Policy and Legislative Affairs Manager - Utilities

Join #Team Upland

The City of Upland Public Works Department is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking professional to serve as its Policy and Legislative Affairs Manager. This leadership position plays a vital role in advancing the City's legislative priorities, strengthening relationships with elected officials and stakeholders, and ensuring the City remains informed and prepared to respond to local, state, and federal policy developments.

This position serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, helping shape initiatives that support the City's mission and the Utilities Division's long-term success. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in government relations, legislative analysis, strategic communications, and public affairs. They will be skilled in researching and interpreting legislation, developing policy recommendations, creating compelling communication materials, and representing the City with professionalism before legislative bodies, community organizations, and regional partners.

Success in this role requires exceptional written and verbal communication skills, sound judgment, political awareness, and the ability to build productive relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

The most successful candidates are innovative leaders who thrive in a dynamic environment, embrace collaboration, and are passionate about making a meaningful impact through public service. If you are ready to influence public policy, strengthen community partnerships, and help shape the future of the City of Upland's Utilities Division, we invite you to apply and become part of our team.

Benefit highlights:

• Education incentive:
  Additional compensation over an employee's base salary for a job-related degree above the minimum requirements required of an employee's position.
• Holiday:
  City Hall and most city departments will be permanently closed from Christmas Day through New Year's Day

The City is seeking a strategic, politically savvy Policy and Legislative Affairs Manager to lead its legislative and intergovernmental initiatives. This position plays a key role in shaping public policy, advocating for the City's priorities, and fostering relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and community stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, manage, and evaluate the City's legislative and governmental affairs activities.
• Analyze and monitor state and federal legislation and programs; assess their impact on City operations and policies.
• Advise executive management staff with timely policy analysis, legislative updates, and strategic recommendations.
• Represent the City in meetings with appointed officials, legislators, agencies, advocacy groups, and at public or educational events.
• Prepare and present reports, talking points, legislative summaries, and policy position papers including letters of support and opposition to the City's utility interests.
• Develop outreach materials including fact sheets, media content, and digital communications.
• Coordinate interdepartmental efforts and external partnerships to advance City goals.
• Assist with budget planning, funding strategies, and program implementation related to legislative initiatives.
• Assist with developing and communicating educational programs, grants, and initiatives to the community
• Respond to public and media inquiries, and participate in evening/weekend events and meetings as needed.
• Develop and/or assist with grant writing opportunities and tracking related to the Public Works department
• Strong knowledge of legislative processes and governmental operations at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Excellent skills in policy research, strategic communication, public relations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to build effective partnerships, influence policy outcomes, and represent the City with professionalism and diplomacy.

Knowledge of:

The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of government operations, legislative processes, and public affairs, with the ability to communicate policy priorities effectively and represent the City's interests…