City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Local Government Affairs Program Manager

Under minimal direction, this position is responsible for representing the interests and positions of the department as liaison to City Council, other governmental entities, citizen commissions, trade and community organizations, and customers. This position manages and coordinates economic development activities and develops initiatives.

1. Manages City Council's consideration and approval of purchase requests, fees/rates, and policy changes.
2. Represents the department's interests and positions before a wide variety of audiences, including governmental entities, citizen commissions, trade and community organizations, businesses, and customers.
3. Manages and coordinates the department’s economic development activities with public officials, City departments, the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, citizen commissions, and other interested groups.
4. Promotes the department's mission, policies, and initiatives to the general public, customers, community leaders, community groups, and other external organizations.
5. Serves as liaison and provides technical assistance to City Council and City departments.
6. Provides leadership, insight, and concepts in public and community relation activities.
7. Provides effective and timely responses to information requests and calls for action, including researching and preparing documents for presentation and publication.
8. Coordinates a wide variety of personnel and programs to accomplish overall department objectives.
9. Prepares status reports and briefings to City management on City Council-related and other assigned projects.
10. Participates in internal policy teams, workshops, public hearings, and stakeholder processes.

• Knowledge of legislative and/or governmental processes.
• Knowledge of economic development principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of department’s specific industry.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related tasks.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to problem solve and conduct policy and issues analysis.
• Ability to research, gather and analyze data, and assess and summarize findings.
• Ability to negotiate.
• Ability to work on various products for data collection, analysis, and presentation.
• Ability to establish and maintaining good working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Affairs, Public Administration, Business, or a related field, plus six (6) years of related experience in economic development, urban planning, or working with government or elected officials.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Affairs, Public Administration, Business, or related field may substitute for two (2) years of related experience.