Policy Advisor

City of Richmond•Richmond, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides advanced policy, analytical, and strategic support to the Director, Senior Policy Advisor, and DCAO. The Policy Advisor develops and recommends implementation of policies, ordinances, standard operating procedures, partnership agreements, and contracts with departmental and city-wide impact. Incumbents advise on policy options and data-driven program evaluation within the Human Services portfolio. This position serves as a primary point of contact for tracking and monitoring departmental progress toward Mayor's Action Plan goals and key performance indicators. Incumbents manage complex cross-functional projects, coordinate with the City Attorney's office and subject matter experts on contract development and make interpretive decisions on behalf of the organization regarding policy implementation and partnership strategies that advance the operational mission of the Human Services portfolio and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. Incumbents may supervise management, professional, paraprofessional, and support staff including conducting performance evaluations, coordinating training, and implementing hiring, discipline, and termination procedures. This position is considered an Essential Personnel, which means that the incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions or inclement weather. The salary range for this position is $102,000 - $107,000

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, public health, human services, public policy, business administration, or directly related field.
Six years of progressively responsible related experience
Management and supervisory experience preferred.
Knowledge of Human services programs, practices, and community resources
Knowledge of Cross-system and interagency collaboration
Knowledge of Policy development, legislative processes, and FOIA compliance requirements
Knowledge of Project management principles, methodologies, and tools
Knowledge of Data collection methodologies and data management systems
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, etc.)
Knowledge of Electronic databases and related software applications
Skills in Managing complex projects and strategic initiatives
Skills in Drafting policy documents, ordinances, presentations, and correspondence
Skills in Collecting, analyzing, and verifying complex data to inform policy and decision-making
Skills in Designing data collection processes and evaluating program outcomes
Skills in Developing and managing grants, contracts, and partnership agreements
Skills in Communicating technical information clearly to diverse audiences and stakeholders
Skills in Applying human services knowledge to program development and service delivery
Skills in Negotiating effectively with partners, attorneys, and subject matter experts
Abilities to Collect, analyze, and present data to support organizational decision-making
Abilities to Adapt to changing priorities and guide stakeholders through project or policy transitions
Abilities to Navigate diplomatically through competing interests, exercise sound judgment, and make timely decisions in complex situations
Abilities to Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines
Abilities to Build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders across city government and the community
Abilities to Think critically and solve problems strategically
Abilities to Interpret and apply legislative, policy, and regulatory requirements accurately

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in a directly related field is preferred
An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.

Responsibilities

Supports the development and implementation of ordinances, resolutions, and internal policies and procedures for human services initiatives and legislation.
Prepares policy briefing notes, position papers, and legislative materials that clearly articulate rationales, implications, and implementation strategies.
Presents policy recommendations to leadership and stakeholders and supports policy interpretation and implementation across the department.
Coordinates responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in compliance with applicable laws.
Designs and implements data collection methodologies to support evidence-based decision-making.
Ensures accuracy and integrity of data used in presentations, reports, and policy development.
Serves as a primary point of contact for tracking, monitoring, and reporting on departmental progress toward Mayor's Action Plan goals and KPIs.
Collaborates with Human Services leadership to develop and refine key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with strategic objectives.
Conducts impact assessments and program evaluations to measure program and policy outcomes and inform future program development.
Serves as a subject matter expert, manages key partnerships, and acts as a liaison with City Attorney's office, subject matter experts, consultants, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
Leads development and negotiation of contracts and partnership agreements, coordinating legal review and ensuring compliance with city processes.
Oversees complex, cross-functional projects from initiation through completion.
Develops strategic approaches to advance initiatives, resolve complex challenges, and build productive relationships with external organizations and community partners.