Legislative Office Manager - (INTERNAL OPPORTUNITY ONLY)

City of Bremerton • Bremerton, WA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Legislative Office Manager provides executive-level administrative and operational support to the City Council and oversees the daily operations of the City Council Office. This role facilitates communication among Council Members, City administration, employees, the media, and the public. The position coordinates Council meetings and schedules, manages legislative records, communications, and departmental finances, and conducts research on Council-related matters. The position supervises the Legislative Assistant and performs work in accordance with applicable City policies, ordinances, directives, and legal requirements. This position is open to current City of Bremerton employees only.

Requirements

• Four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative office experience, including at least two (2) years of specialized experience in government, public administration, legislative support, or a closely related environment.
• College-level education in public administration, business administration, political science, communications, or a related field may substitute for specialized experience on a year-for-year basis, subject to approval by the City Council.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license required and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Ability to provide complex and confidential administrative support to multiple elected officials while exercising sound independent judgment.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and revise office activities and assignments to meet schedules, deadlines, and changing operational needs.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately, identify practical solutions, and take appropriate action within established authority.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and use discretion when handling sensitive information and communications.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, residents, City employees, public agencies, private-sector representatives, members of academia, the media, and the general public.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage frequent interruptions, competing priorities, and evening meeting requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of supervisory practices, performance management, team leadership, and organizational oversight.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration, legislative operations, and modern office management.
• Knowledge of City government operations, functions, policies, procedures, codes, and the roles and priorities of the City Council.
• Knowledge of Open Public Meetings Act, Public Records Act, State records retention requirements, and records-management practices for paper and electronic documents.
• Knowledge of budget preparation, expenditure control, basic accounting, payroll, purchasing, and recordkeeping practices.
• Knowledge of business English, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, document preparation, and professional correspondence.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, Zoom, SharePoint, Constant Contact, and similar office, communication, and collaboration systems.
• Skill in executive-level administrative support, office coordination, scheduling, and management of multiple priorities.
• Skill in researching, analyzing, summarizing, and presenting information; taking accurate notes; and preparing meeting minutes, reports, and correspondence.
• Skill in communicating clearly, professionally, and diplomatically with elected officials, employees, residents, media representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Skill in using office technology and learning website-management and communication tools, including CivicPlus or similar platforms.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the Legislative Department and City Council Office, including current projects, administrative priorities, office procedures, and routine operational decisions.
• Work independently to identify issues, recommend solutions, and ensure timely completion of Council business.
• Respond to inquiries, concerns, and complaints from residents, City employees, outside agencies, and individuals conducting business with the City.
• Screen and route calls and correspondence; explain applicable City or departmental policies and practices; research issues; and coordinate appropriate follow-up.
• Serve as a liaison among the City Council, Mayor’s Office, City departments, employees, the media, outside agencies, and the public to support effective communication and resolution of Council-related matters.
• Develop and maintain the Council meeting and study session schedule in coordination with Department Directors, managers, and Council leadership.
• Organize logistics for Council meetings, study sessions, workshops, budget sessions, district meetings, committee meetings, events, and appointments.
• Oversee preparation of Council meeting agendas, notices, agenda bills, supporting attachments, and Council packets.
• Review materials for completeness and compliance with the Agenda Bill Policy and ensure Council Members receive the information needed for deliberation.
• Ensure timely distribution of meeting notices, agendas, packets, and related communications to Council Members, City staff, the media, and other interested or affected parties.
• Compose, review, and edit correspondence, reports, briefing materials, and other documents, including confidential materials.
• Identify and reference appropriate policies, rules, regulations, and staff resources in responding to Council requests and legislative matters.
• Prepare public notices and press releases and arrange legal publication in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act and other applicable requirements.
• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with members of the media.
• Establish and maintain public and confidential records in accordance with the Public Records Act, State records-retention requirements, and City policies.
• Research, collect, compile, analyze, and organize information for Council use.
• Supervise the Legislative Assistant, including assigning and reviewing work, monitoring deadlines and workload, providing guidance and feedback, supporting professional development, and adjusting assignments to meet changing priorities and operational needs.
• Respond to communications with discretion, using judgment and experience to disseminate information to respond to residents’ inquiries, complaints, and concerns.
• Explain policies and procedures to the public, City employees, and various outside agencies; and initiate follow-up actions.
• Ensure City Council Office representation at regular Council meetings, committee meetings, and special meetings as required.
• Coordinate recording and documentation of proceedings and oversee the editing, publication, and distribution of approved official minutes.
• Analyze, organize, and follow office procedures.
• Establish and maintain a variety of public and confidential information in compliance with the State Records Act.
• Research, collect, compile, and analyze data as required.
• Compose correspondence and reports, including material of a confidential nature; reference appropriate staff, policies, rules, and regulations, independently and at the request of Council on a variety of matters; review and edit material as needed.
• Prepare the Legislative Department budget for Council consideration; monitor budget accounts and expenditures; verify account codes and approvals; process requisitions, purchase orders, reimbursements, and related transactions; and maintain accurate financial records.
• Maintain Council calendars and coordinate travel arrangements, appointments, and other scheduling needs as assigned.
• Prepare and submit departmental payroll records and personnel-related forms and documents.
• Coordinate with Legislative Assistant to ensure timely screening of email directed to city council address; redistribute to Council, staff, others per Council guidance.
• Regular in-person attendance is required; telework may be authorized on a situational basis.
• Perform related duties and special assignments as required.

Benefits

• The City of Bremerton is committed to integrating diverse perspectives into our workplace culture and encourages our employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work.
• We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under applicable law.
• We strive to create a diverse team that allows us to effectively connect to the community we serve.
• If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience.
• We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
• The City of Bremerton is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.
• The City of Bremerton does not discriminate on the basis of disability in programs and activities, which it operates pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and ADA Amendments Act.
• This policy extends to both employment and admission to participation in the programs, services and activities of the City of Bremerton.
• Reasonable accommodation for employees or applicants for employment will be provided.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree