Policy Analyst

Definition
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.

Distinguishing Characteristics
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.

Ideal Candidate
We are searching for a dynamic and driven policy analyst to bolster our Government Affairs team. The perfect candidate will play a pivotal role in crafting policies and developing legislation, program materials, and delivering presentations for public forums, elected officials, as well as for the Board and its Committees. This position will support VTA’s federal, state, regional and local policies. They will excel in nurturing robust relationships with Board members and their teams, orchestrating the participation of elected officials in project events, and offering continuous support for Board Member inquiries. Familiarity with Santa Clara County cities and transportation is a plus and experience in a public agency is preferred.

While we’re welcoming to a variety of different candidates, this position could be an excellent role for a number of different profiles, including those who:

• Want to be team players with strong interpersonal skills, working within the community and VTA to help elevate and integrate equitable transit initiatives throughout our work.
• Are passionate, adaptable, and innovative team players who want to learn and contribute to the development of a visionary transit network.
• Are interested in collaborative and impactful, transformative change; working with supportive teams to help grow our service and lead our region.

About VTA
About the Division
Government Affairs is responsible for Government Affairs and the Board Office.  Government Affairs is responsible for developing and coordinating VTA’s legislative and intergovernmental programs at the federal, state, regional, and local levels. Staff analyzes the impact of legislative and regulatory issues and develops a coordinated strategy for responding to these issues. Government Affairs manages VTA’s legislative advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., Sacramento, and the Bay Area. Additionally, staff keeps close contact and serves as the main point of communication with elected officials at the federal, state, regional, and local levels. The Board Office is responsible for VTA Board and Committee support, which includes preparation of meeting agendas and minutes, distributing and responding to Board correspondence, developing and maintaining relationships with Board and committee members and VTA constituencies, and providing support services to the Board of Directors. It is also responsible for preparing the annual Board and committee work plans, maintaining official records, and ensuring compliance with statutory noticing requirements.

Our Community
Santa Clara County, sometimes referred to as “Silicon Valley”, is unique for its innovation, natural attractions, and thriving community. With numerous amenities and perfect weather, it has long been considered one of the best places in the United States to live and work. Its calendar of festivals and celebrations supports the community spirit. Nearby open space provides easy access to mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams, and beautiful coastal beaches.

The county’s population of 1.9 million is the largest in Northern California and is composed of 15 cities:  Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Sunnyvale.

Classification Bargaining Unit: Non-Rep

Recruitment Schedule
Application Deadline: April 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Interviews: Week of May 12-16, 2025 (Tentative)Typical Tasks

• 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;
• Performs related duties, as required.

Employment Standards
Sufficient training, education, and professional experience that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in public administration, political science, or related field, and 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.Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and trends of public administration and intergovernmental relations;
• Local, regional, state, and federal transportation policies, funding processes, services, functions, legislative processes, and other activities;
• Public administration and legislative analysis techniques at the program and political level;
• Principles of report writing and presentation;
• State, federal, and local governing laws;
• Principles and practices of program development;
• Principles and practices of lead supervision and training.

Ability to:

• Analyze and interpret policy and legislative issues and ensure accurate presentation;
• Prepare and present clear and concise reports;
• Investigate, analyze, evaluate, and recommend solutions to legislative, budgetary, and administrative problems;
• Organize and prioritize work and meet critical deadlines;
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Take initiative, reason logically, and be creative in developing and introducing new ideas;
• Define problem areas and evaluate, recommend, and implement alternative solutions to complex issues and problems;
• Exercise good judgment, use discretion, and maintain confidentiality when necessary;
• Interact effectively with executives, public officials, members of the media, and representatives of public and private organizations;
• Provide effective lead direction and training to assigned staff.

What’s in it for You? General Instructions
Please read this entire job announcement before applying for the position. Print and keep a copy of this announcement so that you can refer to it. Questions not answered within this job announcement may be sent to personnel@vta.org.

To ensure consideration, completed applications must be submitted online to the Human Resources department by the stated closing time and date posted. When the stated closing date is “continuous,” apply immediately; the position may close without notice.

You will receive an immediate email confirming receipt of your submitted application. If you do not receive this email, contact NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line at (855) 524-5627 between 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Only on-line applications will be accepted for this recruitment (paper applications or resumes will not be accepted). Job Interest Notification Cards, or copies of previous, partial, or un-submitted applications, are not an acceptable substitute to a completed application.

ALL APPLICATION AND TESTING NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE SENT BY E-MAIL. Applicants should select e-mail as the preferred method of notification. Candidates must maintain an up-to-date, valid and reliable e-mail address. Candidates are also responsible for maintaining up-to-date phone numbers and addresses on their on-line account. Due to the number of applications received, candidates must check their application status through their on-line account. Contact NeoGov for assistance if needed.
 
Information on how to apply for jobs at the VTA is available on the VTA Employment website and from the NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line (855) 524-5627. NeoGov Applicant support is available from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
 
Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations 
The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities.  If you wish to request an accommodation, call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.

Application Processing Information
All related current and past work experience (including VTA experience) must be listed and fully described in the Work Experience section of the application ("See Resume" is not acceptable). Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to ensure that the online application reflects the work experience and education needed to meet the requirements for the position you are applying for. Although your resume may have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately captured during our screening process.
 
Important: Proof of Education, either as a copy of a diploma or transcript, is required to verify all educational units listed on your application. Official transcripts are not necessary. Copies of diplomas, degrees, transcripts, or foreign transcript evaluations must be attached to the submitted application as a pdf.
 
Note: Failure to provide all of the required documents in the appropriate format (pdf ONLY), and properly labeled as shown in the example (for example: Smith_J BS Diploma), will result in the application being rejected as incomplete. No exceptions will be made.
 
Note: Applicants holding degrees or credentials from outside the United States who are using these qualifications exclusively to qualify for a position are required to provide a foreign transcript evaluation as a pdf and properly labeled as shown above. Failure to provide a foreign transcript evaluation will result in the application being rejected as incomplete. No exceptions will be made.
 
All applications are subject to review as to meeting minimum qualifications at any point in the recruitment process. Passing any step is no guarantee of continuation if it is determined that the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the class specification.

Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.

If selected for the position, candidates will be required to complete a criminal conviction disclosure form. Candidates who successfully become VTA employees, and fail to disclose any of the criminal background information as required may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.

Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. If you have questions related to an Eligible List you might be on or were on, you should contact Human Resources.

If you have questions regarding your status as an applicant for this position, please call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.

Salary : $130,700 - $169,900