Description

Do you want to play a key role in shaping your city's future? We're searching for a Government Affairs and Policy Manager to join our team, reporting directly to the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer. This isn't just a job; it's a chance to be the voice of our city, advocating for its interests and navigating complex relationships at the local, regional, state, and federal levels. You'll be instrumental in developing legislative agendas, managing lobbyists, and providing critical policy analysis on a wide range of issues—from transportation and economic development to housing and public safety. If you're a skilled strategist with a knack for building consensus and a passion for public service, you could be the perfect fit to help lead our city forward. 

The selection process will consist of at least one panel interview. Qualified candidates will be notified once the interview schedule has been established.

**A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete.  Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.  Please note that you cannot attach documents to your application after it has been submitted.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your online application, please call our office at (253) 856-5270 and we will do our best to assist you.**

There is one (1) benefited position that will be filled by this recruitment process. This position is not represented by a union and is not eligible for hybrid or remote work options. 

SALARY:

$13,089.00 - $15,925.00 per month, depending on experience

For a listing of benefits, please use the following link: Employee Benefits | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer, the incumbent is responsible for managing government affairs and regional policy on behalf of the City. The incumbent will conduct and manage complex intergovernmental relations activities for the City at the local, regional, state, and federal levels, and will represent the interest of the City on behalf of the Mayor and Council. Work is performed according to the directives of the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer and the position serves at the pleasure of the Mayor.
 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage complex intergovernmental relations activities for the City at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.

Oversee the development and implementation of the City’s state and federal legislative and policy agendas to effectively achieve the goals and objectives of the City.

Work closely with and manage and monitor the work of contracted lobbyists.

Testify on behalf of the City during the legislative session and at the County and regional levels on matters of interest to the City.

Establish and maintain effective relationships between the City, County, State and federal governments while effectively pursuing the goals of the City and resolving challenges facing the City.

In relation to regional issues, coordinate with, advise, guide and mentor staff in the development of policies, strategies, and approaches that serve the City’s interests; develop, support and prepare related approaches and responses; and assist with organizing, coordinating and preparing regional support of City interests.

Monitor and prepare reports regarding County, State and federal legislation affecting the City; apprise the Mayor, Council and appropriate department directors of such developments; and plan and facilitate timely and appropriate action.

Advocate for the interests of the City at the regional, state, and federal level. Develop, implement, and supervise local, regional, state, and federal advocacy as needed. Draft advocacy materials and provide updates as needed.

Provide the Mayor, Council, and directors with policy analysis and support for decision-making related to politically divisive issues.

Work closely with non-City elected and appointed officials at the local, state, and federal levels in pursuance of City interests.

Collaborate with communications staff for presentation content and community outreach tailored to target audiences.

Schedule, coordinate and attend regional meetings with the Mayor and members of the Council, and where appropriate, provide presentations and advocacy at such meetings on behalf of the City. Attend meetings representing the City’s interests.

Assist the Mayor and Councilmembers in preparing for regional meetings in supporting City interests.

Help negotiate resolutions to regional issues to better-serve the interests of the City.

Assist with, and in some cases prepare, grant submissions on behalf of the City. 

Work closely with and assist all departments, including but not limited to Economic and Community Development, Parks, Public Works and Police in matters of community and regional concern. Perform or assist in the performance of research and provide reports to the Mayor, Council and directors.

Develop and maintain trusting, positive, and collaborative relationships with regional partners, counterparts, and representatives of other government entities. 

Actively support the City’s vision, mission, and values.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Typical business office machinery and equipment including, but not limited to, personal computer and related software, telephone, fax and copy machine, and calculator.

May also be required to operate a City vehicle to travel to off-site meetings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit, talk and hear; frequently required to use hands to finger, handle and feel; occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms; and occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in an office environment subject to frequent interruptions; may be exposed to individuals who are irate or hostile; may be subject to long hours due to the attendance at City Council and Committee meetings and other responsibilities required at this executive level.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The City of Kent is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

SUCCESSFUL INCUMBENTS FOR THIS POSITION WILL:

HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF:

Principles and practices of municipal administration
Organization, finances, infrastructure, programs and services of state, county and city government
Public policy on a broad array of regional issues, including economic development and regional economics, transportation, criminal justice, solid waste, wastewater, natural resources, growth management and land use, affordable housing, homelessness, and health and human services.
Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures affecting local government functions
Local and regional political environments, as well as the national political environment, and the ability to function effectively in that environment

BE SKILLED IN:         

Organization and expression of ideas through use of Effective oral and written communications
Program, policy and financial analysis/evaluation and development of policy and regional plan options 
Research, interpretation and application of rules, regulations, statutes, and state laws related to current regional or policy issues
Conflict resolution and consensus building with groups that have conflicting viewpoints
Effective presentation of information to government entities and political figures, businesses, community groups, committees, boards, and the public
Effective use of interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient and courteous manner
Establishing trusting relationships 
Conducting efficient and effective meetings
Effectively defusing disputes and building consensus and cooperation amongst groups with diverse and competing interests 
Learning and synthesizing complex information

BE ABLE TO:

Present ideas and data clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Develop and draft high quality written materials and presentations that effectively communicate a desired position
Research complex issues and develop recommended actions
Exercise keen judgment, imagination and foresight in representing the interests of the City
Pay attention to details while maintaining focus on the big picture impacts
Build consensus among entities with different interests
Function effectively in the region’s political and economic environment  
Gain credibility and establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with the Mayor City Council, city staff, employee groups, colleagues in similar positions in municipal organizations, other government entities, businesses, and the public

SKILLS FOR THE POSITION MAY BE GAINED THROUGH EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE or a COMBINATION, SUCH AS:

Education and Experience:   

Bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, business or a related field, with a master’s degree or above and experience in public administration preferred; and five (5) years of experience in a government affairs or policy advisor position, or a related position which demonstrates the incumbent’s experience managing or addressing policy matters in politically charged environments.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Washington State driver's license, or ability to obtain 
Must be able to successfully pass a position relevant preemployment background check