Policy Advisor To The Mayor

City of Columbia•Columbia, SC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position works on policy initiatives and solutions as directed by the Mayor on a variety of issues including but not limited to arts and historic preservation, economic development, education and community development, environment and sustainability, government operations and efficiency, public health, public safety and regionalism and intergovernmental relations. The incumbent assists the Mayor, but works under the supervision of the City Manager. The work is considered sedentary and involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: fingering, handling, hearing, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, talking, and visual acuity. Work environment involves exposure to no known environmental hazards; and is relatively safe, secure and stable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration or a closely related field
One (1) year of relevant prior experience
Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License

Responsibilities

Works on public policy to generate new policy initiatives and develop a strategic perspective on how best to build public consensus and support for those initiatives and the city in general
Oversees strategy and implementation of new programs
Coordinate with partners and stakeholders on policy and programs
Research policy initiatives for feasibility of implementation
Assists in ensuring the Mayor has necessary documents/background information for meetings and events connected to policy and programs
Serves as the Mayor’s liaison with internal and external groups, organizations, committees and projects which includes but is not limited to: US. Conference of Mayors, Midlands Business Leadership Group, Central SC, Bloomberg Harvard, Climate Mayors, Community Leaders of America, Columbia Town & Gown Committee, Columbia Streams Art, Collegiate Engagement Council, Climate Protection Action Committee (CPAC), Columbia Food Policy Committee, Main Street District Marketing Committee, Grocery Access Program, Cola Ambassador Program, Travel for city relationship building
Assists in writing talking points, speeches, press releases and other external communications
Assists with event planning/coordination for any Mayor sponsored/initiatives
Assists with coordinating travel and accommodations
Monitors and reviews the Mayors email inbox
Maintains and provides status updates/briefings on priority policy and initiatives development and implementation
Coordinates with City Manager and her designee(s) on intergovernmental affairs, communicating with county, state, and federal officials as needed
Collaborates on state and federal legislative work with Governmental Affairs Coordinator and Lobbyists to ensure communication and organization between Mayor, Council and Leadership
Assists in marketing, coordinating and implementing various City programs, events, projects activities and services as assigned
Writes and/or edits public remarks to be delivered by the mayor including but not limited to official welcomes, keynote speeches and addresses
Coordinates with the Mayor’s Communication Team on public statements and proclamations
Attends staff, committee and City meetings as required; may represent the Mayor at various meetings as requested
Attends training, meetings, seminars and/or workshops to enhance job knowledge and skills
Performs other related duties as assigned