Director Governor's Pittsburgh Office

THE POSITION

Are you interested in publicly representing the Office of the Governer throughout the state of Pennsylvania? We are seeking a dedicated professional with extensive experience in handling public affairs to serve as the Southwest Region Director. This position is responsible for representing the Office of Governor Josh Shapiro within a 13-county region comprising of urban, suburban, and rural counties. As a member of the Public Affairs team, this role reports to the Director of Public Affairs and Marketing, and works closely with the Governor's Senior Staff, Advance team, Office of External Affairs, Communications Office, Policy Office, and other high-level groups.

This position is based in Pittsburgh with consistent travel throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. Occasional travel to Harrisburg and other parts of the Commonwealth will also be required.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

In this role, the Director's responsibilities include:

• Representing the Office of the Governor at events such as meetings, celebrations, tours, and speaking engagements.
• Conducting strategic outreach to - and serving as a consistent liaison with - all regional public and private sector stakeholders, including (but not limited to):
  • Government officials and appropriate government affairs representatives
  • Corporations and businesses entities
  • Nonprofits, community development groups, granting organizations, service entities, and philanthropies
  • Educational institutions, CTCs, school districts, and intermediate units
  • Healthcare networks and first responders
  • Workforce development and economic development partners
  • Chambers of commerce and trade associations

Leading the planning, advance, build, staffing, and management of all regional events attended by the Governor, such as:

• Tours and visits
• Press conferences
• Bill signing ceremonies
• Community roundtables
• Stakeholder meetings

Developing and presenting policy briefs, event memos, engagement plans, and funding recommendations to agency and department leadership, Public Affairs Director, Chief of Staff, and Governor.

Connecting stakeholders to Commonwealth services, grant and financial programs and trainings, and relevant agency events.

Liaising with all state agency, office, and commission personnel, and serving as a point of contact for municipal, state, and federal staff in-region.

Reviewing and escalating constituent service requests and suggestions for correspondence and proclamations.

Monitoring regional developments and serving as point for local issues, concerns, policy needs, and topics of interest.

Identifying local validators to amplify Commonwealth messaging and assisting Communications and Digital Offices in outreach projects.

Identifying prospective Commonwealth Board and Commission members in partnership with the Office of External Affairs.

Maintaining complete and accurate contact lists, databases, correspondence trackers, event invite lists, and other organizational systems.

Serving as the Governor's representative on local boards and commissions.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 60-minute lunch.
• Given the always-on nature of the Governor's Office, work outside 9-5 is expected.
• Telework: When operationally feasible, you may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. Telework days will vary. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Pittsburgh.
• Salary: The starting salary is non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
• Note: This position requires travel throughout the Southwest area of the state.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Five years of professional experience in government, government relations, and/or public affairs roles or any equivalent of experience and training.

Additional Requirements:

• You must possess a valid Pennsylvania driver's license, which is not under suspension.
• You must have the ability to work in a fast-paced and fluid environment.
• You must demonstrate an understanding of the historical, socio-economic, cultural, and economic characteristics unique to Southwestern Pennsylvania.
• You must possess strong organizational, project management, calendaring, and administrative skills.
• You must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, and comfort facilitating conversations, discussions, and collaborations with diverse groups.
• You must have the ability to build regionally relevant plans and initiatives, and advocate for their implementation.
• You must possess experience in event organizing and management skills and an understanding of Advance protocol.
• You must possess strong analytical skills, and the ability to quickly and efficiently synthesize and articulate information in a variety of written and verbal formats.
• You must have the ability to collaborate effectively and build consensus with a range of people and professions.
• You must possess experience crafting effective and compelling narratives.
• You must be a self-starter and team-player, capable of working both in-group and independently.
• You must have the ability to attend meetings in person or virtually with internal and external stakeholders.
• You must have the ability to sit and stand for long periods of time and lift up to 30 pounds.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.

How to Apply:

• Your application must include a resume.
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.