Legislative Analyst

Summary

Works under the supervision of the Assistant City Manager, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.  This position plays a key role in establishing and maintaining relationships with officials from local, state, and federal governments and agencies. Under the direction of the Assistant City Manager, it analyzes legislation that affects the City of Leander and plans strategic legislative activities regarding it.   

Please note that final offered salary will depend on the education/qualifications of the selected candidate. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops policies, procedures, guidelines, standards, templates, and tools related to the legislative program.
• Ensures that legislative program activities are aligned with advocacy initiatives, strategic priorities, and city management directives.
• Coordinates, compiles, reviews, and synthesizes impact analyses, regulatory and legislative analyses, and other input provided by outside resources.
• Monitors political news and developments, debates, news conferences and press releases, political campaigns, platforms, statements and other government relations occurrences, as they relate to public policy issues.
• Responds to and assists with inquiries from City Council members as well as those of City Administration.
• Assists with the development and implementation of Mayor and City Council program initiatives as needed.
• Serves as the grants liaison for the City Manager’s Office to departments and external agencies.
• Responds to the public seeking information or assistance. 
• Coordinates with City departments on a wide variety of issues and develops collaborative relationships with them.  
• Attends evening/weekend meetings, special events, and other activities as needed.
• Attends City Council meetings, boards/commission and the meetings of other area governing bodies as needed.
• Participates in various conferences at the regional, state, and national level as needed. 
• Acts as a point of contact for other agencies and will coordinate responses to requests. 
• Attends sessions of the Texas Legislature in order to engage with legislators and their staff regarding legislation that would impact the City of Leander. 
• Tracks and summarizes important legislation, hearings, and committee activities. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited four-year college or university in Public or Business Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field. 
• Four years or more of experience managing legislative projects and initiatives for a local, state, or federal entity. 

Required Certificates and Licenses

• Valid Texas Class C Driver's License or equivalent from any U.S. State. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working directly with City Administration and local, state, and federal elected officials. 
• Master’s degree or higher from an accredited four-year college or university in Public or Business Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field. 
• Experience working with the Texas State Legislature in a similar role. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Considerable knowledge of legislative analysis.
• Considerable knowledge of the Texas Legislature and the legislative process.
• Considerable knowledge or administrative methods and practices.
• Knowledge of local government operations, policies, and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with Council members, staff, and the public.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when dealing with sensitive information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities. 
• Ability to communicate with other employees and the public in a courteous and diplomatic manner.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Analyze situations and adopt quick, effect, and reasonable courses of action. 
• Skill in using computers and related software applications, including MS Office Excel and PowerPoint.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to plan strategically.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, the public, elected officials, and boards and commissions. 
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials, stakeholders, and community members.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle items, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.