Director of Policy and Legislative Initiatives

Job Description

Department: Atlanta City Council - Post 2 At-Large

Reports To: Councilmember Matt Westmoreland

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position open until 3/28/2025

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $110,000 annually Commensurate with experience.

Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, paid leave and a wellness center.

Application Process

After you submit your application, Interested candidates should send the following:

• Cover letter detailing qualifications and interest in the position.
• Resume
• Up to two writing samples relevant to stakeholder engagement or communications campaigns.

Send Documents To: Post2jobs@atlantaga.gov

Application Deadline: Friday, March 28, 2025

General Description and Classification Standards

The Director of Policy and Legislative Initiatives serves as the principal advisor on policy development, research, and legislative matters for Councilmember Matt Westmoreland. This position plays a critical role in shaping policy priorities, analyzing legislation, and advancing the Councilmember's legislative agenda. This requires a deep understanding of local government operations, policy analysis, and stakeholder collaboration to address the needs of Atlanta's diverse communities

Responsibilities

Essential Duties & Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.

Policy Development and Analysis:

• Research, develop, and recommend policy initiatives aligned with the Councilman's priorities and the needs of the community.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of proposed legislation, ordinances, and resolutions to assess their impact and alignment with the Councilman's goals.
• Draft policy memos, briefing documents, and recommendations for the Councilmember.
• Monitor emerging issues and trends at the local, state, and federal levels that may affect the office's priorities, Atlanta and its residents.

Legislative Strategy and Management:

• Develop and implement strategies to advance the Councilman's legislative agenda.
• Work with the City Council's legislative staff to draft ordinances, resolutions, and amendments.
• Track the progress of legislative initiatives and coordinate with other Council offices and City departments to build support for proposed policies.
• Prepare the Councilman for City Council meetings, committee hearings, and public engagements by providing detailed briefings, speeches, and talking points.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Engage with community leaders, advocacy groups, city departments, and other stakeholders to gather input and build consensus around policy initiatives.
• Represent the Councilmember in meetings with external partners and community organizations.
• Ensure that community feedback is incorporated into the development and refinement of policies and legislation.
• Provide speeches and talking points as needed for the Councilmember.

Research and Data Analysis:

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research to evaluate the effectiveness of current policy initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
• Analyze data and prepare reports to inform policy decisions and measure the impact of legislative initiatives.
• Stay informed about best practices and innovative approaches in urban policy and governance and be prepared to implement where appropriate.

Project Management:

• Oversee special projects and initiatives, ensuring timely and successful execution.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to align project objectives with broader policy goals.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables for policy-related initiatives.

Administrative Support and Supervision:

• Supervise and mentor policy analysts/interns.
• Collaborate with the Councilman and communications team to ensure alignment between policy priorities and public messaging.
• Maintain detailed records of legislative activities and provide regular updates to the Councilmember.
• Manage the Councilman's inbox, calendar and prioritizing meetings and appearances

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of legislative processes and procedures, particularly in local government.

Skills

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to interpret complex policy issues.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting legislation and policy briefs.
• Proficiency in research tools and data analysis software
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Abilities

• Deep understanding of and commitment to the needs of Atlanta's diverse communities.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
• Proactive problem-solver with a collaborative mindset.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, or Law (JD) preferred.

Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in policy analysis, legislative affairs, or public administration.
• Experience in local government, public service, or advocacy is highly desirable.

Licensures and Certifications

None

Essential Capabilities and Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.

Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings or events as needed.

Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

Local travel within Metro Atlanta may be required.

This role is critical in ensuring effective communication and fostering trust between the Atlanta Councilman Matt Westmoreland and Atlanta's diverse community and stakeholders. If you are passionate about making a positive impact in Atlanta, we encourage you to apply.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta ("COA") that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran's status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.