Chief Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Officer (Unclassified) (Mayor’s Office

City of San José is an equal‑opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration unlawful under federal, state, or local law. The City of San José offers reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities.

Chief Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Officer reports to the Mayor’s Chief of Staff and serves as the principal policy advisor to the Mayor. The position leads a staff of five full‑time and two temporary employees, driving the Mayor’s policy agenda and intergovernmental strategy across all levels of government.

• Review City Council and committee agendas, memoranda, and external boards or commissions to identify policy opportunities and risks.
• Develop concise analyses, recommendations, and briefing materials for timely executive decision‑making.
• Conduct in‑depth analysis of policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation across administrative staff.
• Identify emerging policy opportunities and lead cross‑jurisdictional initiatives that affect the city.
• Track City Council referrals and collaborate with the Mayor, Chief of Staff, and office leadership to set priorities, define measurable goals, and assess outcomes.
• Work with the City Administration to move adopted policy from concept to implementation, identify execution barriers, and recommend adjustments.
• Develop and execute the Mayor’s legislative and intergovernmental strategy, monitor and advocate for legislation at federal, state, regional, and local levels, and build coalitions with elected officials, agencies, and external partners.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with key stakeholders inside and outside City Hall, exercising strong political and organizational judgment.
• Lead cross‑functional work across teams and organizations, ensuring alignment and accountability for deliverables.

• Highly collaborative, creative, and strategic thinker able to bring structure to ambiguous problems.
• Strong advisor to senior leaders with clear, candid, and balanced advice, including risks and tradeoffs.
• Extensive knowledge of public policy, private‑sector decision making, and federal/state laws and regulations.
• Experience with cross‑jurisdictional policy making and stakeholder engagement.
• Deep understanding of the legislative, budgetary, and regulatory environments at federal, state, regional, and local levels.
• Advanced skills in stakeholder analysis, program evaluation, and community‑engagement methods.
• Superior verbal, written, and listening skills; ability to prepare concise recommendations and communicate complex analysis effectively.
• Strong political judgment and an ability to navigate policy substance, stakeholder interests, and administrative feasibility.
• Resourceful, organized, and accountable for results, with strong problem‑solving and urgency.
• Experience recruiting, managing, and retaining a high‑performing team, including setting priorities, providing feedback, and fostering a collaborative culture.
• Model highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and sound judgment in all interactions.

• Any combination of training and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to advise the Mayor on public policy matters.
• Valid California driver’s license.

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, government, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in public or business administration (highly desirable).
• Three (3) or more years of government, public service, or research experience.
• Experience working for an elected official or public/private sector…