Policy Advisor

Policy Advisor

This position provides advanced policy, analytical, and strategic support to the Director, Senior Policy Advisor, and DCAO. The Policy Advisor develops and recommends implementation of policies, ordinances, standard operating procedures, partnership agreements, and contracts with departmental and city-wide impact. Incumbents advise on policy options and data-driven program evaluation within the Human Services portfolio. This position serves as a primary point of contact for tracking and monitoring departmental progress toward Mayor's Action Plan goals and key performance indicators.

Incumbents manage complex cross-functional projects, coordinate with the City Attorney's office and subject matter experts on contract development and make interpretive decisions on behalf of the organization regarding policy implementation and partnership strategies that advance the operational mission of the Human Services portfolio and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.

Incumbents may supervise management, professional, paraprofessional, and support staff including conducting performance evaluations, coordinating training, and implementing hiring, discipline, and termination procedures.

** This position is considered an Essential Personnel, which means that the incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions or inclement weather.

The salary range for this position is $102,000 - $107,000

These duties and percentage of time are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.

1. Policy Development & Legislative Support (35%)

• Supports the development and implementation of ordinances, resolutions, and internal policies and procedures for human services initiatives and legislation.
• Prepares policy briefing notes, position papers, and legislative materials that clearly articulate rationales, implications, and implementation strategies. Presents policy recommendations to leadership and stakeholders and supports policy interpretation and implementation across the department.
• Coordinates responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in compliance with applicable laws.

2. Data Analysis & Program Evaluation (35%)

• Designs and implements data collection methodologies to support evidence-based decision-making. Ensures accuracy and integrity of data used in presentations, reports, and policy development.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for tracking, monitoring, and reporting on departmental progress toward Mayor's Action Plan goals and KPIs. Collaborates with Human Services leadership to develop and refine key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with strategic objectives.
• Conducts impact assessments and program evaluations to measure program and policy outcomes and inform future program development.

3. Strategic Relationship & Contract Management (30%)

• Serves as a subject matter expert, manages key partnerships, and acts as a liaison with City Attorney's office, subject matter experts, consultants, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Leads development and negotiation of contracts and partnership agreements, coordinating legal review and ensuring compliance with city processes.
• Oversees complex, cross-functional projects from initiation through completion.
• Develops strategic approaches to advance initiatives, resolve complex challenges, and build productive relationships with external organizations and community partners.

Typical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
These are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.

Knowledge (some combination of the following):

• Human services programs, practices, and community resources
• Cross-system and interagency collaboration
• Policy development, legislative processes, and FOIA compliance requirements
• Project management principles, methodologies, and tools
• Data collection methodologies and data management systems
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, etc.)
• Electronic databases and related software applications

Skills (some combination of the following):

• Managing complex projects and…