First Review of Applications: September 24, 2024 (open until filled)

Role and Responsibilities

SEMCOG (EOE) is seeking an outgoing and organized Government Affairs Specialist I to join the Government Affairs team. Reporting to the Manager, the Government Affairs Specialist I will assist in the development of non-partisan or bipartisan policy on timely and sensitive topics and supports implementation of those policies. Assists with state and federal legislative and regulatory tracking and research, and communicates implications for SEMCOG members. Supports the development of information and training content focused on local government operations and finance issues. Assists with planning, promotion, and execution of SEMCOG meetings, conferences, and advocacy events. Performs email marketing, website updates, etc. using various communications tools. Attends virtual and in-person meetings with members and partners regarding legislative and policy issues, and responds to questions and comments from SEMCOG members.

The successful candidate has an understanding of local government operations and an interest in the legislative process; effective organization and time management skills; is detailed, self-motivated, and capable of working on multiple tasks; demonstrates a strong work ethic and comfort in working both independently and within teams. This will include a focus on inclusivity to ensure meeting the vision, All people in Southeast Michigan benefit from a connected, thriving region of small towns, dynamic urban centers, active waterfronts, diverse neighborhoods, premier educational institutions, and abundant agricultural, recreational and natural areas. This position is part of a series and offers employee development and promotional opportunities.

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public or Business Administration, Communications, Political Science, or related field.
• At least one (1) to three (3) years of local government administration or legislative staff experience.
• Ability to research and identify proposed changes to legislation and compile large groups of data to show simple results.
• Effective written, verbal, interpersonal, and communications skills to build relationships and interact with a range of stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and familiarity with email marketing technologies (i.e., Constant Contact, InformZ, MailChimp, etc.).
• Support and promote a strong internal culture based on SEMCOG core values and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.

SEMCOG reserves the right to waive any of the minimum qualifications for applicants whose general or specific qualifications would otherwise qualify the applicant for the position or lead SEMCOG to believe that the applicant is capable of performing the assigned duties and fulfilling the assigned responsibilities.

Total Compensation Estimate = $103,387* In addition to annual base salary, SEMCOG offers a valuable mix of health and fringe benefits! Here’s an estimate of Total Compensation, including salary and benefits, for the Government Affairs Specialist I position. On average, employee benefits account for 43% of Total Compensation.

• Flex time (Core work hours: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm)
• Hybrid Work Environment (A blend of virtual and in-person work. Michigan residency required.)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Paid Jury Duty
• Transit or parking assistance when working onsite

Join us! How to Apply

Please email employment application, cover letter and résumé to the Human Resources Department. Full job posting and employment application at https://www.semcog.org/careers.

About SEMCOG

SEMCOG is a voluntary association of local governments fostering cooperative efforts in order to move the region forward. Since its inception in 1968, SEMCOG has acted as a regional planning partner with local governments in the seven-county Southeast Michigan region, which is made up of Livingston, Macomb, Monroe,
Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties. Membership is open to all counties, cities, villages, townships, intermediate school districts, and community colleges.

SEMCOG is committed to building a staff team that represents the rich diversity of the Southeast Michigan region. As a result, we place an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work, as well as our internal culture. SEMCOG’s core values below are the basis of our workplace culture and how we perform our work.

1. Visionary – We work holistically, inspiring innovative regional and local solution.
2. Collaborative and Inclusive – We are respectful, approachable, and embrace different perspectives to meet the diverse needs of our region.
3. Strategic – We are intentional, yet flexible in order to leverage opportunities
4. Integrity – We are committed to the ethical and honest stewardship of our fiscal, natural, and built resources.
5. Knowledgeable – We strive for excellence through sound data and research and continuous learning, ensuring we are a credible and influential voice for Southeast Michigan
6. SEMCOG promotes a positive, fun, flexible, and inclusive workplace that encourages staff to celebrate what makes them unique while learning about the things that they share. We accomplish by asking questions engaging in areas of work that are aligned with our interests. SEMCOG understands the importance of work/life balance, offering the flexibility our staff needs to accommodate their personal needs. SEMCOG values the importance of continuing education and encourages staff to seek opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement of Principle

We are better together
At SEMCOG, we embrace and celebrate the collective sum of our unique experiences, knowledge and talents, innovation, and self-expression, which strengthens our organization. We all have a role to play in cultivating and preserving a place of belonging. We at SEMCOG define diversity as the presence of differences across a wide range of backgrounds, identities, experiences, and viewpoints. To us, equity means fair, just and impartial treatment, opportunity, access, and engagement for all. We see inclusion as an environment that values, respects, and welcomes all perspectives, especially ensuring underrepresented groups are included. Together, it is our goal to promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to fulfill our mission and achieve our vision for a connected, thriving Southeast
Michigan.

Acquiring Talent
SEMCOG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices and laws. SEMCOG prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees, applicants, or any other covered persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, height, weight, marital status, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This statement applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public or Business Administration, Communications, Political Science, or related field.
• At least one (1) to three (3) years of local government administration or legislative staff experience.
• Ability to research and identify proposed changes to legislation and compile large groups of data to show simple results.
• Effective written, verbal, interpersonal, and communications skills to build relationships and interact with a range of stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and familiarity with email marketing technologies (i.e., Constant Contact, InformZ, MailChimp, etc.).
• Support and promote a strong internal culture based on SEMCOG core values and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.