Policy & Community Relations Deputy Director

Linn County • Jean Oxley Public Service Center, IA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Linn County is committed to creating a Customer-Center Culture placing our internal & external customers at the center of everything we do! The Policy and Community Relations Deputy Director performs a variety of administrative and community relations/development duties related to planning, coordinating, and executing a strategy for the County’s engagement with local municipal entities, economic development and chamber of commerce organizations, key non-profit and/or social service agencies; assisting with policy development, enforcement, and compliance with federal and state law, and assisting with the preparation of County contracts, leases and agreements, the annual capital improvement project (CIP) plan and the County’s legislative efforts.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, or related field required.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in public administration or related field including experience interfacing with public officials and/or policy makers.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge and skills for this position may be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a local government environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with elected officials, external agencies, governmental agencies, and community organizations.
• Acts as a liaison between the County Board and specific departments, boards, commissions, and agencies under the Board’s span of control as directed.
• Fosters key relationships with local government professional staff, city clerks, mayors of Linn County cities, area legislators, and federal congressional staff, and assists the lobbying team with state and federal engagement.
• Attends business, labor union, social service, non-profit, and various civic meetings.
• Monitors local government meetings and briefs the Board on the concerns and needs of citizens and citizen groups.
• Represents the Board on various committees, boards and commissions as directed such as the East Central Region, Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Iowa Workforce Development Agency, Linn County Emergency Management, Urban County Coalition, Safe & Equitable Task Force, County Conservation Board, County Public Health Board, East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG).
• Collaborates with the Director of Policy & Administration and/or Department Heads/County Elected Officials to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on matters of policy and/or administration.
• Assists in the preparation of information for the use of the Board of Supervisors in making programmatic or policy decisions.
• Periodically briefs the Board of Supervisors on relevant issues requiring action.
• Assists the Director of Policy and Administration in the preparation of the County’s state legislative priorities, monitors state and federal legislation to assess potential implications to the County, communicates with the county’s lobbyists, and prepares documentation to support lobbying efforts.
• In collaboration with the Director of Policy and Administration and the Board of Supervisors, participates in the periodic creation or revision of the County’s Strategic Plan and deploys the tools of government engagement and advocacy to drive policy change adopted by the Board of Supervisors to advance goals that are consistent with Linn County’s Core Values and Mission Statement.
• Works with the County Attorney’s Office Civil Division to research, draft, prepare, consult, or recommend proclamations, resolutions, ordinances, or other special measures or actions contemplated for action by the Board of Supervisors.
• Prepares or assists with preparation of documents for the Board of Supervisors agenda items including agendas, contracts, leases, service agreements, ordinances, resolutions, and proclamations.
• Assists the Director of Policy and Administration with follow-up on items acted upon by the Board and provides technical/audio/visual support at Board meetings.
• Assists with the development, enforcement, interpretation and update of policies and procedures and helps to ensure that County policies are carried out and County business is conducted in compliance with applicable policies and statutes.
• Manages special projects at the direction of the Director of Policy and Administration.
• Researches initiatives and provides analysis to the Director of Policy and Administration and prepares various reports, correspondence, grant documents and claims for reimbursement.
• Assists the Director of Policy and Administration with preparation of the annual capital improvement project (CIP) plan and with project management of approved capital improvement projects as requested.
• Assists the Director of Policy and Administration with writing Requests for Proposals/Qualifications, assists with the public bidding process and procurement of professional services including developing bidding schedules and cost estimates, reviewing proposals, qualifications, and bids.
• Facilitates pre-bid meetings, and administers agreements with consultants, contractors, and service providers to facilitate project completion and monitors project budgets.
• Assists with the oversight of contracts, leases, and agreements with other governmental and non-governmental organizations and with the fulfillment of County property lease responsibilities.
• Assists with land and building purchases and land sales.
• Serves as a Linn County Public Information Officer.
• Participates in Linn County Emergency Management training and drills and assists with ADA coordination.
• Administers Board of Supervisors approved grant programs
• Cooperates with the Communications Director to supply and update website content.
• Cooperates with other County departments to ensure Code of Ordinances supplements and updates and codification are current.

Benefits

• Competitive wages with annual pay increases & annual cost of living increase (depending on budget)
• Medical, dental, vision, short & long term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension Plan (IPERS)
• Wellness program offering credit on insurance premiums to eligible employees
• Free on-site fitness centers
• 100% County paid basic life insurance
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Training & professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level