What are the responsibilities and job description for the Economic Mobility Opportunity Special Assistant (Limted-Term) position at City of Dubuque, IA?
Position Summary
General Summary: Under direction of the Director of Economic Mobility, the Economic Mobility Opportunity Special Assistant (EMO SA) serves as a senior-level advisor for advancing the community’s economic mobility and opportunity strategy. The EMO SA will co-lead collaboration with the Office of Economic Mobility and City Manager's Office to update and implement the City’s Equitable Poverty Reduction & Prevention Plan. This role codesigns a community engagement process with cross-departmental and community stakeholders, and develops policies and programs that expand affordable housing, workforce readiness, small business growth, and fair access to transportation.
The ideal candidate possesses the ability to follow a management philosophy that includes principles of curiosity; problem-solving; partnerships and teamwork; and two-way accountability. The candidate should exemplify the City’s SPIRIT statement, the values by which we operate: Service, People, Integrity, Responsibility, Innovation and Teamwork.
Distinguishing Features of the Class: The work in this class involves responsibility with leeway granted for the exercise of judgment and initiative in coordinating strategic initiatives and facilitating engagement processes. The position requires independent project management, collaboration across multiple departments and external partners, and the ability to align local government priorities with community-driven solutions. The EMO SA will play a critical role in updating, advancing, and reporting on the Equitable Poverty Reduction & Prevention Plan, ensuring that it reflects resident input and measurable outcomes. While the EMO SA does not exercise direct supervision over staff, they provide leadership in guiding cross-sector work groups, advising executive leadership, and ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
Job Duties
- Collaborate with the Office of Economic Mobility to update and implement the City’s Equitable Poverty Reduction & Prevention Plan.
- Assist in developing new strategies, policies or programs around key areas including affordable housing, small business and workforce development and access to public transportation.
- Regularly report and provide recommendations to local government’s executive leadership, and coordinate activities across internal departments.
- Attend local network of partners, community members, and other stakeholders with knowledge and expertise in priority economic mobility and opportunity topics.
- Collaborate with leadership to ensure integration of economic mobility goals into city planning, budgeting and service delivery.
- Facilitate regular meetings and working groups with internal departments and external partners (e.g., nonprofits, employers, transit authorities).
- Identify and remove barriers to opportunity for underserved populations.
- Organize community engagement efforts, such as listening sessions, town halls, pop-up outreach events, and focus groups, to co-design solutions with residents—particularly those from historically marginalized communities.
- Analyze and visualize data to inform decision-making, uncover trends, and track progress on key performance indicators related to economic mobility and opportunity.
- Collaborate with city data teams and/or external data partners to build dashboards, conduct impact assessments, and maintain data integrity.
- Prepare necessary reporting and success stories in compliance with grant requirements.
- Attend regular virtual convenings, peer-learning sessions, and one in-person annual meeting with other EMO Special Assistants as required by the ICMA grant program.
- Monthly meetings with City Manager's Office staff members (City Manager and/or Assistant City Manager) and Director of Economic Mobility.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and lead the community’s economic mobility and opportunity (EMO) strategy, in alignment with local goals and community needs.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Serve as a central coordinator between local government departments, community organizations, workforce entities, housing agencies, and transportation providers.
- Program Implementation: Design and manage initiatives that support affordable housing, equitable transportation, job readiness, financial stability, and other EMO-related programs.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build trusted relationships with residents, nonprofit partners, businesses, and community advocates to inform strategy and ensure belonging.
- Data & Evaluation: Utilize data and community feedback to track progress, measure impact, and continuously refine strategy.
- Reporting & Communication: Provide regular updates to executive leadership, local government bodies, and ICMA on goals, outcomes, and opportunities for improvement.
- Professional Development: Participate in grant-funded learning and development activities, including peer networks, coaching, and training, and bring insights back to the organization.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in public administration, urban planning, public policy, economics, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
- At least 5 years of experience in policy development, community development, economic mobility, or public sector leadership.
- Demonstrated success in managing cross-sector initiatives and/or leading strategic projects within local government or nonprofit settings.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to engage different communities and work across sectors.
- Understanding of issues related to economic and social challenges, and community engagement.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working directly with executive leadership or senior policymakers.
- Familiarity with public funding, grants, or philanthropic partnerships.
- Proven ability to drive results in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
- Knowledge of local government operations and key issue areas (housing, workforce development, transportation, etc.).
Supplemental Information
Supervisory Status: None
FLSA Status: Exempt
Our Commitment to You
The City of Dubuque is committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws. Our organization provides equal opportunities for all individuals, fostering a workplace that values innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our growing community. In accordance with legal obligations our policies and practices are designed to ensure fair treatment and foster a respectful workplace where all are encouraged to apply.