ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Job Description:

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Description

DESCRIPTION

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

(This is an at-will position.)

Salary Range: $172,840.47 - $241,977.08

ABOUT US

The Port of Long Beach, one of the world's busiest seaports, is an international gateway for the reliable, efficient, and sustainable movement of goods and is a leader in environmental stewardship. Credited with moving approximately $200 billion in trade, the Port serves as a critical hub for international commerce and is a major transportation center. East Asian trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments. Port-related international trade has a wide-ranging economic impact, supporting millions of jobs that benefit the region and the entire country.

THE TEAM

The Government Relations team leads the charge in building powerful connections between the Port of Long Beach and key decision-makers, whether elected officials, legislative staff, agency leaders, or appointed officials at the local, state, and federal levels. With a sharp focus on shaping the future, the Government Relations Division goes beyond just outreach, offering expert legislative analysis and advocacy to push the Port's initiatives forward. Their mission? To champion the Port's vital programs and secure the funding needed to keep it thriving and ahead of the curve!

THE ROLE

As the Assistant Director of Government Relations, reporting directly to the Director, you will lead and inspire a dynamic team responsible for advancing the Port of Long Beach’s legislative and budgetary priorities. This role involves crafting innovative legislative strategies while collaborating with subject matter experts across various divisions, the Executive Management Team, the Board of Harbor Commissioners, and key external stakeholders, including elected officials and their teams. You will oversee and mentor a dedicated staff, ensuring seamless operations, and assist the Director in managing the division’s needs, including budget planning and administration. Your leadership will be integral in driving the Port's advocacy efforts and shaping its future success.

CANDIDATE CONNECT (INFORMATION SESSION)

To learn more about this exciting career opportunity and the Port of Long Beach, please join our virtual inf ormation session on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, @ 5:00 pm PDT via MS Teams. This is a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about the position, speak directly with hiring leaders, ask questions, and learn why the Port of Long Beach is your employer of choice! Candidates are not required to be on camera. To join audio only, call +1 323-451-1087, Phone Conference ID: 763 210 897# Click here to join the meeting . Please note that the PowerPoint presentation shared during the meeting will not be visible to those who call in only.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE

• Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to the Government Relations Division; supervise government relations officers in performing their daily responsibilities; train, coach, and offer mentorship to staff.
• Assist the Director in providing strategic direction for the Government Relations Division to align its services and mission with the Port’s overall mission.
• Assist the Director with the administration of the Government Relations Division’s annual budget and make recommendations on budgetary matters.
• Assists the Director in strategic planning for departmental activities, and develops short and long-range goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for government relations-related functions and programs; allocates staff and resources according to priorities.
• Oversees staff responsible for analyzing proposed legislative and regulatory actions, determining the potential impact on the Port, and developing the Port's response to the legislation.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key legislators and their staffs, committee staff and regulators to effectively channel the goals and desires of the Port; identify and secure appropriate "Letters of Support” or “Letters of Opposition” as deemed necessary and proper; conducts detailed analyses; prepares complex reports and speeches; develops specific recommendations regarding special projects arising from federal regulations and state laws; conducts briefings to legislators regarding key Port legislative priorities; presents reports and communications to the Board of Harbor Commissioners; works to coordinate meetings, objectives and other details for advocacy trips to Washington D.C., Sacramento and other areas.
• Work with the Board of Harbor Commissioners and senior management in directing legislative priorities; regularly coordinate with state and federal contracted lobbyists to make progress on legislative priorities to ensure that the Port strategies are effectively communicated.
• Maintain communications between the Port and contracted lobbyists: updates lobbyists on Port events that may impact decisions in Washington, DC, at the state Capitol, and on the municipal and county level; educates lobbyists about Port issues and prepares them to respond to executive, congressional, and local elected official concerns.
• Track ongoing legislation and news stories affecting the Port operations: ensures government relations officers provide timely research, background information, bill analyses, technical assistance, and recommendations regarding various legislative issues to executive management and inform recommendations to the Board of Harbor Commissioners regarding appropriate action to take; maintains updated and accurate tracking logs on critical state and federal legislation; assures timely and accurate actions/responses to legislative inquiries or requests when received.
• Identify and secure grants for Port operations: pursues and monitors state and federal grant opportunities for key transportation/goods movement, air quality, water quality, and security-related programs and/or projects; tracks grant application process; ensures grant funding is in alignment with state and federal regulations.
• Perform strategic analyses: developing legislative strategies and making recommendations for influencing and promoting the port’s interests on decisions impacting short and long-term goals; participating in strategy planning meetings; developing a legislative agenda for the Board of Harbor Commissioner’s consideration and approval.
• Oversees staff managing federal appropriations request process: reviews and analyzes annual federal budget appropriations and advocates for funding benefitting Port operations; requests budgeting documents; makes recommendations on fiscal priorities relative to the Port; communicates the results to the Board of Harbor Commissioners and executive management.
• Lead and assist with special events to celebrate grants awarded, which involve federal, state, and local government officials; define catering menu; assist with preparing press materials; formulate the guest list.
• Lead in planning, coordinating, promoting, and conducting land and water harbor tours and visits to the Port of Long Beach by the community and federal and state agency dignitaries.
• Performs other duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Government Relations, Economics, Public Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Law, Business, or a related field. Experience offering specific and substantial preparation for the position’s duties may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis
• Seven years of increasingly responsible professional experience in policy development, legislative research, advocacy, or intergovernmental relations is required
• Five years or more of progressively responsible supervisory experience, overseeing staff with a focus on legislative, public relations, or public-sector work, is required
• Previous experience managing relationships with elected officials, lobbyists, consultants, and media relations to help shape positive media coverage and public opinion is required

• Ability to travel for work-related events, meetings, and conferences
• The ability to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays

TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIRED

• Familiarity with the federal, state, and local legislative process is required
• Must have exposure to broad-based issues, including the legislative and political process, and an understanding of the factors affecting legislative policy development
• Must have a broad working knowledge of the principles and methods of legislative analysis
• Must know about public agency programs, policies, and operations, and related legislative, intergovernmental relations, legislative terminology, community relations, and public relations issues and challenges
• Knowledge of international trade, supply chain management, and contract management.
• Must have knowledge of state and local legal requirements and guidelines governing the conduct of public meetings

DESIRABLE

• A Master's Degree, MBA, or Law/JD degree is desirable
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and court decisions applicable to the Port or related programs, operations, and policies is preferred.
• Prior Port or City experience is desired

SELECTION PROCEDURE

WHY WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

The Port of Long Beach is committed to fostering a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment—one where every teammate feels valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. We recognize the strength that comes from a broad range of perspectives and experiences, and we aim to create a workplace culture that encourages open communication, mutual respect, and shared success. Our commitment to LIFE/WORK BLEND - where LIFE leads - reflects our belief that personal well-being fuels professional excellence. Every day, Port teammates bring a spirit of curiosity, teamwork, and service excellence that sets us apart as a global industry leader. To learn more about the Port of Long Beach, visit our website: www.polb.com

If you require accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in any phase of the application/selection process, please contact (562) 283-7500 or email Careers@polb.com .

The Port of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the Port of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act or https://www.longbeach.gov/hr/about-us/talent-acquisition/the-fair-chance-act/ .

The final filing date for this recruitment is Friday, May 30, 2025, @ 11:59 pm PDT.

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume to apply@ralphandersen.com by the closing date. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest is established.

has been established. Individuals most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a work-related assessment to evaluate candidate qualifications further. First and second-round panel interviews are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, June 12, 2025 (virtual) and Thursday, June 26, 2025 (in-person). Candidates should ensure availability on both dates. The successful candidate will be appointed shortly thereafter. References will be completed for finalist candidates; an employment offer is contingent on conducting a comprehensive background check.

The Port reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice in order to accept additional applications. Those individuals determined to be most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

THE BENEFITS

The Port of Long Beach has established an annual salary range of $172,840.47 - $241,977.08 (placement depends on qualifications). An attractive package of executive-level benefits is included with the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the United States:

• Auto Allowance - $550.00 per month
• Executive Leave - 40 hours per year.
• Retirement - CalPERS 2% @ 62, coordinated with social security. Current member contribution is 8.00% for CalPERS, and 6.2% for Social Security, paid by the employee.
• Pay for Performance - Pay for Performance is awarded based on employee performance as demonstrated through achievement of individual goals, demonstration of required competencies, and available budget funds.
• Deferred Compensation - The City matches a percentage of base salary for qualified members contributing to the 457(b) plan.
• Group Health Insurance - Medical and dental options (HMO and PPO). Free vision coverage.
• Life Insurance - City-paid life insurance policy of $20,000 plus executive insurance benefit equal to three times annual salary up to a maximum of $500,000.
• Disability Insurance - City-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Vacation - Vacation is accrued at the equivalent of two weeks on an annual basis. Vacation can be used after six months of service. An employee’s vacation accrual may be adjusted upon hire to provide credit for previous full-time employment at a public service agency. Credit for public service shall only be given for completed years of service as a full-time permanent employee. Public Service credit shall not apply to any other benefits.
• Sick Leave - Accrued at 8 hours per month. Accruals may be converted upon retirement to cash credit toward health and /or dental insurance premiums or retirement service credits.
• Paid Parental Leave - After six (6) months of City employment, the City pays up to 30 consecutive days (160 hours) for eligible employees to take paid time to bond with the child upon birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of 17.
• Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays per calendar year and four (4) personal holidays.
• Education Reimbursement - Tuition reimbursement allows employees to obtain additional education or training.
• Annual Physical - Eligible to receive an annual physical examination at the city's expense through the city-provided program.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness - As the Harbor Department of the City of Long Beach, a governmental agency, the Port of Long Beach is a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• 529 college savings plan - The ScholarShare529 plan is an account that allows employees to invest specifically for future education expenses through the Long Beach City Employees Federal Credit Union. Funds can be used from your 529 savings plan to send your grandkids, kids, or even yourself to any accredited public or private U.S. college or university, or two-year technical or vocational institution.

The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

www.polb.com

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

Retirement:California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) defined benefit retirement plan, which is coordinated with Social Security. The benefit is 2.5% or 2.7% (depending on hire date) @55 for "Classic" members and 2% @62 for new members as defined by PEPRA, subject to the compensation limitations set by PERS. Both the City and the employee contributes toward CalPERS retirement contributions. The city also participates in Social Security.

Health and Dental Insurance:The City offers the choice of HMO and PPO plans. The city pays major portion of the premium for employee and dependents depending on the health/ dental plan selected.

Life Insurance:City-paid term life insurance policy equal to three (3) times annual salary to a maximum of $500,000.

Disability Insurance:City-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.

Management Physical:Annual City-paid physical examination.

Vacation:Twelve (12) vacation days after the first year of service; 15 days after four years, six months of service; 20 days after 19 years, six months of service.

Executive Leave:Forty (40) hours Executive Leave per year. The City Manager has discretion to grant an additional 40 hours each year.

Sick Leave: One day earned per month; unlimited accumulation; conversion upon retirement to cash credit toward health and/or dental insurance premiums, or to pension credits.

Holidays:Eleven (11) designated holidays per year, plus four personal holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.

Transportation Allowance:Monthly allowance is allocated by classifications below;

• Department Head $650.00
• Deputy Director/Manager/Director (Harbor/Utilities) $550.00
• Division Officer/Superintendent/ Chief of Staff / Administrator / Principal DCA $450.00
• Assistant to Executive / Executive Assistant / Executive Secretary/ Executive Support Staff $300.00

Deferred Compensation Plan:Optional for employee contribution to a supplementary retirement savings program available through Mission Square Retirement formerly ICMA-RC Retirement Corporation).

• Classic CalPERS Members: The City will contribute a maximum of up to two percent (2%) of base salary* for all qualified Classic CalPERS members.
• Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) CalPERS Members: Effective the second full pay period following City Council adoption, the City contribution will increase from two percent (2%) to three percent (3%) of base salary* for all qualified PEPRA CalPERS members.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA):Optional election for employees to reduce taxable income for payment of allowable childcare or medical expenses.

Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule:Available (subject to City Manager approval).

Paid Parental Leave: The City provides one hundred and sixty (160) hours of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of salary, for the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child, regardless of the gender, marital status or sexual orientation of the parent.

Closing Date/Time: 5/30/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$172,840.47 - $241,977.08 Annually