Policy Analyst

About the position

Come join VTA's Government Affairs team as we shape the future of transportation policy - where impactful leadership meets transportation innovation! This role is pivotal in building the future of our regional transportation framework. Under direction, a Policy Analyst performs professional policy development duties in support of VTA initiatives and community relations programs regarding VTA construction projects and other VTA programs. This classification performs professional and sensitive duties related to VTA policy development, communications with the Board and committees, strategic planning, and community relations. This class is distinguished from the Senior Policy Analyst in that duties of the latter class involve more extensive contact with management, senior technical and legal staff, business and community groups, and boards and commissions. In addition, this class may provide lead direction to lower level staff, whereas the Senior Policy Analyst may exercise full supervisory authority over other staff.

Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of confidential, professional duties regarding VTA policy development, strategic planning, and community relations.
• Assists with the development, preparation, and review of Board memoranda and presentations at public forums.
• Develops, recommends, and implements strategies to protect and promote VTA's interests in the areas of policy and community relations.
• Analyzes, coordinates, and implements special projects.
• Identifies future issues which may impact VTA and formulates recommendations on providing appropriate responses.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with Board members and their staff.
• Assists VTA legislative staff as well as outside agency staff; supports governmental affairs activities.
• Participates in the budget planning and preparation process for the unit as assigned.
• Acts as VTA staff liaison to various boards, committees, and other organizations as assigned.
• Makes presentations regarding VTA programs and policies to various organizations, city councils, and other agencies as needed.
• Reviews incoming correspondence and uses judgment to respond or make recommendations where appropriate; writes and edits correspondence.
• Authors 'speaking points' for VTA Chair, Board members, and staff, as needed.
• Provides ongoing assistance to the Board Secretary regarding Board Member concerns.
• Prepares reports, policies, correspondence, and other documents; reviews documents prepared by others.
• May provide lead direction, including delegating assignments, reviewing work, and training lower level staff.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in public administration, political science, or related field.
• Four (4) years of experience in legislative representation, policy analysis, or a similar capacity.
• Experience in a public agency and experience interacting with local and regional media are preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with Santa Clara County cities and transportation.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Passionate, adaptable, and innovative team player.

Benefits

• 40-hour work weeks, and a flexible/hybrid remote schedule.
• VTA participates in a CalPERS-sponsored medical plan with VTA contribution to employee and dependent premium health insurance premiums.
• $300 employer-funded Health FSA for eligible employees.
• VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents.
• Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents.
• 17 days of vacation (accrued), 80 Hours of sick time (accrued), 12 paid holidays per year, and 1 floating holiday per year.
• Participation in CalPERS retirement plan.
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary).
• Transit passes for use over VTA lines, including VTA Paratransit services.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available 24/7.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Professional Development Fund.
• Wellness Programs.