Executive Deputy to Metro Board Member Dutra

Position is hybrid, with the ability to work from home, Metro and the Gateway Cities Council of Governments office in Paramount, California.

Metro Board Member Fernando Dutra is seeking a highly motivated individual interested in working as his Metro Board Deputy, representing 27 cities and 11 unincorporated areas in Southeast Los Angeles County. Board Member Dutra will serve as the Chair of the Metro Board of Directors from July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026. This position will serve as the Board Member’s lead transportation policy advisor on all Metro issues and manage the scheduling of the Board Member’s briefings, meetings, events, and speaking engagements. 

About The Role 

The Executive Deputy works to develop, advance and deliver the Gateway Cities Council of Governments’ (GCCOG) goals related to transportation policy, programs, initiatives, funding and projects at Metro. The Executive Deputy reports to the Board Member and partners with the GCCOG Executive Director and GCCOG transportation team. The Executive Deputy will work to advance key priorities, including the Southeast Gateway Line and Eastside Phase 2 light rail extensions, Long Beach-East LA Corridor Mobility Investment Plan, 91/605/405 highway improvements, and other Los Angeles County Measure R and Measure M transit, highway, local streets, active transportation, and first/last mile projects. 

The Executive Deputy is expected to develop a strong working relationship with Metro board deputies and executives, as well as GCCOG member cities’ elected officials, city managers and staff. 

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead transportation policy advisor to the Board Member representing the Gateway Cities COG, providing strategic guidance on legislation, transportation planning, and funding initiatives.
• Analyze and summarize complex Metro Board reports, capital project proposals, and budget documents to support informed decision-making.
• Develop issue briefs, talking points, and strategy memos that reflect policy proposals' political, fiscal, and equity implications.
• Prepare briefing papers for monthly Metro committees and Board meetings.
• Staff Board Member Dutra at monthly Metro committees and Board meetings.
• Lead Metro board staff briefings during Board Member Dutra’s chairmanship.
• Serve as a primary liaison to the 27 member cities of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, translating regional transportation policies into locally relevant actions.
• Coordinate GCCOG member cities’ review and comments on Metro’s policy proposals, environmental documents and funding opportunities.
• Schedule the Board Member’s briefings, meetings, events, travel, and speaking engagements, in coordination with Metro and GCCOG staff.
• Attend and support the Board Member at monthly meetings of the GCCOG Board of Directors and Transportation Committee (typically held on the evening of the first Wednesday of the month).
• Represent the Board Member in interagency working groups, public meetings, and high-level stakeholder engagements, often standing-in for the Board Member.
• Negotiate amendments, build consensus, and manage strategy with other Board offices during Metro Board and Committee meetings. Required Knowledge and Abilities
• Knowledge of and affinity for the cities and communities of Southeast Los Angeles County.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience working for an elected, appointed, or executive-level government official at the local, state or federal levels of government, with experience performing policy, program, funding, or legislative analysis.
• Familiarity with Metro and its transportation policies, planning, construction, and funding.
• Demonstrated ability to forge effective working relationships with multiple parties.
• Ability to analyze policy and data and synthesize information into clear and concise recommendations.
• Ability to analyze situations, identify problems, and recommend solutions and strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tactfully respond to concerns in a timely manner.
• Bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, public policy, urban or transportation planning, or related field is required,
• Master's degree in political science, public administration, public policy, urban or transportation planning, or related field is desirable. 

Compensation and Benefits 

The selected candidate can choose to become a GCCOG employee, with a salary range of $125,000 - $152,000, depending on the level of experience. An employee will receive a competitive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, as well as a minimal employer retirement contribution. 

Another option would be for the selected candidate to work as a contract employee, with a higher salary range of $125,000 - $165,000, depending on the level of experience. Contract employees do not receive health, dental and vision insurance, nor an employer retirement contribution. 

About Gateway Cities Council of Governments (GCCOG) - The GCCOG is a sub-regional joint powers authority of 27 cities and 11 unincorporated communities in Southeast Los Angeles County. The purpose of the GCCOG is to provide a vehicle for members to engage in regional and cooperative planning and coordination of government services and responsibilities for issues that cross member jurisdictions.

The COG’s mission is to improve the quality of life for the two million residents of the subregion – over five percent of California’s population. Targeted initiatives include transportation, housing and homelessness, environment, economic development, and health and wellness. In addition, the Council provides a regional forum for the consideration of federal, state, and/or regional projects and studies which involve policy and funding in various forms. The COG office is in Paramount, California. For more information see: www.gatewaycog.org.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

The Gateway Cities region is diverse. Similarly, the Gateway Cities Council of Governments embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion to support an equitable and affirming work environment. The COG does not unlawfully discriminate, exclude people, or treat them differently because of sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, physical disability, marital status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Moreover, the Gateway Cities Council of Governments recognizes that each employee’s unique experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints add value to the GCCOG’s ability to create and deliver the best possible service and technical assistance to our cities, residents, and stakeholders. 

To Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume and maximum 2-3 pages writing sample in a single PDF document by email to Genny Cisneros, Administrative Director, at gcisneros@gatewaycog.org and “Metro Executive Board Deputy” in the subject line. Applications are due Friday, June 27, 2025 at 5pm. In-person interviews will be scheduled in July 2025.