Council Policy Aide (District 10)

City of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 73,000 - 84,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

City of Austin is seeking a Policy Aide to support a City Council Member with research, policy analysis, and public communications. The role acts as a liaison with city agencies, facilitates boards/committees, and negotiates issues with a mid-level capacity.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or related field and strong written communication skills. Responsibilities include outreach, draft responses, and presenting policy options to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or Business Administration required or preferred.
• Experience in communications or public information is expected.
• Strong written and oral communication skills required.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and develop sound public policy recommendations.
• Advise the Council Member on key policy issues and needs.
• Collaborate with policy team on projects.
• Draft responses to constituent inquiries and prepare communications materials.
• Attend community meetings and public forums as needed.
• Plan and manage public outreach activities.

Skills

Public information

Marketing & media relations

Policy analysis

Written communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

The Policy Aide assists a City Council Member by providing research, policy analysis, and public communications support. The role serves as a liaison with other city agencies, chairs or facilitates citywide boards or committees, and negotiates sensitive issues in an intermediate level capacity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and develop sound public policy recommendations on assigned policy areas.
• Advise the Council Member on key policy issues and policy needs.
• Collaborate with the Council Member’s policy team on critical projects.
• Draft responses to constituent inquiries and prepare correspondence, speeches, and informational materials.
• Attend community and neighborhood meetings, including evenings and weekends, on behalf of the District office.
• Plan, organize, and manage public outreach activities such as newsletters, emails, and public forums.
• Handle public relations and develop communications and marketing strategies.
• Provide staff assistance during meetings and address the Council’s needs and requests.
• Interpret policies, guidelines, and local government procedures.
• Coordinate and lead initiatives that require frequent interruptions and changing priorities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of public information, marketing, public relations, and media relations programs.
• Understanding of municipal government functions and interdepartmental relationships.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws; city practice, policy, and procedures.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize, and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency with computers and related software; data analysis and problem solving.
• Planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead and train staff; maintain good working relationships with city employees and the public.
• Adaptability to frequent interruptions and changing priorities.

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 with meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience with complex policy making.
• General knowledge of local, state, and federal government.
• Prior experience working in municipal and/or state/federal government.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Job Expectations

• Location: Austin City Hall; Telework opportunities may be available.
• Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM with variations to meet operational needs; evenings and weekends may be required.
• Travel: may be required for occasional trips to multiple locations.
• Salary: $73,000 – $84,500 annually.
• Background Investigation: a criminal background investigation may be required for financial responsibilities.

Benefits

• Low‑cost medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid leave and a highly competitive retirement plan.
• Training opportunities and professional development.
• Other standard city benefits.

Application

• Resume and cover letter.
• Writing sample.

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. The City will also not discriminate on the basis of AIDS, HIV status, or perceived risk of HIV infection. The City is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If reasonable accommodation is required during the application process or for an essential job function, contact (512) 974‑3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7‑1‑1.

Note

Verification of education may be required prior to confirmation of a start date. Veterans must provide a DD‑214 prior to starting the position.