City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Assistant to the City Manager

Under the direction of the City Manager, this position performs duties in support of the needs of the City Manager's Office, with a focus on driving initiatives aligned to the City Council.

1. Works to improve outcomes for the organization by developing systems and coordinating activities that build proficiency and increase capacity.
2. Serves as liaison between executive leadership, elected officials, and internal and external stakeholders by communicating strategy, advising on priorities, and making recommendations.
3. Serves as a direct and/or indirect resource for the operational needs of the Mayor and City Council offices.
4. Implements tracking and information systems for the City Manager’s Office, and Mayor and City Council Offices; provides oversight and tracking of the Council Items Update Report (CIUR) and Items From Council (IFC) process.
5. Develops, manages, and evaluates processes in support of incoming and outgoing City Council to include succession protocols, training, and temporary support staff.
6. Identifies and addresses areas of quality management for a variety of human resources and business service needs, focusing on improved communication and service delivery.
7. Coordinates work with citizen groups; coordinates City involvement with other governmental agencies.
8. Performs research for special projects assigned by the City Council or City manager, prepares summaries and reports, and communicates information to submit to appropriate parties.
9. Makes recommendations associated with purchasing and expenditures for departmental programs.
10. On behalf of and in consultation with the City Manager’s Office and City Council, responds to and resolves sensitive inquiries and complaints.

Provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

• Knowledge of current social and political trends and issues impacting municipal government.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws.
• Knowledge of city practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in data analysis, performance measurement techniques, problem solving, and decision making.
• Skill in the use of computers and related software.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in coordinating large, complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Skill in building and maintaining effective working relationships with elected officials, members of public boards and commissions, and government officials, key stakeholders, and the general public.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Ability to confer with individuals on behalf of the City Manager or Chief of Staff.
• Ability to interpret and apply City policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to analyze problems, provide alternatives, identify solutions in support of established goals, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to travel with members of the Council as requested.
• Ability to exercise good judgement, tact, and diplomacy; and maintain confidentiality as required.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Affairs, Political Science, or related field plus five (5) years of related experience, two (2) years of which were in a lead capacity.
• Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
• Graduation with a Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Affairs, Political Science or related field may substitute for two (2) years of the non-lead experience.

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