Governance & Policy Manager

Governance & Policy Manager

The Town of Andover is establishing two management positions to strengthen organizational coordination, support general government operations, and enhance collaboration between Administration & Finance and Governance & Policy functions. The Town's leadership capacity, improve implementation of strategic priorities, enhance organizational coordination and provide a pathway for emerging municipal leaders.

This opportunity is for the position of Governance & Policy Manager who will work directly with the Deputy Town Manager responsible for overseeing governance, planning, development, and related functions of Town Government.

The Governance & Policy Manager is responsible for supporting the strategic and operational priorities of the organization. Core responsibilities include:

• Coordinating and monitoring departmental work plans, performance measures, and special projects.
• Leading or supporting cross-departmental initiatives and process improvements.
• Assisting with the development and administration of operating and capital budgets.
• Preparing reports, policy briefs, and presentations for internal and external audiences, including the Select Board, other public bodies and community partners.
• Monitor implementation of Select Board, Town Meeting, and Executive Leadership Team priorities, ensuring commitments, deadlines, and action items remain on track.
• Serving as a liaison between departments/divisions and the Town Manager's Office to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Supporting community engagement, public communication across multiple channels, and special events.
• Performing research and analysis to inform data-driven decision-making.
• Representing the Deputy Town Manager(s) at internal and external meetings as needed.
• Providing direct support of departmental operations as needed to increase capacity during times of high work intensity.

Planning, Development & Governance Focus Points

Reporting to the Deputy Town Manager, the Governance & Policy Manager will focus on policy development, strategic planning, permitting efficiency/effectiveness, and a wide range of internal and external governance processes. While focused on governance and policy work, this position will have exposure to all functions of municipal government. The position is intended to provide broad exposure to municipal leadership, project implementation, strategic planning, and organizational management.

Key functions may include:

• Supporting operations across Planning, Economic Development, Building/Zoning, Conservation, Environmental Health, Legal, and Town Clerk functions.
• Coordinating special projects such as zoning studies, comprehensive ("master") plan implementation, land use initiatives and digital permitting.
• Contributing to election operations, Town Meeting planning, and other core Town governance processes.
• Researching and drafting policy recommendations for regulatory and governance improvements.
• Supporting internal organizational strategic planning.
• Assisting with public process management and interdepartmental coordination on land use projects.

Strong interest in local government leadership and community service.

• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources, identify risks and dependencies, and anticipate implementation challenges.
• Exceptional communication, organization, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across teams.
• Demonstrated proactiveness, initiative, creativity, and problem-solving ability.

MPA, MBA, or relevant graduate degree (or equivalent experience)

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Standard Work Week: 36.25

The Town of Andover is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Town is committed to advancing its workforce culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.