GOVERNMENT RELATIONS OFFICER OF REGIONAL AND LOCAL

Job Description:

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS OFFICER OF REGIONAL AND LOCAL

Description

DESCRIPTION

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING A

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS OFFICER OF REGIONAL AND LOCAL (COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER)

(This is an at-will position)

Salary Range: $50.29 - $68.44

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 $300 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 country.

THE TEAM:

The Government Relations Division 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. The Division also oversees the Port’s education and workforce development programming to connect students and workers with a number of training and job opportunities in the supply chain. With a sharp focus on shaping the future, the Government Relations Division goes beyond outreach, offering expert legislative analysis and advocacy to advance the Port's initiatives. 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:

Reporting directly to the Manager of Government Relations, the Government Relations Officer plays a vital and dynamic role in shaping the Port of Long Beach’s legislative and intergovernmental strategy. This position offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of key advocacy efforts, working closely with senior leadership to influence policy, build strategic alliances, and represent one of the world's busiest and most innovative ports.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE:

• Assist in establishing and implementing short and long-range goals, objectives, and policy recommendations for the Government Relations support function.
• Serve as the Port’s primary liaison to local and regional legislators, legislative staff, and agency leaders under the supervision of the Manager of Government Relations.
• Develop and recommend actions, strategies, and engagement approaches to advance the Port’s legislative priorities.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the Government Relations Strategic Plan.
• Review weekly Long Beach City Council agendas and the agendas of regional authorities, including South Coast AQMD, Gateway Cities COG, SCAG, Metro, Port of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, and more, identify items of relevance to the Port, and notify appropriate staff. Prepare timely summaries of impacts, required actions, and outcomes.
• Work strategically with the offices of the Mayor, City Councilmembers, regional agency leaders, and legislative staff to educate them about Port priorities, projects, and programs. Additionally, meet with them regularly to ensure they have the information needed to make informed decisions on Port-related matters, assist Port staff working on critical Port management construction projects, and connect with elected and industry partners to facilitate communication.
• Conduct research on and provide analysis of local policies/legislation of interest to the Port. Maintain updated and accurate tracking logs of relevant policies and legislation in a clear and concise format.
• Compose, edit, and transmit letters of support or opposition, talking points, or speeches on Port-related policies, legislation, grants, or projects.
• Prepare, revise, and deliver a monthly report to the Mayor and City Council regarding Harbor Commission proceedings.
• Prepare and present verbal updates, as well as timely written reports and legislative updates, to the Board of Harbor Commissioners, Chief Executive Officer, Managing Directors, Mayor, City Council, Department Heads, agency leaders, and legislative staff.
• Coordinate and assist with the execution of educational briefings and tours of the Port to elected officials, agency leaders, legislative staff, and other key stakeholders.
• Provide staff support to various Port divisions on intergovernmental-related issues.
• Track news stories and current events on local, state, and federal legislation and compile a report of noteworthy items to the Division Director.
• Participate in various trade associations, community, and stakeholder policy conference calls and meetings. Report back to the appropriate Port staff.
• Complete other projects as assigned by the Director, Assistant Director, and Manager of Government Relations or Managing Director of Strategic Advocacy.
• Performs other related duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, or a closely related field is required. Experience offering specific and substantial preparation for the position’s duties may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
  
• A minimum of three years of professional experience in policy development, legislative research, and advocacy or intergovernmental relations is required.
  
• Experience working with elected officials, legislative staff, public agencies, and community organizations is required.
  
• A strong understanding of the local and regional legislative and regulatory processes is required.
  Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays, along with extended hours.
  

TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED:

• Must have knowledge of legislative processes and the ability to analyze, interpret, and explain the bill enactment process, as well as public policy, regulatory, budgetary, and community matters.
• Must be able to apply writing style, public speaking, and presentation techniques appropriate for differing business and legislative purposes.
• Must be able to prepare clear, concise, accurate, complete, and timely analyses, reports, memos, correspondence, records, and other written materials.
• Must be able to effectively read, research, analyze, and extrapolate legislative, policy, grant, and budgetary matters using legislative databases, the internet, and other research tools.
• Must have excellent proofreading and editing skills and be detail-oriented.
• Requires the ability to gather information, identify research resources, and find solutions.
• Must be able to exercise sound independent judgment and political acumen.
• Must be able to understand, interpret, explain, and apply complex rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to the maritime environment.
• Must be able to represent the Port professionally and successfully advocate on behalf of the department’s priorities, programs, projects, and funding needs.
• Must be able to effectively use MS Office, including Word and Excel, Outlook, and other related applications, as applicable.

DESIRABLES:

• A master's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, or a closely related field is desirable.
  
• Port, federal, city, or supply chain industry experience is desirable.
  
• Strong leadership background, in a complex, similarly situated organization preferred.
  
• Second language speaking ability is desirable.
  

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The final filing date for this recruitment is Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume as PDFs with your application . Incomplete applications (without a cover letter and resume) will not be considered. The Port reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice in order to accept additional applications.

Individuals most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. First and second-round panel interviews are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (In-person), and final-round interviews on Thursday, March 26, 2026 (in-person). Additionally, this position will require completion of an on-site writing assessment before the second round of interviews. Candidates should ensure they are available on both dates. The successful candidate will be appointed shortly thereafter. An employment offer is contingent on the completion of a comprehensive background check and reference checks.
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 BENEFITS:

The Port of Long Beach has established an annual salary range of $50.29 - $68.44 (placement depends on qualifications). An attractive package of benefits is included with the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the United States:

• Retirement - CalPERS 2% @ 62, coordinated with Social Security. Current member contributions are 8.00% for CalPERS and 6.2% for Social Security, paid by the employee.
• Group Health Insurance - Medical and dental options (HMO and PPO). Free vision coverage.
• 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 into 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.
• 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

Employee Benefits

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:

• Medical and Dental Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Plan (P.E.R.S.)

• Paid Vacation, Personal Holidays and Sick Leave

• Deferred Compensation

• Credit Union Membership

• Free Bus Transportation (Long Beach Transit)

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Free Employee Parking
• Paid Parental Leave*
*Paid Parental Leave - after six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours/192 hours for sworn platoon) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).

Closing Date/Time: 3/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$50.29 - $68.44 Hourly