Intergovernmental Relations Officer
City of Eugene
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The City of Eugene seeks an Intergovernmental Relations Officer to plan, direct, and execute city lobbying efforts at state and federal levels, aligning legislative priorities with council actions, and guiding executive leadership.
This exempt role collaborates across departments, manages staff or contractors, develops budgets, and builds partnerships to advance the city's interests during sessions at the Oregon State Capitol and beyond.
Qualifications
- Five years of public administration, legislative research and/or government program management.
- Experience supervising staff or programs is required or preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in a related field; Master’s preferred.
Responsibilities
- Directs intergovernmental relations work, state/federal lobbying, and policy priorities.
- Develops strategies and coordinates legislative agendas with City leadership.
- Represents City with officials, builds partnerships, and guides city responses.
- Monitors legislation and analyzes impacts on City operations.
- Prepares reports, budgets, and manages staff or contractors.
Skills
Education
Job description
THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Applications will be reviewed weekly.
The first review of applications will be July 27, 2026.
The Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Manager plans, directs, and executes intergovernmental relations activities and operations for the City of Eugene (City), including state and federal lobbying. Serves as principal lobbyist for the City at the state legislature, representing council-approved positions and coordinating all City responses and activities at state legislature. Leads the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for legislative and policy actions. Builds strong relationships internally and externally. Provides guidance to the City as well as local agencies regarding intergovernmental issues, facilitates regional intergovernmental relations, and provides highly responsible and complex support to City leadership, Mayor, City Council, and outside agencies.
This position receives direction from the City Manager's Office Chief of Staff. May exercise direct supervision over professional employees and administrative staff.
Intergovernmental Relations Officer
$54.71 - $73.85 hourly / $113,796.80 - $153,608.00 annually
Central Cervices, City Manager’s Office
Non-Represented, Exempt
City Hall, 500 East 4th Ave. and Oregon State Capitol in Salem during legislative session
Monday - Friday, 8:00a.m.–5:00p.m. with flexibility per business need
The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as see information about all employee benefits.
Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.
- Directs and participates in the work activities, projects, operations, and programs involving City intergovernmental relations (IGR); including state and federal lobbying efforts, government relations, and the City's legislative priorities.
- Develops, plans, and directs the implementation of intergovernmental goals and objectives with internal and external city-wide impacts.
- Meets with local, state, and federal government officials; represents the City's legislative needs; develops legislative agendas and manages the City's legislative policies.
- Develops strategies and recommends short- and long-range plans regarding legislative and regional issues with City Council, lobbyists, other agencies and staff.
- Monitors legislative activities affecting City operations and evaluates the potential impact; tracks legislation; anticipates legislative issues and identifies opportunities to develop and influence policy to best meet the interests of the City of Eugene. Recommends action on proposed and approved legislation and regulations.
- Develops and recommends policy positions on governmental and legislative issues; researches and compiles data and presents information to City Council, City leadership, and other city staff.
- Provides analytical and technical assistance to the Mayor, City Council, and City leadership; develops, prepares, and presents reports and surveys.
- Facilitates and supports the work of the City Council’s Intergovernmental Relations Committee.
- Monitors, compiles, and provides technical assistance on intergovernmental agreements to which the City is a party.
- Serves as a liaison to departments, outside agencies, committees, commissions and the public. Serves on a variety of City committee and task teams; represents the City with state and federal elected officials and regional leaders, establishing productive and positive relationships to achieve best results on public matters.
- Actively and consistently grows and maintains partnerships across the organization and community. Coordinates activities with other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
- Leads and/or supports large, complex projects and contentious issues, which may include presenting recommendations to City Council, City leadership and the community.
- Participates in the development of the division's work plan; assigns work activities, monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures.
- Models respectful working relationships and contributes to a workplace that supports all employees; supports and models the City’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.
- Responsible for the selection, supervision and evaluation of assigned staff or contractors; assigns work and ensures appropriate training and guidance is provided; handles sensitive personnel matters; exercises full supervision over employees and/or contractors.
- Prepares and administers budget for IGR programs and projects; prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations; monitors and controls expenditures; prepares bid specifications for services; negotiates contracts with vendors; recommends bid awards. Supervises and/or oversees the work of outside contractors.
- Uses a City-owned vehicle to travel to various City owned and non-City owned locations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.
Five years of experience in public administration, legislative research and analysis, governmental relations, and/or government program management, including at least two years of supervisory or program management responsibility.
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, political science, or a closely related field. Master's degree in Public Administration or closely related field preferred.
Must pass a background check.
A valid Oregon driver's license or, the ability to obtain by date of hire; must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City's standard.
- Principles and practices of intergovernmental relations, public administration and legislative process.
- Local, state, and federal government structure, functions, operations and legislative process; current social, political and economic trends and operational complexity of municipal government.
- Regional organizations and committees and their processes, functions and structure.
- Elected officials, appointed officials and their staff
- City organizational structures and interrelationships including City goals and priorities, council policies, City and departmental budgets and historical context of intergovernmental partnerships at the federal, state and local level.
- Methods, practices and restrictions related to the role of a lobbyist in the legislative process; principles of effective public relations and interrelationships with community groups and agencies, private businesses and firms, and other levels of government.
- Principles and practices of program management, budget preparation and administration, strategic planning, and project leadership.
- Principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluation
- Possession of organizational savvy as demonstrated by development of strong relationships, successful experience maneuvering through complex situations and an awareness of City government and community culture.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships including local, federal, and state agencies, public officials, business leaders, committee members, staff, and the general public.
- Research, analyze and interpret complex data and information; identify solution and project consequences of proposed actions, implement recommendations and direct others involved with analysis.
- Present complex written and oral reports involving statistical, factual, and theoretical data from multiple sources.
- Analyze large, complex and controversial issues and assess the best course of action. Present information concisely and effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Manage multiple assignments in different topic areas concurrently.
- Successfully facilitate, negotiate, problem-solve, and make tough decisions on complex issues. Evaluate issues from multiple perspectives and work towards creative problem solving involving sensitive situations and issues.
- Ability to be resourceful, reach consensus with others and exhibit a collaborative style with community members, elected and appointed officials, executive management and staff.
- Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion; communicate effectively and demonstrate strong presentation skills.
- Conduct long-range planning related to intergovernmental relations program activities.
- Exercise sound management in evaluating, developing and recommending policies and procedures or methods.
- Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations and make rational decisions in accordance with established policy.
- Perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
- Exercise considerable initiative and judgement.
In 1944, the citizens of Eugene adopted a council/manager form of government. In this form of government, the City Council develops legislation and policies to direct the City. The City Manager, hired by the City Council, provides administrative direction to the organization, oversees City of Eugene personnel and operations, and carries out the City Council's direction.
The City Has Over 1,400 Employees And a $450 Million Total Budget. The City Of Eugene Is a Service-oriented And Welcoming Organization That Provides Services Through Six Departments
- Central Services
- Fire & Emergency Medical Services
- Police
- Library, Recreation and Cultural Services
- Planning and Development
- Public Works
As the second largest city in Oregon, Eugene has an exciting mix of arts, culture, education, scenic beauty and passion for recreation. Located in the scenic Willamette Valley between the rugged Pacific Coast and the breathtaking Cascade Mountains, Eugene is the county seat for Lane County. With more than 100 city parks, 250 miles of bicycle trails, and numerous lakes, rivers and streams nearby, our community offers a wide range of recreational activities to residents and visitors. Eugene's mild climate and lush landscapes are just a few of the city's attractive features.
Eugene is well known as the home of the University of Oregon. With 20,000 students and over 6,000 employees, the University plays a major role in the community, as does Lane Community College and Northwest Christian University. The employment base has become increasingly dominated by services, trade, and government, and less reliant on the timber industry.
Eugene is a friendly, progressive community with residents who are active and concerned about quality-of-life issues. The University brings a cosmopolitan feel to the community, and the collegiate teams have contributed excitement and pride on a regional basis. Many residents are health and fitness oriented, and Eugene has hosted the Olympic trials for Track and Field many times. Living in the City of Eugene offers all of this along with the advantages of higher education, a strong public school system, and a short commute to work.
Upon eligibility, the City will contribute an employee contribution of 6%, as well as the employer contribution, to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). In addition, the City will pay a 3% contribution to a deferred compensation program if the employee contributes at least 1%.
From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2034, most retirees may work for a PERS-participating employer for an unlimited number of hours while continuing to receive their pension benefit based on HB 2296. If you have questions about your specific situation, including any restrictions to hours, please refer to the PERS: Work After Retirement.
Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.
The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States. NOTE: The City of Eugene does not participate in the E-Verify program; therefore, candidates requiring E-Verify for employment authorization will not be eligible for employment with the City.
If a job posting indicates this position is temporary (not limited duration) then the employee serves at will. Temporary employees do not receive benefits through the City of Eugene unless required by City, State or Federal code/statute.
The normal starting salary is the first step shown on the posting. Other placement in the salary range may be considered depending on qualifications and experience. Periodic advancement through the salary range is dependent upon merit. The City provides a full range of benefits, including holidays, vacation, sick leave, retirement benefits, deferred compensation, physical examination, life insurance, and long-term disability. Health, dental, and vision benefits are available.
To view a summary of benefits and/or benefit premium rates click the respective link. Click here to view information on all Employee Benefits and Wellbeing programs.
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