Department: Office of the Mayor
City of Syracuse residency is required for this position. If you are not a resident, you have six (6) months from your date of hire to establish residency.
Job Description
The work involves advancing the City of Syracuse’s legislative policy and funding priorities across local, state, and federal levels of government. This position is responsible for strengthening strategic relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, and agency representatives; coordinating advocacy efforts; and ensuring that the City’s priorities are clearly communicated, effectively represented, and aligned with broader governmental initiatives. The role requires continuous monitoring of legislative developments, proactive engagement with policymakers, and close collaboration with City departments to identify, develop, and advance policy and funding proposals that support municipal operations, infrastructure investment, economic development, and community services. The position also provides administrative support for state and federal legislative funding and policy proposals; assembles and prepares legislative requests for Common Council meetings in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of the City Clerk; and attends Common Council study sessions, regular meetings, and committee meetings. The Assistant Director reports to the Chief Development Officer and will assist the Mayor's Office in coordinating and participating in regular meetings with local, state, and federal delegation representatives, as well as other related initiatives and assignments. In this capacity, the Assistant Director serves as a key liaison between the Mayor’s Office, the Common Council, City departments, and external governmental partners; helping to translate municipal priorities into actionable legislative strategies and ensuring timely follow through on policy initiatives and funding opportunities.
Typical Work Activities
- Support the development/implementation of the City’s annual legislative agenda and intergovernmental strategy.
- Monitor, analyze, and report on legislation, regulatory changes, executive actions, and budget proposals at the local, state, and federal levels that may impact the City.
- Identify and coordinate advocacy for state and federal funding opportunities, including appropriations, discretionary grants, and infrastructure investments.
- Assemble and prepare legislative requests, resolutions, briefing materials, and supporting documentation for Common Council meetings in coordination with the Department of Management and Budget and the Office of the City Clerk.
- Attend Common Council study sessions, regular meetings, and committee meetings as directed; prepare summaries, track action items, and ensure follow-up with relevant departments.
- Assist the Mayor’s Office in planning, coordinating, and participating in meetings with local, state, and federal delegation representatives; develop briefing books, talking points, and policy memoranda.
- Maintain regular communication with legislative offices, state agencies, and federal representatives to advance City initiatives and respond to inquiries.
- Facilitates and strengthens the City of Syracuse's relationships with sister city communities both domestically and abroad.
- Collaborate with City departments to gather data, fiscal analyses, and programmatic information necessary to support legislative proposals and funding requests.
- Draft correspondence, position statements, testimony, and reports on behalf of the Mayor’s Office in coordination with senior leadership.
- Support grant advocacy efforts and interdepartmental coordination related to competitive funding applications.
- Track commitments, deadlines, and reporting requirements related to legislative and funding initiatives.
- Perform additional related duties as assigned to advance the City’s strategic goals.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Good knowledge of legislative, budgetary, and governmental processes at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Good knowledge of public policy development, governmental funding opportunities, and intergovernmental relations.
- Ability to conduct research, analyze policy issues, and develop recommendations.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, government agencies, City departments, and community stakeholders
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including the preparation of reports, correspondence, and briefing materials.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, initiative, and diplomacy in carrying out assigned responsibilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Government, Communications, Law, or a closely related field.
- A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, legislative affairs, public administration, or a related field; municipal government experience preferred.
Benefits
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
- Retirement plan
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The Affirmative Action Policy of the City of Syracuse is to provide equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, age (18 and over), marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression, sexual or affectional preference or orientation, or any other classified group within the protected class. The City also complies with 31 CFR part 51. If you have a disability for which you wish special accommodation to be made, contact the Office of Human Resources at 315-448-8780 or personnel@syr.gov.
The City of Syracuse may conduct a criminal background check with regard to the employment sought.