Council Policy Aide (District 10)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

10d•$73,000 - $84,500•Hybrid

About The Position

An intermediate level role that assists a City Council Member and serves as an assigned liaison with other city organizations and agencies, chairs or facilitates citywide Boards or committees; and negotiates and resolves sensitive issues. The Policy Aide’s responsibilities include conducting research, developing sound public policy recommendations, advising the Council Member on key issues, collaborating with the Council Member’s policy team on critical projects, drafting responses to constituent inquiries within assigned policy areas, attending community and neighborhood meetings (including evenings and weekends) on behalf of the District office, and proactively anticipating policy needs.

Requirements

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in Business Administration or Public Administration and experience in communications or public information.
Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
Knowledge of public information, marketing, public relations, media relations programs.
Knowledge of the functions and organization of municipal government, to include the relationships between departments, divisions and agencies.
Knowledge of the principles associated with the role of meeting the necessary standards of customer service.
Knowledge Federal, State and Local laws.
Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in handling multiple projects and prioritizing.
Skill in using computers and related software.
Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
Skill in planning and organizing.
Ability to interpret policies and guidelines.
Ability to write articles for publication.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Ability to lead and train others.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
A strong commitment to public service and a desire to develop municipal policy.
A strong interest in the field of politics, community service, public relations/government.
Knowledge of key policy areas and ability to research and analyze issues; ability to advise the Council Member on policy issues.
Commitment to collaboration and teamwork.
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and under tight deadlines.
Attention to detail.
Emotional maturity and ability to work with a tight team but be highly self-driven.
Resume
Cover letter
A writing sample

Nice To Haves

Strong written and oral communication skills and attention to detail.
Prior experience with complex policy making .
General knowledge of local, state, and federal government.
Previous experience working in municipal government and/or state/federal government.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

Prepares and reviews written correspondence, speeches, and other informational material.
Handles public relations and develops communications and marketing strategies.
Manages community outreach, newsletters, emails, updates, public meetings, or public forums.
Attends meetings and provides staff assistance during meetings and attends to needs and requests of Council.
Conduct research; develop sound public policy; advise the Council Member on issues.
Collaborate with the Councilmember’s policy team on critical projects.
Draft responses to constituent inquiries on assigned policy areas.
Attend community and neighborhood meetings (including evenings and weekends) as a representative of the District office.
Anticipate policy needs.