Special Assistant to the City Manager

Under general supervision, performs a variety of professional administrative functions supporting the City Manager; researches, analyzes and prepares recommendations on a variety of issues; completes special projects; and performs other related duties.

Works under the general supervision of the City Manager; does not exercise supervisory responsibility.

The following essential functions are those that are critical, integral, necessary, crucial, primary and fundamental to the job. Incumbents who possess the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of a position are expected to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position‑specific duties.

• Assigns and monitors special projects from the City Manager, complaints and other assignments to staff or other departments for completion, and follows-up as needed to ensure timely response.
• Responds to complaints and requests for information; provides information to other supervisors or managers and organizations; researches issues, takes appropriate corrective action, recommends solutions or refers issue to appropriate government agency.
• Researches, investigates, analyzes and prepares recommendations on a variety of issues including, but not limited to, proposals for new programs, grants or services, complaints, process improvement and departmental operations.
• Assists with the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies and priorities for each assigned service area; establishes appropriate service and staffing levels within City policy; allocates resources accordingly.
• Coordinates and assists with City-wide legislative initiatives.
• Coordinates and conducts special projects as assigned by the City Manager; serves as project manager or participates as a team member in special projects.
• Attends and participates in City Council and/or other meetings as assigned.
• Attends various civic events as City representative; participates on a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public administration.
• Composes, reviews, edits and approves correspondence and periodic reports of departmental activity.
• Maintains and enforces all aspects of security and confidentiality of records and information.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration or related field, AND three (3) years' experience performing research, complex analysis, or executive-level administrative support; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a Master’s degree in Business or Public Administration or related field is preferred.

• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

• City organization, operations, departmental policies and procedures.
• City Code, City Ordinances, Standard Operating Manual and applicable Memoranda of Understanding.
• Public administration, organization and systems theory.
• Organizational and management practices applicable to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Customer service protocol.

• Coordinating and performing a variety of professional administrative functions.
• Collecting, organizing, analyzing and presenting data and information.
• Researching and preparing correspondence, agendas, reports and various types of documents.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Coordinating special projects in support of departmental operations.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Effective communication and presentation, both verbal and written.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, the general public, elected officials and others encountered in the course of work.

• Work is performed indoors in an office setting.
• Work requires frequent light lifting, carrying and on occasion driving.
• Moderate finger dexterity and near vision is required.
• May be exposed to minor amounts of dust.

Phase one (1) is a written examination (weighted 50%) which will measure all or portions of the above knowledge, and skills. Phase two (2) is an oral examination (weighted 50%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional…