Director of Intergovernmental Relations

Summary

Under the administrative direction of the City Manager, the Director of Intergovernmental Relations leads and supports initiatives related to policy development, governmental relations, legislative coordination, strategic planning, and public communication. This position works closely with executive leadership to assist in the preparation, development, and implementation of the City’s strategic plan and legislative agenda, while helping advance City Council priorities.

The Director serves as a strategic resource to the City Manager and City Council in evaluating city services and programs, preparing reports and agenda materials, coordinating legislative initiatives, and strengthening relationships with residents, businesses, and governmental partners. This position also represents the City in local, state, and national governmental and legislative matters and supports organizational effectiveness, policy compliance, and community engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in the preparation, development, and implementation of the City’s legislative agenda.
• Provides reports related to strategic goals, services, and programs.
• Represents the City at local, state, and national governmental and legislative events.
• Oversees franchise utility relations, tracking, and management.
• Coordinates the development of key reports with departments across the organization.
• Researches, prepares, and distributes background information on legislative and policy issues.
• Facilitates communication and coordination with members of Congress, legislative representatives, congressional staff, and regulatory agencies.
• Serves as a resource to strategic partners, associations, and external organizations.
• Coordinates the City’s legislative program and related activities.
• Prepares items for City Council consideration and provides reports and analysis of activities.
• Supports communication, outreach, and community engagement initiatives.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Government, Public Policy, Business Administration, Communications, Law, or a closely related field.

Five years of progressively responsible experience in governmental relations, legislative affairs, public policy, lobbying, advocacy, or a closely related field. The required experience must include:

• At least three years of direct state-level legislative or governmental relations experience;
• Active professional participation in at least one regular state legislative session;
• Experience representing an organization before legislators, legislative staff, state executive agencies, or statewide governmental associations; and
• Experience developing, advancing, or monitoring a legislative agenda.

Direct experience with the Texas Legislature and Texas Capitol is required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and methods of effective public administration
• Municipal budgeting and finance
• Research methods and policy analysis
• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and legislative processes
• Government relations and community engagement practices

• Communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Presenting information to elected officials, executive leadership, boards, commissions, media, and the public
• Researching, collecting, organizing, and analyzing information
• Preparing reports, background materials, recommendations, and agenda-related documents
• Building and maintaining effective working relationships with public and private sector partners
• Coordinating projects, priorities, and cross-departmental initiatives

• Exercise sound independent judgment and initiative
• Manage sensitive and high-level policy matters
• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, and policies
• Develop recommendations related to programs, services, and operations
• Work collaboratively with City leadership, departments, elected officials, and community stakeholders