JOB POSTING IS EXPIRED
Economic Mobility Opportunity Special Assistant (Limted-Term)

Job Overview

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' 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' 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' 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

Job Duties:
ΓÇó Collaborate with the Office of Economic Mobility to update and implement the City' Equitable Poverty Reduction & Prevention Plan.
ΓÇó Assist in developing new strategies, policies or programs around key areas including affordable housing, small business and workforce development and access to public transportation.
ΓÇó Regularly report and provide recommendations to local government' executive leadership, and coordinate activities across internal departments.
ΓÇó Attend local network of partners, community members, and other stakeholders with knowledge and expertise in priority economic mobility and opportunity topics.
ΓÇó Collaborate with leadership to ensure integration of economic mobility goals into city planning, budgeting and service delivery.
ΓÇó Facilitate regular meetings and working groups with internal departments and external partners (e.g., nonprofits, employers, transit authorities).
ΓÇó Identify and remove barriers to opportunity for underserved populations.
ΓÇó Organize community engagement efforts, such as listening sessions, town halls, pop-up outreach events, and focus groups, to co-design solutions with residentsΓÇöparticularly those from historically marginalized communities.
ΓÇó Analyze and visualize data to inform decision-making, uncover trends, and track progress on key performance indicators related to economic mobility and opportunity.
ΓÇó Collaborate with city data teams and/or external data partners to build dashboards, conduct impact assessments, and maintain data integrity.
ΓÇó Prepare necessary reporting and success stories in compliance with grant requirements.
ΓÇó 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.
ΓÇó Monthly meetings with City Manager's Office staff members (City Manager and/or Assistant City Manager) and Director of Economic Mobility.
ΓÇó Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
ΓÇó Strategic Leadership: Develop and lead the community' economic mobility and opportunity (EMO) strategy, in alignment with local goals and community needs.
ΓÇó Cross-Sector Collaboration: Serve as a central coordinator between local government departments, community organizations, workforce entities, housing agencies, and transportation providers.
ΓÇó Program Implementation: Design and manage initiatives that support affordable housing, equitable transportation, job readiness, financial stability, and other EMO-related programs.
ΓÇó Stakeholder Engagement: Build trusted relationships with residents, nonprofit partners, businesses, and community advocates to inform strategy and ensure belonging.
ΓÇó Data & Evaluation: Utilize data and community feedback to track progress, measure impact, and continuously refine strategy.
ΓÇó Reporting & Communication: Provide regular updates to executive leadership, local government bodies, and ICMA on goals, outcomes, and opportunities for improvement.
ΓÇó Professional Development: Participate in grant-funded learning and development activities, including peer networks, coaching, and training, and bring insights back to the organization.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
ΓÇó Bachelor' degree in public administration, urban planning, public policy, economics, or a related field. Master' degree preferred.
ΓÇó At least 5 years of experience in policy development, community development, economic mobility, or public sector leadership.
ΓÇó Demonstrated success in managing cross-sector initiatives and/or leading strategic projects within local government or nonprofit settings.
ΓÇó Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to engage different communities and work across sectors.
ΓÇó Understanding of issues related to economic and social challenges, and community engagement.

Preferred Qualifications:
ΓÇó Experience working directly with executive leadership or senior policymakers.
ΓÇó Familiarity with public funding, grants, or philanthropic partnerships.
ΓÇó Proven ability to drive results in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
ΓÇó Knowledge of local government operations and key issue areas (housing, workforce development, transportation, etc.).

Supplemental Information

Supervisory Status: None

FLSA Status: Exempt