Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and child placement (after 12 months of employment).Free transit passes for employees, their spouses, and their dependent children.Employee assistance program – includes counseling, legal services, financial planning, etc.UTA Well – a comprehensive wellness program designed to support employees and dependents in their health and wellness goals.Free on-site fitness facilities and discounted membership to VASA Fitness and EoS Fitness.Discounted cell phone plans with T-Mobile.Pet insurance plan options (tailored plan coverage based on pet’s health and needs).For more information on UTA’s Total Rewards benefits package, please visit: * Utah Transit Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer of all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, covered veterans, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants needing an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act for any part of the application process should contact UTA Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io. A minimum of two workdays’ notice prior to the need for the accommodation is required. *Utah Transit Authority is a drug-free workplace, subject to federal drug and alcohol testing regulations under 49 CFR Part40,655, and219. All offers for employment are contingent upon a successful pre-employment drug test. If a pre-employment test returns a non-negative result, an application for employment may be rejected. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing for drug and alcohol use. All safety sensitive employees are subject to random testing for drug and alcohol use. PM21o