Director of Intergovernmental Affairs

City of Somerville, MA•Somerville, MA

35d•$120,000

About The Position

The Director of Intergovernmental Affairs consistently maintains a high degree of interaction with the public, advises the Mayor on public policy and acts as a Mayoral surrogate in matters involving key external partners such as the City Council, the State Delegation, the Federal Delegation, the Governor's Office, executive offices in other municipalities, and the School Department as well as other public entities, business associations and non-profit organizations. This is a senior management role in the Executive Office and requires the ability to communicate accurately and concisely on behalf of the Mayor. The Director of Intergovernmental Affairs is responsible for the direct supervision of 1 non-union employee and for coordination with senior staff throughout the organization. Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties. Essential Functions The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Requirements

Graduate of a four year college with Bachelor's Degree and five to seven- (5-7) years of experience in public administration, or related work experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Working knowledge of office procedures and practices; knowledge and understanding of city structure and operations; understanding of Commonwealth's government.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with City officials and departments, and the general public; ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form; ability to establish and maintain complex record keeping systems; ability to operate a telephone and standard office equipment; ability to manage multiple tasks in an efficient manner; ability to adapt to fast paced, crisis driven environment.
Skill in operating computers and applicable word processing and statistical applications; excellent customer service skills; time management skills and an organizational ability are very important; skilled in persuasion, policy building, patience and oral and written communications.
Policy development and project management skills are required.

Responsibilities

Supervises and coordinates all departments and divisions in providing accurate, consistent, and timely responses to the legislative body and other external entities.
Sets the strategy and process to operationalize the efficient flow of data between the Mayor and other stakeholders.
Works with the Mayor to develop an agenda of policy initiatives and an inventory of issues that concern the Administration, the City Council, and the public.
Works in tandem with the Executive to prioritize meetings, events, and appearances. Coordinates with scheduler as needed. Responsible for coordinating subject matter-specific briefings for all engagements.
Primary point of contact representing the Mayor regarding matters concerning the City Council, School Department, Mayor's task forces and working groups, State and Federal delegation, and agencies.
Participates in citywide budget planning and review in preparation for Board presentations.
Acts as Chief Liaison to City Council; responsible for preparing and submitting all communications for city departments.
Provides oversight and advice to city departments on a variety of projects, acting on behalf of the Mayor; represents the Executive in various settings.

Benefits

4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions.
Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna
Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
Long term disability through Sun Life
Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
Annual cancer screening & wellness release
Somerville Retirement Pension System
Tuition reimbursement
MBTA pass program
FREE Blue Bikes membership
Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)