Salary: $98,238.40 - $115,564.80

Location: 33 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Benefits:

• Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental and Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Discounts
• COTA Bus Pass
• Wellness Initiatives
• On-Site Chair Massage
• On-Site Health Coach
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Public Pension through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation

POSITION SUMMARY:

COTA's Director, Government Affairs is responsible for developing and executing legislative and advocacy strategies while building and maintaining strategic partnerships at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels. The role drives priority initiatives and emerging opportunities by leading cross‑functional teams in local policy development and establishing strong relationships with elected officials, communities, stakeholders, public agencies, and policy‑makers to advance COTA's mission and strategic objectives. This position also provides high‑level strategic, administrative, financial, and operational support; leads COTA's grants process; and manages professional consultants and special projects assigned by the President's Office.

Performs other duties in alignment with the COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision to Move Every Life Forward.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• • Serve as the primary liaison to local, state, and federal government officials and public agencies, providing leadership and building effective relationships that advance COTA's strategic objectives.
  • Lead COTA's advocacy and government relations efforts across all levels of government, including political subdivisions within the service area.
  • Build and sustain strategic partnerships with key state agencies, including JobsOhio and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
  • Research, track, and analyze policy activities at the local, state, and federal levels that impact COTA's mission and priorities.
  • Advise and support senior leadership on legislative and regulatory strategy and long‑range planning.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with government entities and agencies across all jurisdictions.
  • Maintain ongoing communication with city councils, public boards, municipal leaders, and other governmental bodies whose constituents are served by COTA.
  • Manage and serve as the External Relations Division liaison to the COTA Grants Committee, including strategy development, identification of funding opportunities, and support for successful application submissions.
  • Collaborate with industry partners and advocates to advance shared legislative and policy objectives.
  • Represent COTA through testimony before governmental committees and other public bodies.
  • Recommend legislative and public policy changes that support operational and organizational needs.
  • Partner with Community Relations leadership to align community engagement and government affairs strategies.
  • Manage COTA's Community Advisory Panel.
  • Serve as the primary liaison to state and federal contract lobbyists.
  • Partner with the Chief External Relations Officer on major government affairs initiatives with the City of Columbus, Franklin County, MORPC, and the Columbus Partnership.
  • Serves as the liaison to the COTA Grants Committee.
  • Serves on community and partner Committees as required and directed by Supervisor.
  • Reports to COTA External Stakeholder Relations Committee and COTA Board of Trustees at necessary.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, communication, or related field. A Master's degree is preferred. A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in government affairs, legislative relations, lobbying, regulatory affairs, public policy or program/project management in field. An equivalent combination of education and experience in planning or public administration will also be considered.

COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status