Policy & Legislative Affairs Officer

Department: City Administration

Recruitment Range: $33.73-$39.21 hourly dependent on knowledge and experience

Minimum Preparation for Work:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Communications or related discipline;
• Three (3) years of pertinent experience in public relations, legislative affairs or a similar role with a focus on Florida local or state government; 

          Or

• Combination of education, training, and/or work experience equal to or greater than the requirements listed above as determined by Human Resources. 

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Possession of an appropriate driver license for equipment operated and any license, training or certification required by law or regulation to complete assigned tasks.

Nature of Work:

This is highly professional and executive level work serving as Policy & Legislative Affairs Officer for the City of Pensacola.   

The Policy & Legislative Affairs Officer plays a pivotal role in fostering positive relationships between the city government, its constituents, and the Florida Legislature, and in advising the Mayor and City Administrator on matters of City, State, and Federal policy. This position requires exceptional public relations skills, in-depth knowledge of Florida’s legislative processes, and the ability to effectively advocate for the city’s interests. The Officer will ensure timely communication and coordination between the city, state lawmakers, and the public to advance municipal priorities and address constituent concerns. Work includes dealing with political, confidential, and sensitive matters requiring a high degree of discretion and tact requiring continuous interactions with City departments and the public. Work is evaluated through review of results attained.

Examples of Work:

• Serves as the primary liaison between the City and the Florida Legislature. 
• Monitors and analyzes state legislation, policies, and budget proposals that impact the City. 
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with state legislators, legislative staff, and state agency representatives. 
• Advocates for the City’s legislative priorities, providing testimony or presentations when necessary. 
• Acts as a point of contact for constituents seeking assistance or information on City programs, services, or legislative concerns. 
• Addresses and resolves constituent inquiries promptly, ensuring a high level of satisfaction. 
• Coordinates town halls, community forums, and other outreach initiatives to engage the public. 
• Conducts research on legislative issues affecting local government operations and recommend strategies to City leadership. 
• Drafts briefing documents, policy statements, and correspondence to support the city’s legislative goals. 
• Crafts clear and engaging communication materials for the public, media, and legislative stakeholders. 
• Maintains regular updates on legislative activities and constituent services via newsletters, social media, and public meetings. 
• Represents the city at community events, legislative hearings, and public functions.
• Works closely with City departments to ensure alignment of legislative efforts with municipal goals. 
• Partners with external organizations and advocacy groups to amplify the City’s voice on key issues. 
• Facilitates communication between elected officials, City staff, and the public to promote transparency.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Advises the Mayor, City Administrator, and the Mayor's staff on matters of City, State, and Federal policy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge and familiarity with sources of demographic, social, political and economic databases relevant to municipal governance.
• Knowledge of effective managerial principles, practices and methods.
• Knowledge of short- and long-range planning processes.
• Knowledge of basic city governmental operations. 
•  Ability to research, read and understand records pertaining to City ordinances, City   Council actions and other documents related to City business.
• Ability to acquire full knowledge of all laws and court rulings affecting municipal operations.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, including public speaking and presentation skills. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, government and community agencies, other employees, and the general public. 
• Ability to conduct efficient and effective meetings.
• Ability to maintain a high level of integrity and ethical performance at all times. 

The mental and physical demands and the work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Mental and Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to hold or feel, reach with hands and arms, walk, talk and hear.   The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, and crouch. Specific vision abilities include near distance, far distance, color, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
 
Work Environment:

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Some jobs may require an employee to be exposed to outside weather conditions, wet and/or humid conditions.

This description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.  It is intended to accurately reflect the activities and requirements of the position, but duties may be added, deleted, or modified as necessary.  This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Salary : $70,158 - $115,752