Government Affairs Officer

General Position Summary

• Potential $0 Individual Premium - Health/Dental Benefits.
• RSA - Retirement Benefits.

The Government Affairs position is an appointed position that runs concurrent with the term of the Mayor and serves at the pleasure of the Mayor.

This role is responsible for enhancing the City’s communication and interface related to government affairs. It serves as a key liaison with government entities at all levels and external groups. The position works under the direction of the Mayor, reporting to the Director of Operations and Communications, with wide latitude for independent judgment and initiative. It collaborates with department heads regarding strategy for the City and develops the Mayor’s programs and initiatives intended to strengthen and grow the City.

Additionally, it manages the City’s Civic Awareness Academy, a six‑week program providing residents with an in‑depth look at city operations, and the Mayor’s Youth Council.

• Creates actionable plans for maximizing State of Alabama funding opportunities by researching and developing relationships with those responsible for providing funding.
• Creates actionable plans for maximizing Federal government funding opportunities by researching and developing relationships with those responsible for providing funding.
• Manages the City’s Civic Awareness Academy, a six‑week program providing residents with an in‑depth look at city operations and the Mayor’s Youth Council.
• Acts as a liaison between the Mayor’s Office and other City offices.
• Supports the Mayor’s office with Big 10 Mayors and other intergovernmental associations that are potential City partners.
• Develops and enhances positive, effective relationships with other levels of government, agencies and elected officials. Coordinates, develops and assists with strategies on legislative and regional issues in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develops a list of desirable companies that will be targeted for relocation to the City specifying the type of industry, the name of the firm, and the address of the firm.
• Collaborates with other organizations to build coalitions and advocate for shared priorities.
• Identifies external funding sources for city priorities.
• Works independently and as part of a team to achieve Mayoral goals.
• Serves on Boards of partner agencies as needed.
• Accompanies the Mayor to meetings with local, state, and federal leaders. Assists in coordinating activities within the office of the Mayor.
• Requires regular and prompt attendance plus the ability to work well with others and work well as a team.

• Job may require nonstandard working hours to meet deadlines and to attend evening meetings and work sessions, as well as occasional work on weekends.
• Must maintain strong performance records.

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Economic Development, Business, Communications, or a related field required.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in related government relations and external affairs functions (or eight (8) years if degree is not related).
• Strong related experience working in a high‑growth area preferred.
• Strong experience with essential functions and skills listed above.
• Grant writing experience preferred.

• Skill in communication and public presentation skills.
• Skill in project management, organization, process improvement, customer relations, and prioritization skills.
• Skill in relationship building and teamwork skills.
• Ability to analyze data and perform intensive research.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate a high level of judgement and discretion required for maintaining confidential and proprietary information.
• Ability to communicate verbally and orally with the public.
• Ability to prepare and make public presentations.
• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods of time.
• Knowledge of Alabama and Federal legislative process.

• This position’s physical requirements involve sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Must be able to travel and drive.
• Stamina to work 12–14‑hour days, several times per month.