Intergovernmental Relations Officer

City of Eugene • Eugene, OR

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Manager plans, directs, and executes intergovernmental relations activities and operations for the City of Eugene (City), including state and federal lobbying. Serves as principal lobbyist for the City at the state legislature, representing council-approved positions and coordinating all City responses and activities at state legislature. Leads the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for legislative and policy actions. Builds strong relationships internally and externally. Provides guidance to the City as well as local agencies regarding intergovernmental issues, facilitates regional intergovernmental relations, and provides highly responsible and complex support to City leadership, Mayor, City Council, and outside agencies. This position receives direction from the City Manager's Office Chief of Staff. May exercise direct supervision over professional employees and administrative staff.

Requirements

• Five years of experience in public administration, legislative research and analysis, governmental relations, and/or government program management, including at least two years of supervisory or program management responsibility.
• Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, political science, or a closely related field.
• Must pass a background check.
• A valid Oregon driver's license or, the ability to obtain by date of hire; must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City's standard.
• Principles and practices of intergovernmental relations, public administration and legislative process.
• Local, state, and federal government structure, functions, operations and legislative process; current social, political and economic trends and operational complexity of municipal government.
• Regional organizations and committees and their processes, functions and structure.
• Elected officials, appointed officials and their staff City organizational structures and interrelationships including City goals and priorities, council policies, City and departmental budgets and historical context of intergovernmental partnerships at the federal, state and local level.
• Methods, practices and restrictions related to the role of a lobbyist in the legislative process; principles of effective public relations and interrelationships with community groups and agencies, private businesses and firms, and other levels of government.
• Principles and practices of program management, budget preparation and administration, strategic planning, and project leadership.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluation
• Possession of organizational savvy as demonstrated by development of strong relationships, successful experience maneuvering through complex situations and an awareness of City government and community culture.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships including local, federal, and state agencies, public officials, business leaders, committee members, staff, and the general public.
• Research, analyze and interpret complex data and information; identify solution and project consequences of proposed actions, implement recommendations and direct others involved with analysis.
• Present complex written and oral reports involving statistical, factual, and theoretical data from multiple sources.
• Analyze large, complex and controversial issues and assess the best course of action.
• Present information concisely and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Manage multiple assignments in different topic areas concurrently.
• Successfully facilitate, negotiate, problem-solve, and make tough decisions on complex issues.
• Evaluate issues from multiple perspectives and work towards creative problem solving involving sensitive situations and issues.
• Ability to be resourceful, reach consensus with others and exhibit a collaborative style with community members, elected and appointed officials, executive management and staff.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion; communicate effectively and demonstrate strong presentation skills.
• Conduct long-range planning related to intergovernmental relations program activities.
• Exercise sound management in evaluating, developing and recommending policies and procedures or methods.
• Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations and make rational decisions in accordance with established policy.
• Perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Exercise considerable initiative and judgement.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Public Administration or closely related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directs and participates in the work activities, projects, operations, and programs involving City intergovernmental relations (IGR); including state and federal lobbying efforts, government relations, and the City's legislative priorities.
• Develops, plans, and directs the implementation of intergovernmental goals and objectives with internal and external city-wide impacts.
• Meets with local, state, and federal government officials; represents the City's legislative needs; develops legislative agendas and manages the City's legislative policies.
• Develops strategies and recommends short - and long - range plans regarding legislative and regional issues with City Council, lobbyists, other agencies and staff.
• Monitors legislative activities affecting City operations and evaluates the potential impact; tracks legislation; anticipates legislative issues and identifies opportunities to develop and influence policy to best meet the interests of the City of Eugene.
• Recommends action on proposed and approved legislation and regulations.
• Develops and recommends policy positions on governmental and legislative issues; researches and compiles data and presents information to City Council, City leadership, and other city staff.
• Provides analytical and technical assistance to the Mayor, City Council, and City leadership; develops, prepares, and presents reports and surveys.
• Facilitates and supports the work of the City Council’s Intergovernmental Relations Committee.
• Monitors, compiles, and provides technical assistance on intergovernmental agreements to which the City is a party.
• Serves as a liaison to departments, outside agencies, committees, commissions and the public.
• Serves on a variety of City committee and task teams; represents the City with state and federal elected officials and regional leaders, establishing productive and positive relationships to achieve best results on public matters.
• Actively and consistently grows and maintains partnerships across the organization and community.
• Coordinates activities with other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Leads and/or supports large, complex projects and contentious issues, which may include presenting recommendations to City Council, City leadership and the community.
• Participates in the development of the division's work plan; assigns work activities, monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures.
• Models respectful working relationships and contributes to a workplace that supports all employees; supports and models the City’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.
• Responsible for the selection, supervision and evaluation of assigned staff or contractors; assigns work and ensures appropriate training and guidance is provided; handles sensitive personnel matters; exercises full supervision over employees and/or contractors.
• Prepares and administers budget for IGR programs and projects; prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations; monitors and controls expenditures; prepares bid specifications for services; negotiates contracts with vendors; recommends bid awards.
• Supervises and/or oversees the work of outside contractors.
• Uses a City-owned vehicle to travel to various City owned and non-City owned locations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits.
• Non-Represented Retirement Program Upon eligibility, the City will contribute an employee contribution of 6%, as well as the employer contribution, to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).
• In addition, the City will pay a 3% contribution to a deferred compensation program if the employee contributes at least 1%.
• From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2034, most retirees may work for a PERS-participating employer for an unlimited number of hours while continuing to receive their pension benefit based on HB 2296.

What This Job Offers

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