Deputy Officer, Intergovernmental Relations - Austin Government Relations

City of Austin; United States; On-site; USD 103,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost medical

Dental

Vision

Paid leave time

Competitive retirement plan

Training opportunities

Job summary

The City of Austin seeks a Deputy Officer to lead the legislative team and align strategies with the city's priorities. The role requires fast-paced decision making, staff supervision, and effective coordination with federal/state agencies.

Responsibilities include directing operations, advocating the city’s agenda, securing funding, and providing testimony and policy analysis. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus four years of related experience, including two years in a management capacity.
• Knowledge of legislative practices and procedures; experience with legislative tracking systems.
• Ability to lead, supervise staff, and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong oral and written communication, negotiation, and public presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Directs the Intergovernmental Relations Office daily operations and supervises staff.
• Develops and advocates the City’s legislative agenda; coordinates with City departments and external agencies.
• Secures federal and state funding; prepares operating budgets and performance reports.
• Develops long- and short-range plans, policies, and programs; represents the department externally.
• Provides testimony and files legislation; prepares memoranda and policy documents.
• Manages legislative lobbying team and acts as department representative in leadership.
• Ensures alignment of legislative strategies with City priorities.

Skills

Legislative practices

Supervision & management

Legislation tracking

Contract language understanding

Oral & written communication

Prioritization & multitasking

Computers & software

Legal analysis

Planning & organizing

Public presentations

Diplomacy & public relations

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

About This Position

This will manage the legislative team and ensure legislative strategies are aligned with the City of Austin legislative priorities. The Deputy Officer will work in a fast paced environment and have the ability to efficiently manage their time as well as staff time.

Job Description

Purpose: Directs the function and daily operation of the Intergovernmental Relations Office; liaises with other governmental agencies, building and maintaining relationships, and ensuring effective communication; secures funding sources and ensures passage of the City’s legislative agenda.

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.

• Responds to and resolves sensitive inquiries and complaints from both internal and external sources and provides solutions to complex problems and works to resolve difficult issues between involved parties including Council, City Executives, media and the general public.
• Researches and monitors legislative impact, consults with the City’s Legal Department, provides bill analysis, develops and advocates the City’s legislative agenda.
• Manages the preparation of operating budgets, the financial forecasts and business plan requirements and reports, including financial reports and performance measures reports.
• Develops and implements short-and-long-range plans, policies, procedures, and programs.
• Acts as Intergovernmental Relations Officer in their absence to include serving as official departmental representative to other City departments, City Manager’s Office, elected officials and outside agencies.
• Prepares business planning reports, memoranda, and correspondence on departmental policies and activities.
• Secures funding from federal and state appropriations.
• Develops City wide legislative programs and directs the filing of legislation and prepares recommendations for City Council approval.
• Provides oral and written testimony.
• Manages legislative lobbying team.
• Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

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 legislative practices and procedures
• Knowledge of supervisory and management techniques and principles
• Knowledge of legislation tracking systems
• Knowledge of contract language, terms, conditions, etc.
• Skill in oral and written communication
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing
• Skill in using computers and related software
• Skill in legal analysis and impact
• Skill in planning and organizing
• Ability to accurately summarize and evaluate factors relating legislation
• Ability to negotiate
• Ability to coordinate with various departments
• Ability to evaluate political conditions and make appropriate recommendations
• Ability to give public presentations
• Ability to recommend procedural changes
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact and diplomacy in all public dealings
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city and government agency employees and the public

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university plus four (4) years of experience in a related field, of which two (2) years were in a management capacity.

Licenses and Certifications Required

None.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience formulating and executing legislative strategies within constrained or accelerated timelines.
• Proven leadership experience overseeing staff in a fast‑paced environment characterized by complex and evolving subject matter.
• Ability to rapidly reassess priorities and address urgent issues in a dynamic operational setting.
• Experience conveying complex or technical information in clear, concise, and easily understood terms for diverse audiences.
• The ability to travel to more than one work location.

Compensation Range

The annual hiring range for this position is $102,910.00-$131,700.00

Benefits

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more.

• Low-cost medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Paid leave time
• A highly competitive retirement plan
• Training opportunities

Hours

Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Hours will vary based on operational needs. Nights and weekends may be required.

Work Location

919 Congress Austin, TX 78748

Criminal Background Investigation

A CBI will be required for this position.

Travel

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites.

Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike‑friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on‑site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

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