Director of Policy Analysis & Communications

Olmsted County, MN; Minnesota; On-site; USD 82,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Olmsted County, Minnesota is seeking a forward-thinking leader to direct county-wide communications, engagement, data practices and policy analysis. You will guide intergovernmental relations, strategic planning and the county’s legislative agenda while mentoring team members and ensuring accountable results.

The role requires advanced degrees or substantial experience in public administration domains, and a proven ability to drive cross-department collaboration, employee development and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, Policy Analysis, Planning or Evaluation or related field with 4 years’ experience in a similar role, 3 in leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field with 6 years’ experience, 3 in leadership or supervision.

Responsibilities

• Directs development, implementation and maintenance of county-wide communications and engagement.
• Leads complex projects across county operations and ensures alignment with strategic goals.
• Oversees county-wide strategic plan, federal/state legislative agenda, and government relations.
• Directs public communications, website, social media, media relations and employee communications.
• Manages data practices policies, data retention schedules and policy oversight.
• Advises elected officials and department directors on policy, analysis and communication issues.

Skills

Leadership

Policy analysis

Strategic planning

Public communications

Data management

Team mentoring

Intergovernmental relations

Budgeting

Verbal and written communication

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Full salary range $59.79 to $99.88 hourly.
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, Policy Analysis, Planning or Evaluation or related field and four (4) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions, with three (3) of those years in a leadership or supervisory role.
OR
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, Policy Analysis, Planning or Evaluation or related field and six (6) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions, with three (3) of those years in a leadership or supervisory role.
Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver’s license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.Under general direction, directs the development, implementation, and maintenance of county-wide internal and external communications and engagement, intergovernmental relations, data practices, policy oversight, and management analysis including strategy, continuous improvement, and data management. Directs complex projects across county operations. Directs the development and implementation of plans, programs, and policies. Develops and maintains a service-oriented approach and creatively supports the quality initiatives of the organization and the community. Leverages the strengths of team members, clarifies roles and responsibilities, and develops employees to reach optimal goals. Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

• Leads individuals and teams, builds and maintains engagement, and nurtures a culture of growth to promote a work environment where every employee can reach their full potential.
• Recommends hiring, promotions, and assignments for team members, and provides regular and timely feedback. Manages employee performance, documentation, and disciplinary actions.
• Provides leadership to teams. Ensures team performance is aligned to the strategic goals of the department.
• Oversees the county-wide strategic plan that includes activities, outcomes, and results.
• Oversees the development of the county’s federal and state legislative agenda and other governmental relations.
• Leads the development and implementation of the county’s public communications, to include website, social media, media relations, and supporting methods and teams, as well as employee communications. plan.
• Oversees data practices policies and practice, to include fulfillment of public data requests and data retention schedules, as well as oversight of countywide policy committee.
• Oversees community engagement for the county through centralized processes and collaborates with departments on both external and internal engagement.
• Advises elected officials, directors, managers, supervisors, and employees regarding policy, analysis, and communication issues.
• Conducts research and presents recommendations to the County Board of Commissioners, County Administrator and Department Directors.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of policy, analysis, and communication in the public sector.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of effective public relations and interrelationships with community groups and agencies, private businesses and firms and other levels of government.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, research, and evaluation principles and practices.
• Knowledge of business process improvement and performance measurement theories and principles.
• Knowledge of governmental functions and organizational and legislative structure affecting County government
• Knowledge of management and budgeting practices and procedures.
• Skill in managing complex planning and evaluation projects (e.g., major issue reports, program evaluations, or process reengineering studies).
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication to convey complex issues clearly to decision-makers.
• Skill in the use of computers and technology.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Ability to work independently to complete complex projects.
• Ability to effectively lead multi-disciplinary planning and evaluation teams.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to mentor, coach, and supervise the work of others.

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:In compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the Physical and Environmental Demands:

Function 24% or Less 25% - 49% 50% - 74% 75% or more

Office environment X

Sitting X

Standing, walking X

Repetitive hand movements, typing/data entry X

Talking, hearing X

Operate vehicle X

Close vision X

Distance vision, accommodation, field of vision X

Sedentary (exert up to 10 pounds of force) X

An Equal Opportunity Employer