About This Position

 

The Policy Aide’s responsibilities include conducting research, developing sound public policy recommendations, advising the Council Member on key issues, collaborating with the Council Member’s policy team on critical projects, drafting responses to constituent inquiries within assigned policy areas, attending community and neighborhood meetings (including evenings and weekends) on behalf of the District office, and proactively anticipating policy needs.

 

Job Description:

Purpose:

An intermediate level role that assists a City Council Member and serves as an assigned liaison with other city organizations and agencies, chairs or facilitates citywide Boards or committees; and negotiates and resolves sensitive issues

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Prepares and reviews written correspondence, speeches, and other informational material.

• Handles public relations and develops communications and marketing strategies.

• Manages community outreach, newsletters, emails, updates, public meetings, or public forums.

• Attends meetings and provides staff assistance during meetings and attends to needs and requests of Council.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of public information, marketing, public relations, media relations programs.

• Knowledge of the functions and organization of municipal government, to include the relationships between departments, divisions and agencies.

• Knowledge of the principles associated with the role of meeting the necessary standards of customer service.

• Knowledge Federal, State and Local laws.

• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Skill in handling multiple projects and prioritizing.

• Skill in using computers and related software.

• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.

• Skill in planning and organizing.

• Ability to interpret policies and guidelines.

• Ability to write articles for publication.

• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

• Ability to lead and train others.

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in Business Administration or Public Administration and experience in communications or public information.

• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.

Preferred qualifications: 

• Strong written and oral communication skills and attention to detail.

• Prior experience with complex policy making .

• General knowledge of local, state, and federal government.

• Previous experience working in municipal government and/or state/federal government.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

 

Notes to Candidate:

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to public service and a desire to develop municipal policy.

• A strong interest in the field of politics, community service, public relations/government.

• Knowledge of key policy areas and ability to research and analyze issues; ability to advise the Council Member on policy issues.

• Commitment to collaboration and teamwork.

• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and under tight deadlines.

• Attention to detail.

• Emotional maturity and ability to work with a tight team but be highly self-driven.

Job responsibilities will include:

• Conduct research; develop sound public policy; advise the Council Member on issues.

• Collaborate with the Councilmember’s policy team on critical projects.

• Draft responses to constituent inquiries on assigned policy areas.

• Attend community and neighborhood meetings (including evenings and weekends) as a representative of the District office.

• Anticipate policy needs.

Location and Hours:

Austin City Hall

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Telework opportunities are available. Hours will vary depending on operational needs. Evenings and weekends will be required.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.

• And are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD- 214 prior to confirming a start date.

Benefits:
Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click Here.

Travel:
If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Salary: $73,000 - $84,500 annually.

Background Investigation:

A criminal background investigation may be required for financial responsibilities.

The following items are required to complete the application process:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• A writing sample

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

 

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

 

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.