ASSISTANT TO THE MAYOR I

CLASS DESCRIPTION

General Responsibilities:

This is highly responsible professional work as a Mayoral Aide for the City of Madison. Employees in this position represent the Mayor and the City of Madison in a wide variety of internal and/or external activities, projects, and on-going assignments. The work involves planning, organizing, reviewing, and recommending activities, projects, and policy initiatives; serving as a liaison between the Mayor's Office and other internal and/or external organizations and individuals; and performing a wide range of related coordinative and communication functions as assigned. This position reports directly to the Mayor, but functions with a high degree of independent judgement and discretion.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities:

Organize and participate in the planning, development, and implementation of new administrative programs and prepare reports and presentation for various committees and the Common Council.

On behalf of the Mayor, review and, in some cases, initiate new programs and/or the expansion of existing programs. Review pending legislation introduced at the Common Council and prepare reports and provide information on matters referred to the Mayor's Office from the Common Council.

Review departmental progress reports and advise the Mayor on status of new and existing programs and activities. Prepare periodic summary reports and recommendations to the Mayor.

Receive requests for information from various citizen groups, citizens, governmental units, and the general public regarding City services. Assist the public by working with various departments, making referrals, and/or getting necessary information or assistance.

Perform administrative tasks and projects as assigned by the Mayor, and direct studies and projects which affect all departments and/or which may cross departmental lines. Coordinate and/or participate in interdepartmental teams and committees as assigned.

Act as liaison to Common Council. Represent the Mayor's Office at committee meetings, provide assistance and data to members of Council, coordinate and communicate information to members of legislative bodies and to public citizens and groups, contact members of the Common Council and receive information and communicate positions of the Mayor to members of Council. Keep the Mayor advised on status of pending legislation.

Represent the Mayor's Office at various citizen committees and other meetings.

Represent the Mayor's Office at meetings, conferences, and delegations with all levels of government, including County, State, and Federal level. Work with the Legislative Analyst and keep Mayor advised of pending state and federal legislation which may affect the City of Madison.

Perform assigned projects and tasks as designated by the Mayor.

Work with Mayor's staff and other City staff on areas of mutual concern, such as submitting reports and positions on pending local legislation and dealing with requests for information which have been referred to the Mayor's Office.

Perform related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledges, Skills and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of political science, public administration, and municipal government operations. Considerable knowledge of public sector programs, issues and trends, particularly as they relate to local government. Knowledge of local public policies and procedures and the organization and management of functions as they relate to the Mayor - Common Council form of government. Knowledge of legislative - committee systems in the municipal sector and their role in setting public policy. Ability to independently perform assigned projects and tasks and communicate the Mayor's position effectively to diverse groups, individuals, and to the media. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and to make presentations before large groups. Ability to prepare and present reports and recommendations. Ability to study, analyze, present, and justify programmatic and policy information and data. Ability to conceptualize and exercise sound judgment in planning for, evaluating, and/or implementing City programs and projects. Ability to direct and/or coordinate difficult and varied administrative projects and assignments and to chair and/or effectively participate in management decision-making processes. Ability to establish and maintain effective working and public relationships. (NOTE: Additional "Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities" may be identified for specific positions in this class.)

Training and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Public or Business Administration, Political Science, or a related field and considerable independent and responsible high-level administrative, program, and/or supervisory experience in the municipal sector. Other combinations of training and/or experience which can be demonstrated to result in the possession of the knowledges, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of these position will also be considered.