Government Affairs Specialist

Specialist, Government Affairs 

Level II, Starting Salary: $67,591 – 84,489*

Level III, Starting Salary: $81,785 – 102,231*

*Depending On Qualifications, with annual performance-based merit increase program 

First Review of Applications: October 12, 2026 (open until filled)

 Role and Responsibilities

SEMCOG (EOE) is seeking an outgoing and experienced Government Affairs Specialist (Level II or III). Reporting to the Manager, Government Affairs and Strategic Coordination, the Government Affairs Specialist works with SEMCOG members, staff, and regional partners to identify emerging fiscal and operational trends facing local governments and integrate into our broader work. The Government Affairs Specialist also acts as the lead staff to SEMCOG’s Local Operations and Finance Implementation Team, including meeting/event planning, developing relevant content, and using discussions among the implementation team to drive SEMCOG’s research and resources. This position is also responsible for assisting and supporting the development of non-partisan or bipartisan policy consensus on timely and sensitive legislative and regulatory topics, as well as decisions regarding implementation of those policies.

The successful candidate will understand local government operations, finance and budgeting, and current laws on a wide range of issues impacting local governments; well-developed organization and time management skills; be detailed, self-motivated, and capable of working on multiple tasks; excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills to interact with a range of external stakeholders and facilitate discussions to build understanding and consensus. Attends virtual and in-person meetings with members and partners regarding fiscal and operational issues, and legislative and regulatory policy. Delivers presentations and engages in public speaking on behalf of SEMCOG’s Government Affairs department. Responds to questions and comments from SEMCOG members and the media.

Candidates should demonstrate 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. Employment offers of II or III will be commensurate with applicant qualifications. This position offers employee development and promotional opportunities. 

Total Compensation Estimate = $136,037*

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 position. On average, employee benefits account for 42% of Total Compensation.

*Assumes midpoint of salary range and family enrollment in medical, dental, and vision insurances.

Join us! How to Apply

Please visit https://www.semcog.org/about-semcog/careers/ to apply. 

Contact Human Resources at Careers@semcog.org for any assistance.

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 maintaining a strong internal culture. SEMCOG’s core values below are the basis of our workplace culture and how we perform our work.

      Visionary – We work holistically, inspiring innovative regional and local solutions.

      Collaborative and Inclusive – We are respectful, approachable, and embrace different perspectives to meet the diverse needs of our region.

      Strategic – We are intentional, yet flexible in order to leverage opportunities

      Integrity – We are committed to the ethical and honest stewardship of our fiscal, natural, and built resources.

      Knowledgeable – We strive for excellence through sound data and research and continuous learning, ensuring we are a credible and influential voice for Southeast Michigan

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 this by asking questions, and 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.

 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.

Additional Requirements:

•   Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public or Business Administration, Communications, Political Science, or related field. 
•     At least three (3) to five (5) years of experience in local government administration, operations or finance; legislative, regulatory, or policy analysis; intergovernmental relations; public affairs; or related/applicable experience.
•     Ability to identify key policies, proposed changes to legislation, and compile large groups of data to show simple results. 
•     Effective written, verbal, public speaking, and presentation skills required, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams). 
•     Support and promote a strong internal culture based on SEMCOG core values.

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.