The City Manager Legislative Assistant provides critical legislative support to the City Manager’s Office by tracking and researching legislation, writing detailed staff reports, and preparing official memoranda.
As a vital link in City governance, this role serves as a liaison to the City Council and various standing committees, ensuring that leadership receives timely, accurate information regarding pending legislation. The position requires active participation and attendance at City Council meetings and committee sessions to facilitate seamless, responsive communication between City departments and senior leadership.
Essential Job Functions:
* Informs department directors and staff of City Council proceedings that require staff action.
* Follows up with department directors to ensure legislative requirements and deadlines are met.
* Monitors agendas of City Council and Standing Committee meetings to notify relevant departments of agenda items.
* Assists the City Manager in tracking the status of legislation and obtaining information from City departments.
* Attends City Council meetings, work sessions, and committee meetings to understand legislative intent.
* Communicates with the City Clerk to verify passed legislation and requirements for City staff.
* Drafts memoranda and staff reports summarizing information for City Manager reports to Council.
* Completes fiscal impact statements for State of Maryland legislation as requested by the General Assembly.
* Coordinates with department directors to gather input for fiscal impact statements.
* Ensures all work products are adequately documented, distributed, and stored for future reference.
* Performs other tasks for the City Manager as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
* Excellent written communication skills to create narrative or statistical reports with minimal supervision.
* Solid legislative and general research skills.
* Knowledge of local government protocols, organizational structures, and administrative processes.
* Knowledge of municipal laws, ordinances, regulations, and established policies.
* Skill in using tact and discernment when providing potentially confidential information to diverse audiences.
* Skill in establishing and maintaining automated files for research and retrieval.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Adobe to produce documents.
* Flexibility to adjust to changing task demands in a fast-paced work environment.
Minimum Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (or an equivalent combination of education and experience); and
* Two (2) years of experience in public policy, legislative research, or legislative processes.
* Must be available for evening meetings, both in-person and virtual.
Preferred Qualifications
* Five (5) years of experience in public policy and legislative research and implementation.
* Specific knowledge of City and State of Maryland legislative processes.
* Exceptional attention to detail and interpersonal skills.
Physical/Mental Demands
Work is primarily sedentary; the employee may be required to speak, walk, stand, bend, or carry light items such as paper, books, or files.
Work Environment
Work is performed in an office environment with minimal discomforts.
