Job Description

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CITY COUNCIL

(Non-classified)

JOB CODE 06130

Effective Date:	12/92X

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to provide top level policy assistance to the City Council by developing recommendations for alternatives and acting as liaison with citizens representing varied community interests. Works closely with Mayor and City Manager staff and establishes effective communications with service organizations, neighborhood councils, minority groups, business or professional associations, and other citizen groups whose opinions should be considered in development of Council policy. Serves as Council liaison for the Municipal Court function. In addition, the Executive Assistant to Council compiles and evaluates social, historical, and economic data which relate to issues being considered by Council. Responsibilities further include supervising citizen assistance and Council research staff, and coordinating Council subcommittee activities. Work is assigned in broad terms, and the employee operates with considerable independence in carrying out assignments. Performance is evaluated on the basis of results obtained.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Determines need for information and conducts research to obtain such information;
• Interviews individual citizens and citizen groups to ascertain opinions concerning City issues;
• Presents policy recommendations, including alternative Council solutions, orally, and in writing;
• Serves as Council liaison for Municipal Court function;
• Represents the Council in advising citizen groups concerning Council policies;
• Works with departments and top management of City government in conducting research and developing policy recommendations;
• Supervises the work of the citizen assistance and Council research assistance staff;
• Coordinates activities of Council subcommittees on special projects;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles of municipal government organization and functions.
• Research methods, technique of organization and presentation of research findings.
• Effects of social and economic conditions on the development of public policy.
• Current urban problems and administrative practices.
• Budget and finance administration.

Ability to:

• Determine the information needed as a basis for Council policy, conduct timely research to develop such information, and present findings effectively, orally and in writing.
• Explain complex problems and situations in an understandable manner.
• Understand urban problems and conceive alternate solutions for them.
• Form a high level of trust with members of the Council and top management staff.
• Implement Council goals and policy.
• Approach tasks and activities in a flexible manner.
• Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.
• Communicate orally in the English language with customers, clients, and the public in face-to-face, one-on-one settings, in group settings, and using a telephone.
• Produce written documents in the English language with clearly-organized thoughts with proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material in the English language.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential or marginal functions.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Six years of experience in public administration at a level which requires participation in development of policy, including supervision, a working knowledge of current urban problems, and a master's degree in public or business administration or a related field. Other combinations of experience and education which meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.