Mayor's Office Chief of Staff

City of Yuma•City of Yuma, AZ

About The Position

Under general direction, this City Administration position performs advanced professional and complex work involving policy development and analysis, governmental relations, public affairs, and communications. The position exercises independent judgment to provide policy guidance and staff support to the Mayor and City Council; analyze legislative and policy issues; and recommend courses of action. It develops strategies and leads assigned government affairs initiatives in coordination with City Administration and the City’s government affairs representatives, represents adopted City positions in authorized forums, oversees assigned staff and administrative functions, and manages special projects and official activities. The role conducts policy research and analysis; manages policy and government affairs initiatives; leads special projects, including the Mayors’ International Bicycle Ride; develops government outreach plans; and prepares policy memoranda, briefings, reports, presentations, position statements, and correspondence. It attends meetings on behalf of the Mayor and City Council as authorized, oversees administrative support for the Mayor and Council Office, coordinates constituent responses and public communications, and supervises assigned staff. The position also supports courteous and cooperative service to the public, promotes City goals and values, and maintains the confidentiality of sensitive City information. Work is typically performed in a standard office environment, with occasional physical tasks and the possibility of irregular hours for Mayoral activities and meetings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field, and five years of progressively responsible professional experience in policy analysis, government relations, legislative affairs, or public administration; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Experience researching complex issues, developing policy recommendations, and advising elected officials or executive management.
Valid Arizona State Driver's License.
Knowledge of City organization, policies, and procedures, including the roles of elected officials and City Administration.
Knowledge of public administration, policy research and analysis, and evaluation of fiscal, operational, and community impacts.
Knowledge of state and federal legislative, regulatory, and budget processes and current issues affecting municipal government.
Knowledge of government affairs, intergovernmental relations, legislative advocacy, and regional cooperation.
Knowledge of policy development, executive communications, and presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
Knowledge of project management, program development and evaluation, local community resources, regional organizations, and binational relationships.
Knowledge of public affairs, media relations, public communications, digital content, staff supervision, work planning, performance evaluation, and legal, ethical, professional, confidentiality, and public records standards.
Skill in analyzing complex policy and legislative issues, evaluating alternatives, and developing practical recommendations.
Skill in exercising initiative, discretion, and independent judgment within established policies and assigned authority.
Skill in preparing policy analyses, executive briefings, speeches, and official correspondence, and presenting complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
Skill in developing government affairs strategies and representing adopted City positions effectively.
Skill in building cooperative relationships with elected officials, governmental agencies, community partners, and City staff, and facilitating agreement on shared priorities.
Skill in political awareness, diplomacy, and professional impartiality when addressing sensitive or controversial issues.
Skill in leading projects, coordinating work across departments and organizations, and managing competing priorities and deadlines.
Skill in resolving constituent concerns and managing sensitive communications professionally and with sound judgment.
Skill in supervising staff, setting clear expectations, evaluating performance, and maintaining accountability for results.
Ability to work irregular hours and attend night and weekend Mayoral activities and meetings as needed.
Ability to occasionally bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory or project management experience is desirable.
Master’s degree in a related field is desirable.
Bilingual speaking and writing skills in Spanish are highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct complex policy research and analysis, coordinate departmental input, assess fiscal, operational, and community impacts, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend policy positions and response strategies.
Manage assigned policy and government affairs initiatives, coordinate implementation with City departments and government affairs representatives, advance adopted City positions, and evaluate results.
Lead assigned special projects, including the Mayors’ International Bicycle Ride; develop work plans, coordinate stakeholders and implementation, monitor progress, resolve issues within assigned authority, and evaluate results.
Develop and implement government outreach plans and maintain relationships with governmental agencies, municipal associations, and community partners.
Prepare policy memoranda, executive briefings, reports, presentations, position statements, and official correspondence.
Attend regional, state, national, and international meetings with or on behalf of the Mayor and City Council as authorized; present adopted City positions and coordinate follow-up actions.
Oversee daily administrative and support functions of the Mayor and Council Office, including priorities, scheduling, meeting preparation, travel, and official activities.
Coordinate responses to citizen questions and complaints about governmental policies, procedures, and services; refer matters to responsible departments and track resolution status.
Coordinate public communications and media relations with City communications staff and responsible departments; develop speeches, talking points, and digital content; manage assigned official social media platforms; and coordinate interviews and public appearances.
Supervise assigned staff by setting priorities, assigning and reviewing work, evaluating performance, supporting staff development, and resolving workload issues.
Interact courteously and cooperatively with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promote City goals, priorities, vision, values, and the “Yuma Way”; and comply with City policies and procedures.
Maintain the confidentiality of work-related issues and sensitive City information and enforce applicable Privacy Act confidentiality standards.
Perform other duties as required or assigned.