Council Assistant; Part-Time, Unbenefited Council District Office

The City of San José, the Capital of Silicon Valley, is one of the nation's best managed cities and one of the top ten cities in which to live, work and do business. Moreover, San José is the center of cultural government and economic activity for the region. The employees of the City of San José have embraced the following values:
Integrity, Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Respect and Celebration.

The San José City Council consists of ten Council members elected by district and a Mayor elected at‑large, each for four‑year terms. The Mayor and Council are responsible for representing the residents of San José, providing accountability, reviewing public policy and programs, and adopting those policies which best meet the needs of the residents, visitors, and businesses in San José

The Council District 4 Office is recruiting for one (1) part‑time, unbenefited Council Assistant to support the Office of Council member David Cohen. The Council Assistant position serves as a liaison to the elected official and will regularly represent the Council District office at City‑related meetings and functions. The position provides support with policy analysis, research, communication, event planning, community outreach, and other related matters as needed.

The position requires an employee with strong and effective organizational skills; detail oriented and ability to handle multiple assignments; excellent written and oral communications skills, and the ability to develop and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with community members and neighborhood organizations, key stakeholders, and City staff. It would be highly desirable for the successful candidate to have experience and knowledge of policy, communications as well as event planning.

Responsibilities for the position may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Weekly Newsletter:
  Produce and distribute a weekly newsletter highlighting the Council member's activities, priorities, and district updates.
• Social Media Management:
  Draft, schedule, and publish engaging social media content across official platforms.
• Talking Points & Speeches:
  Prepare talking points, speeches, articles, and briefing materials for public appearances and events.
• Event Attendance & Representation:
  Accompany or represent the Council member at community events, neighborhood meetings, and official functions.
• Photography & Video:
  Capture photos and videos for newsletters, social media, and other communications.
• Content Development:
  Draft press releases, public statements, correspondence, memoranda, and constituent updates reflecting the Council member's priorities.
• Community Outreach:
  Promote district initiatives, coordinate community events, and respond to constituent inquiries.
• Website Management:
  Maintain and update the Council member's website with news, events, and resources.
• Communications Planning:
  Maintain a communications calendar to ensure timely, consistent messaging and public engagement.
• Policy Research & Media Monitoring:
  Research City Council issues, analyze policy materials, and monitor local news to support communications.
• Team Coordination:
  Work with office staff, stakeholders, interns, and volunteers to advance the Council member's communications priorities.

Highly desirable skills for the position may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Strong writing, editing, public speaking, and communication skills.
• Experience managing social media and creating digital content.
• Basic photography, video editing, and graphic design skills.
• Familiarity with Canva, email marketing platforms, and website management.
• Strong organizational, research, and project management skills.
• Understanding of local government, public policy, and community…