Government Relations Manager

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Conducts legislative analysis and coordination of the City’s intergovernmental relations and public affairs efforts to enact and influence legislation affecting the City. Identifies and cultivates grant opportunities with philanthropic foundations and organizations. Maintains effective working relationships with educational institutions, local, state, federal and other governmental officials. Provides management support for projects and programs for the City Manager, including strategic planning systems and interdepartmental coordination. Work is performed under the direction of the Assistant City Manager with extensive leeway for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in public or business administration, political science, or other related field; and
• 5 years experience in legislative affairs and City administration; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Required Special Qualifications

• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and drug screen;
• Possession of valid Iowa Driver’s License or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Prepares policy analysis and recommendations for the City Manager’s consideration on a wide variety of legislative issues;
• Analyzes and evaluates legislative issues as they develop and as assigned by the City Manager;
• Meets with city, county, state and federal elected and appointed government officials in order to maintain effective working relationships and alliances;
• Manages the activities of assigned City operations as assigned by the City Manager.
• Supervision of assigned City staff.
• Coordinates activities of designated City special projects and programs to ensure the objectives of the project or program are accomplished within prescribed time frame and funding parameters;
• Researches grant opportunities in order to identify and develop additional revenue sources for the City;
• Cultivates grant opportunities with philanthropic foundations and organizations;
• Provides technical assistance and advice to other City departments in preparing grant applications and philanthropic initiatives;
• Serves as the City’s legislative liaison;
• Communicates and gains understanding and support of the City’s legislative policy direction effectively with a variety of constituents, including City Council members, the City Manager and City Staff, community leaders, and elected state and federal legislators and their staffs;
• Provides appropriate response to lobbyists and legislators regarding pending and proposed legislation;
• Attends meetings of the City Council and various legislative committees;
• Coordinates meetings with state and federal legislators and their staff;
• Conducts studies and develops information in support of the City’s legislative initiatives;
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications to remain current on legislation that may affect the City;
• Researches community needs and reports findings and recommendations to the City Manager as part of the City’s planning process related to the development of legislative and funding initiatives;
• Develops and coordinates education and training information required for state and federal funding opportunities;
• Interprets the City’s legislative initiatives through news releases, speeches, radio addresses and contacts with community groups, both public and private;
• Provides a wide variety of staff support to the City Manager;
• Monitors changes in the Iowa Administrative Code;
• Assists the City Manager in keeping the City Council informed;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices;
• Performs related work as required.