Local Administrative Advisor

Mountainland Association of Governments•Orem, UT

1d•$70,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) is seeking a rare kind of public servant—someone who thrives on solving complex problems, building trusted relationships, and helping communities succeed. As a Local Administrative Advisor, you won't be confined to a desk or a single organization. Instead, you'll serve as a trusted advisor to elected officials and community leaders across some of Utah's most unique and rapidly evolving rural communities. One day you may be helping a mayor navigate a difficult personnel issue, the next facilitating strategic planning, improving municipal operations, developing policies, securing funding, or helping local leaders turn a community vision into reality. This role offers an unusual combination of autonomy, influence, and meaningful public impact. You will work directly with decision-makers, shape the future of local governments, and help communities strengthen their capacity to serve residents more effectively. If you are passionate about leadership, public service, community development, and creating lasting positive change, this position provides an opportunity to make a tangible difference across an entire region while working alongside a respected statewide network of municipal professionals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Planning, or a related field
At minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience as a project or program manager in municipal government
Valid Utah Class D Driver License with access to personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement)

Nice To Haves

Experience and/or working knowledge in: Project management, methods, and practices
Municipal and fiscal accounting principles, practices and procedures
Municipal organizations and department operations, including applicable laws and regulations
Budgeting, accounting and related statistical procedures
Various revenue sources available to local governments including state and federal sources
State laws as they apply to city management practices, human resource management practices and procedures
Able to work independently and exercise initiative to achieve program priorities and outcomes
Ability to analyze a variety of financial problems and make decisions
Coordinate a variety of intra-governmental policy matters between governing body and department heads
Ability to establish & maintain effective working relationships with city leaders, intergovernmental agencies, & the public
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal intelligence, ability to work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders, establish & strengthen professional relationships, resolve disputes and complaints
Strong analytical & problem-solving skills, with the ability to think creatively, perform technical & policy-related research, and craft context-appropriate solutions
Demonstrated commitment to social equity, environmental sustainability, and community development
General understanding of local & regional issues including housing, community & economic development, and transportation

Responsibilities

Advise city and town leaders on issues including, but not limited to, relationships with other public entities, budgeting, agendas, resolutions and ordinances, and policies and procedures
Conduct internal investigations; examine records of city and town programs, or function as assigned to assure integrity of operations and prevent impropriety
Facilitate discussions with city and town leaders and liaise with public and private sector entities to create a community vision, goals, objectives, and measurable outcomes
Establish and monitor city and town budgets to accomplish goals and objectives for state compliance, meet community wide needs, and provide public transparency and accountability
Help city leaders coordinate and conduct personnel matters, including hiring, performance management, coaching, and creating personnel policies and procedures.
Recommend strategies for financial and technical assistance needed to compete for various discretionary grants/funding opportunities
Create regular progress reports on projects and assignments, including all reports as required by state program sponsors
Attend, participate, and make presentations at city and town meetings
Complete program-eligible assignments as requested by city and town leaders
Chair and/or participate on standing and ad hoc city committees, as requested
Work directly with city and town leaders to carry out projects, answer day-to-day questions, craft solutions to urgent needs as they arise, and implement or improve programs over time
Hold coordination meetings with LAA program sponsors and local cities/towns to support reporting, review local decision making, make assignments, and share information
Ensure timely communications, verbal and written, with city and town leaders
Other duties as assigned relating to the scope of work and intent of the LAA program