Advisor to the Assistant City Manager (City Manager's Office, Public Safety)

City of Austin • Austin, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. This position advises the Assistant City Manager by coordinating major initiatives and ensuring they have clear, timely information to guide decisions. The advisor leads cross departmental projects, troubleshoots complex organizational issues, and keeps emerging challenges visible for executive attention. They serve as a key connector between City leadership and departments to maintain smooth communication and operations. Under the minimal direction of an Assistant City Manager, this position provides executive-level consultative support to the Assistant City Managers and Austin City Manager’s Office, working interdepartmentally to manage the flow of information and serving as the primary lead on projects and initiatives.

Requirements

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Business or Public Administration, plus five (5) years of experience in a professional/administrative capacity.
• Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for up to two (2) years of experience.
• Knowledge of the functions and organization of municipal government, to include the relationships between departments, divisions, and agencies.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, procedures, ordinances, codes, and state and federal statutes.
• Knowledge of supervisory or management techniques and principles.
• Skill in planning, prioritizing, organizing, while managing multiple tasks with frequent interruptions with changing priorities and multiple deadlines.
• Skill in providing consultative services.
• Skill in researching, data analysis, and problem solving.
• Skill in project management methods to include systematic analysis, prioritization, negotiations of projects and program initiatives.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in exercising good judgment for conflict facilitation and resolutions with stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise discretion in confidential matters.
• Ability to lead and train others.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Ability to understand, interpret and apply detailed and complex information.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working within municipal government, with a strong understanding of city operations and interdepartmental coordination
• Direct experience working with or alongside public safety departments and offices
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft and edit executive‑level documents and materials
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and OneNote
• The ability to travel to more than one work location.
• Proven ability to operate effectively on borrowed authority, achieving measurable outcomes through influence, political acumen, and relationship‑building
• Advanced problem‑solving and strategic thinking skills, including the ability to develop creative, practical solutions to operational challenges and to anticipate downstream impacts
• A proactive, forward‑looking approach to issue identification, with the ability to flag emerging concerns early an provide advance notice on matters requiring executive attention

Responsibilities

• Coordinates executive level issues, events, projects, and other activities with internal and external customers.
• Leads resolution of business and technical issues confronting City leadership.
• Represents Assistant City Manager at meetings.
• Monitors City and departmental issues and projects, analyzes information, and makes recommendations for resolutions.
• Conducts research, compiles data, and prepares reports and other correspondence on behalf of Assistant City Manager.
• Acts as liaison between Austin City Manager's Office, departments, Council Offices, and other internal and external stakeholders on day-to-day issues.
• Assigns, monitors, or prepares responses to management or Assistant City Manager's requests for information.
• Reviews City Council agenda items and attends Council meetings and work sessions as needed.
• Reviews reports and other deliverables by departments and provides recommendations to approve or change on behalf of Assistant City Manager.
• Facilitates the day-to-day issues requiring the flow of information among various groups, (e.g. community, political, etc.).
• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees