Data is as of 6/15/2025.
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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Protocol & Diplomacy Program Manager
FLSA: Standard/Exempt EEO Category: (20) Professionals
Class Code: 10521 Salary Grade: HF4
Approved: Last Revised: May 21, 2025

Purpose:
 

Under limited direction, this position is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing international engagement strategies for the City of Austin. This position ensures adherence to diplomatic protocols, fosters global partnerships, and enhances the City's international reputation by facilitating official visits, exchanges, and cooperative agreements.
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.
  1. Develops and manages international protocol policies and procedures to ensure proper diplomatic decorum in official engagements.
  2. Plans and coordinates official visits from foreign dignitaries, delegations, and government representatives, ensuring adherence to protocol standards.
  3. Facilitates relationships with foreign consulates, embassies, trade offices, and international organizations to enhance global engagement opportunities.
  4. Advises elected officials, senior staff, and departments on diplomatic practices, cross-cultural communication, and protocol etiquette.
  5. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to promote international investment, business relations, and cultural diplomacy.
  6. Develops briefing materials, talking points, and reports for officials participating in international engagements.
  7. Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies governing international relations and diplomatic interactions.
  8. Coordinates interdepartmental efforts to integrate international best practices into municipal operations.
  9. Manages budgets, contracts, and grants related to international protocol and diplomacy initiatives.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
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 principles and practices associated with diplomatic protocols, international customs, and cross-cultural communications.
  • Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation and monitoring.
  • Knowledge of management principles related to coordinating high-level governmental or international events.
  • Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedure.
  • Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  • Skill in oral and written communications.
  • Skill in planning, coordinating, and implementing programs and activities.
  • Skill in interpreting, organizing, coordinating, and executing assignments, projects, and programs.
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  • Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, foreign dignitaries, and business leaders.
  • Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  • Ability to establish and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy in all dealings and maintain confidentiality as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
 

Graduation with Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in international relations, political science, public administration, or a related field plus four (4) years of experience in diplomacy, international affairs, protocol management, or a field related to the job, including two (2) years of experience which were in a supervisory, project management, or program management.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 

Valid Texas Class C Driver License.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.