Position DescriptionThe Office of Mayor Jacob Frey is seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of Senior Policy Aide, Infrastructure and Legislative Affairs. This position provides advice and recommendations on policy and strategy related to infrastructure, special projects, public works and legislative affairs to Mayor Frey.
The Senior Policy Aide, Infrastructure and Legislative Affairs works with the Mayor, policy team, communications team, and operations team to advance the Mayor’s goals and strategies. This position works as a liaison between the Mayor’s Office and multiple stakeholders including residents, community and advocacy groups, city staff, businesses, and local elected officials to communicate priorities and initiatives related to infrastructure, public works and legislative affairs.
This position in the Mayor’s Office is politically appointed. COVID Testing -- The City is concerned about the health, safety, and well-being of employees. The City requires regular testing for COVID-19 infection for all employees. Employees are encouraged to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19, thereby permitting employees to opt out of mandatory testing by confirming (attesting) to being fully vaccinated.
The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.
Job Duties and Responsibilities- Analyze and direct work related to policies and programs to enhance the near-term and long-term infrastructure, public works, and transportation needs within the City of Minneapolis.
- Work collaboratively across policy portfolios in the Mayor’s office to understand and advocate for Mayoral policies and priorities with local elected officials.
- Provide advice and recommendations to the Mayor and policy team on policy and strategy on infrastructure spending, transportation and transit priorities.
- Foster and maintain relationships with the scientific, policy, and advocacy community and foundation partners.
- Serve as the Mayor’s primary liaison to the City’s Public Works department.
- Serve as the Mayor’s representative and liaison to work groups and task forces focused on infrastructure including, but not limited to: state agencies, community groups, City boards and commissions, and other government policy makers.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with City Council members, their staff and city departments.
- Track and report on the policy initiatives of the City Council committees, and community boards and commissions.
- Provide the Mayor and other staff with written and oral policy briefings necessary for meetings and decision-making.
- Work with the Mayor’s operations team to respond promptly to meeting requests and make proactive recommendations for the Mayor’s schedule.
- Represent the Mayor at community events, meetings (both in person and virtual), and on phone calls; provide prompt and appropriate follow up.
- Serve as backup coverage for advancing and staffing events as needed.
- Work with the Communications Director to ensure the Mayor’s office has clear and consistent communications and is responsive to external deadlines from press requests.
- Work with the Director of Policy and Government Affairs to recommend infrastructure, public works and transportation related budget proposals and requests.
- Act as an advisor as needed during critical incidents to help guide the Mayor in decision making.
- Staff the Mayor at meetings and provide prompt and appropriate follow up.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications- A bachelor and/or Master’s degree from an accredited college and five years of full-time satisfactory professional experience that includes related job duties and responsibilities.
- Demonstrated analytical skills and experience in the areas of infrastructure, public works and transportation.
- Ability to use scientific research to craft effective public policies.
- Ability to gather and synthesize large amounts of data, conversations, and literature review and to focus quickly on the essence of an issue.
- Experience engaging with legislative bodies on their processes and priorities Understanding of community stakeholders and community issues related to infrastructure, public works and transportation, and a willingness to learn about topical policy areas.
- Strong capacity to build coalitions within city government and the community.
- Demonstrated commitment to contributing to an inclusive work environment.
- Reliable and self-motivated.
- Proven organizational skills.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent time management skills with proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Professional and tactful interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently, handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Knowledge of and the ability to use modern office computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, and other software programs; advanced experience with Microsoft Outlook and Office Suite a plus.
A cover letter and resume are required attachments. You must attach a cover letter, and resume to your application to be considered for this position. Attached cover letters can be addressed to Peter Ebnet, Director of Policy and Government Affairs.
Background Check:The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.
This position is politically appointed, for more information visit: CPA
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities- Experience working at the municipal, county, state or federal level.
- Experience working with elected officials or similar executive leaders Experience with project management and leading/directing the work of project/program teams.
- As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees.
- Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.
- The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.
Benefits SummaryOur employees enjoy competitive salaries and generous benefits. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees' health and financial well-being. Programs, resources, and benefit eligibility varies based on position, average hours worked, location and length of service. For detailed benefits information, please visit the benefits page .
New 12 weeks of paid parental leaveCity employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth or placement for adoption of a child.
InsuranceHealth insuranceEligibility for benefits begins the first of the month following employment date. The City of Minneapolis offers eligible employees one plan design with a choice of six provider networks, allowing you to select the best option for you. Available plans include Medica Choice Passport, Medica Elect, VantagePlus with Medica, Park Nicollet and HealthPartners Medical Group First with Medica, Ridgeview Community Network powered by Medica, and Clear Value with Medica.
Dental insuranceThe City of Minneapolis offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.
BenefitsPaid time offOur generous leave package includes vacation, holidays and paid sick leave, which gives employees the opportunity to enhance their quality of life outside work. Amounts and accrual rates are based on years of experience and collective bargaining agreements .
RetirementCity employees earn a pension and may choose to participate in additional retirement savings programs.
- Pension: The City of Minneapolis participates in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Employees and the City both contribute a percentage of your pay to fund future benefits.
- Deferred compensation: Employees may choose to participate in pre-tax or after-tax savings plans through the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS).
TransportationEligible City employees may choose to participate in the following transportation programs:
- Metropass: The Metropass program allows eligible employees to enroll in a pass for unlimited bus or light rail rides at a discounted price.
- Parking or Van Pool: The City of Minneapolis Transportation Benefits Plan gives you options to pay certain commuting costs, such as qualified parking and van pool expenses, with pre-tax dollars.
Learning and developmentTo engage and develop employees, the City of Minneapolis offers classes in leadership, cultural agility, change management and more. Additionally, educational discounts at Augsburg University, Hamline University, St. Catherine’s, and St. Mary's University of Minnesota are available to City employees.
Other perksEmployees can also take advantage of optional life insurance, flexible spending accounts, the Employee Assistance Program , health club discounts and more.
Closing Date/Time: 8/12/2024 11:59 PM Central
