Deputy Officer, Intergovernmental Relations - Austin Government Relations

City of Austin • Austin, TX

1d • $102,910 - $131,700 • Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Officer directs the function and daily operation of the Intergovernmental Relations Office. The role manages the legislative team and ensures legislative strategies align with the City of Austin’s legislative priorities. It builds and maintains relationships with other governmental agencies, supports effective communication, secures federal and state funding, and works to advance the City’s legislative agenda. The position operates in a fast-paced environment and requires effective management of personal and staff time.

The Deputy Officer may act as the Intergovernmental Relations Officer in that person’s absence and represent the department to City departments, the City Manager’s Office, elected officials, and outside agencies. The position has full supervisory responsibilities, including staff selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendations for dismissal. Work hours may vary according to operational needs; nights and weekends may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least four years of experience in a related field, including at least two years in a management capacity.
• Knowledge of legislative practices and procedures, supervisory and management techniques and principles, legislation-tracking systems, and contract language, terms, and conditions.
• Oral and written communication skills; ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize; computer and related software skills; legal analysis and impact skills; and planning and organizing skills.
• Ability to accurately summarize and evaluate factors relating to legislation, negotiate, coordinate with various departments, assess political conditions and make appropriate recommendations, give public presentations, and recommend procedural changes.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy in public dealings and establish and maintain good working relationships with City and government agency employees and the public.
• Ability to work hours that vary based on operational needs, including nights and weekends when required.
• A résumé and cover letter are required as part of the application.

Nice To Haves

• Experience formulating and executing legislative strategies within constrained or accelerated timelines.
• Leadership experience overseeing staff in a fast-paced environment with complex and evolving subject matter.
• Ability to rapidly reassess priorities and address urgent issues in a dynamic operational setting.
• Experience explaining complex or technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Responsibilities

• Direct the function and daily operation of the Intergovernmental Relations Office.
• Manage the legislative lobbying team and its work.
• Research and monitor legislative impacts, consult with the City’s Legal Department, analyze bills, and develop and advocate for the City’s legislative agenda.
• Develop City-wide legislative programs, direct the filing of legislation, and prepare recommendations for City Council approval.
• Secure funding from federal and state appropriations.
• Provide oral and written testimony.
• Manage the preparation of operating budgets, financial forecasts, business plans, financial reports, and performance-measure reports.
• Develop and implement short- and long-range plans, policies, procedures, and programs.
• Respond to and resolve sensitive inquiries and complaints from internal and external sources, address complex problems, and help resolve difficult issues among Council, City executives, the media, and the public.
• Liaise with other governmental agencies, building and maintaining relationships and ensuring effective communication.
• Act as Intergovernmental Relations Officer in their absence and represent the department to City departments, the City Manager’s Office, elected officials, and outside agencies.
• Prepare business-planning reports, memoranda, and correspondence regarding departmental policies and activities.
• Supervise staff, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendations for dismissal.

Benefits

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid leave time.
• Competitive retirement plan through the City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System.
• Training opportunities.
• Work-life balance programs.
• Wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager