Job Description

Government Relations Specialist

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

* This is a repost. All previous applicants are still being considered and need not reapply. Johnston County has an immediate opening for a Government Relations Specialist. The Government Relations Specialist serves a critical role in building and maintaining intergovernmental partnerships at all levels, coordinating advocacy efforts, and engaging stakeholders in the implementation of the strategic objectives and priorities of Johnston County. The Government Relations Specialist serves as a member of the County Administration team and will collaborate closely with the County Manager and County Attorney on legislative strategy and complex policy issues, plans, and projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

Intergovernmental Advocacy and Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for intergovernmental relations with federal, state, and local government officials and agencies
• Advocate for local government priorities through direct engagement with elected officials, legislative staff, and executive agency personnel
• Monitor and analyze federal and state legislation, regulations, and policy developments that impact local government operations and interests
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies to advance organizational goals and local interests
• Coordinate testimony, written comments, and position statements on legislative and regulatory matters
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government officials, staff, and key decision-makers

Regional Partnerships and Collaboration

• Identify, develop, and leverage regional partnerships to advance shared goals and maximize resources
• Represent the County in regional coalitions, associations, and collaborative initiatives
• Coordinate joint advocacy efforts and policy positions with partner jurisdictions and organizations
• Facilitate information sharing and best practice exchanges with regional partners

Stakeholder Engagement

• Design and implement comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies for key initiatives and policy priorities
• Organize and facilitate meetings, briefings, and forums with community leaders, business partners, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders
• Manage stakeholder feedback processes and ensure concerns are appropriately addressed

Strategic Implementation Support

• Support the implementation of board strategic objectives through external engagement and partnership development
• Coordinate cross-departmental efforts to advance strategic priorities requiring external support or collaboration
• Track progress on strategic initiatives and provide regular updates to leadership
• Identify opportunities to align intergovernmental and external affairs activities with strategic goals

Communications and Reporting

• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and reports for elected officials and senior leadership
• Communicate organizational positions and priorities to external audiences
• Maintain accurate records of advocacy activities, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development
• Provide regular reports on intergovernmental relations activities and outcomes

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local government structures, processes, and legislative procedures
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with government officials and diverse stakeholders at all levels, internally and externally
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess policy implications and develop strategic responses
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing policy documents and presentations
• Experience presenting complex strategies to internal and external stakeholders and managing complex stakeholder processes
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines

Desired Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, public policy, communications, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in government relations, public affairs, legislative advocacy, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in public administration, public policy, or related field
• Experience working in or with North Carolina state or local government
• Knowledge of local/regional/state media, community leaders, government bodies, and elected officials
• Some knowledge of public utilities, water infrastructure systems, and regionalization principles, including inter-governmental coordination and shared-service models. This position operates in a professional office environment with regular travel required to attend meetings with government officials, stakeholders, and partners. Evening and weekend work may be required to attend meetings, events, or legislative sessions. Valid driver's license and ability to travel as needed.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.

Important Pre-Employment Information:

• If the position requires a degree, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire.
• A pre-employment reference check will be conducted.
• A background check may be required and may include criminal history, motor vehicle records, sex offender registry checks, pre-employment drug screening, SBI fingerprinting, and, if applicable, a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) check.
• A conviction record does not automatically disqualify you from employment, unless otherwise required by state law. Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Johnston County provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program.

Employees are offered a diverse selection of benefits including medical (no-cost for the employee plan), dental, life, and supplemental benefit coverages. Employees can also take advantage of our on-site wellness clinic and virtual telehealth program, both at no-cost!

Additional benefits include participation in the NC Retirement System, a 401(k) match option, generous paid leave and holiday schedule, tuition reimbursement, and more! To learn more, visit

*This description applies to benefits eligible positions.

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