Council Policy & Legislative Advisor

Position & Duties 

The Office of Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei is recruiting for a full-time Council aide. This position serves as a member of the policy team for Vice Mayor Kamei, working on several priority initiatives, various policy areas and matters pertaining to neighborhood quality of life.

The position requires an employee with strong and effective organizational skills, the ability to handle multiple assignments, excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to develop and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with community members, neighborhood organizations, key stakeholders, and City staff. Candidates must be willing to work frequent evenings and weekends and as exempt management employees, are not eligible for overtime compensation.

Employees in this classification are not members of the classified civil service and are appointed "at will." Each appointment is for a specified period of time to be determined by the appointing Council Member and does not extend past the end of the elected official's or appointing authority's term. This unclassified position requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, income, and business positions.

Typical Duties:

The Council Aide will be primarily responsible for the following tasks:

• Lead initiatives within an assigned policy portfolio, with a focus on policies related to transportation and neighborhood quality of life. Drive policy priorities through government and legislative processes.

• Gather background information relative to issues pending before the City Council.

• Preparation or assisting in the preparation of speeches and talking points for the Vice Mayor.

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with council offices, city staff, community organizations, residents, business community, non-profit organizations, and government agencies as they are key partners on policy and as a representative of the Vice Mayor’s Office.

• Coordinating arrangements for meetings, programs, or other civic functions on behalf of the Vice Mayor.

• Attend meetings and community events with the Vice Mayor, which requires availability on evenings and weekends.

• Analyzing a wide variety of materials on assigned projects, programs, and topics.

• Responding to constituent inquiries and issues, resolving complaints, and interpreting operating policies for residents of the community and other interested parties.

• Attending and representing the Vice Mayor at City-related meetings and activities, meeting with governmental agencies, private industry, and related meetings.

• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as required.

Qualifications 

Minimum Qualifications:

To be considered for this position, a candidate must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A BA/BS in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Communications, or a closely related field is required.

• Any combination of training and experience equivalent that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to advise the Vice Mayor on matters of public policy, democratic processes, constituent service, or citizen involvement.

• Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will not prepare or file a labor condition application with the Department of Labor.

Competencies:

The ideal candidate will possess the most desirable combination of training, skills, and experience, which will allow him or her to serve as a member of the Vice Mayor’s Office. Desirable experience, knowledge and skills for this position include:

· Strong commitment to public service.

· Previous experience working for a Councilmember or elected official.

· Preferred: experience working on policies related to affordable housing, homelessness, and neighborhood quality of life.

· Experience in community development or organizing, along with policy research.

· Ability to communicate and work effectively with a diverse set of stakeholders.

· Proficiency in the use of software applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, or equivalent.

· Ability to effectively plan workflow and manage multiple projects to deliver quality products in a timely manner, evidenced by strong organizational, administration, and management skills.

· Ability to express themselves clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing (email, letters, report writing, and editing).

· Skill in research techniques and applications - collecting, compiling, analyzing, and interpreting data.

· Strong work ethic, professionalism, flexibility.

· Ability to communicate effectively with others and facilitate groups to achieve common objectives; understand and identify key issues and make recommendations in complex situations.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with others and to provide excellent service to internal and external customers, stakeholders, and colleagues.

· Ability to present yourself in a professional and effective manner.

· Ability to work in a team environment and work as an effective team contributor.

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

· Demonstrate ability to work independently, prioritize work, and independently manage multiple, diverse, and competing priorities while meeting deadlines.

· Possess a CA driver's license.

Application & Selection Process

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to the interview process, which may include practical/writing exercises.

To be considered for this position, you must fill out the online application available on the City of San Jose website and submit the following:

• Cover Letter & Resume

• Two (2) writing samples that best demonstrate your level of proficiency

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact David Gomez at david.gomez@sanjoseca.gov

Additional Information

This position will remain open until filled; therefore, we encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible.