Mayor's Neighborhood Advocate - Office Mayor

Agency Summary

As the head of the executive branch, the Office of the Mayor is responsible for enforcing city ordinances and state laws; appointing, supervising and removing heads and employees of city government departments, agencies and divisions; appointing, supervising, and removing deputy mayors, with appointments subject to City-County Council approval; communicating and coordinating with the City-County Council concerning the financial condition and budget of the city and county;

and setting the salaries of city employees.

Position is responsible for advocating for residents, community groups, and local businesses in their assigned areas of Marion County. As community builders and organizers, MNA’s will work to resolve issues – acting as ombudsman to manage relationships with neighborhood stakeholders and leaders to ensure full transparency and understanding of policy, processes, and initiatives. This position requires the Advocate to be a representative of both the Mayor’s Office, and his/her neighborhood constituents.

Position Reports to the Director of Community Outreach.

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

• Serves as a resource and connector for both residents and neighborhood organizations as it relates to the current policies and procedures of various city departments, including but not limited to the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, Department of Public Works, Department of Metropolitan Development, etc.
• Attends community meetings to hear citizens and businesses concerns firsthand and if appropriate, address the concerns or direct them to the appropriate government official(s).
• Assists in educating the public on zoning ordinance interpretation, land use issues, and how the public can participate in the process.
• Serves as a liaison to residents, neighborhood groups, building industry and other units of government regarding development, zoning, and permit procedures.
• Problem solves and collaborates directly with partner agencies and staff, addressing operational and organizational needs and issues.
• Informs individual citizens and neighborhood groups regarding available city services, grant programs, and available resources; consults with city staff, state officials, and various other representatives of private industry about the economic needs of neighborhoods.
• Builds and maintains relationships with neighborhood leaders and city staff, while also working to groom future neighborhood leaders.
• Educates neighborhood residents and organizations about governmental processes and existence of neighborhood-based organizations. Develops relationships with these organizations to facilitate involvement, participation, and contribution from those organizations in the governmental process.
• Identifies and resolves emerging issues within neighborhoods by working together with various city, administration, and community leaders, collaborating to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods rather than simply reacting to the immediate needs that threaten the well‑being of the city’s residents.
• This position is required to cover the phones at the Mayor’s Action Center, call center once a quarter. This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all‑inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Public Administration, Planning, Management, or closely related field. One year of directly related work experience may be substituted for each year of formal education. Two (2) years of directly related work experience. Requires interaction on a regular basis with various divisions and the departments, and regular interactions with various…