Policy Analyst - Government Relations

Are you excited about the City of Portland’s transition to a new form of government? Do you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced work environments? Do you have experience in government relations with public agencies and the offices of elected officials? If so, please join the Prosper Portland team as a Government Relations Analyst! **Job is open until filled. The first review of applications will take place on August 19, 2024. Please apply by this date for first consideration. Prosper Portland is dedicated to building an equitable economy based on four cornerstones: growing family wage jobs, advancing opportunities for prosperity, collaborating with partners for an equitable city, and creating vibrant neighborhoods and communities. We strive to make racial equity the foundation of our community and economic development work. We work toward nothing less than transforming our agency into an anti-racist institution in an inclusive city that welcomes and serves all communities and perspectives. Summary This position plans, coordinates, and supports government relations initiatives that deliver on the agency’s goals to build an equitable economy and operate a sustainable and inclusive agency. Functions and Responsibilities Supports the agency’s political strategy, building broad coalitions and working closely with partners to support the advancement of shared goals. Manages the agency’s relationship with City Hall elected officials’ teams. Ensures discussion and content in regular meetings align with agency and elected officials’ priorities. Identifies and tracks issues and agenda content with other City elected officials and staff. Coordinates, prepares, and drafts materials for City Council approval. Liaises regularly with the Mayor, City Council, and staff, elevating issues to the Deputy City Administrator and Executive Team for briefings and follow-up Develops and cultivates relationships with the mayor’s office, city council, city and regional public agencies, and other partners. Monitors City Council agendas and trains staff on submittal processes, requirements, and deadlines. Serves as agency’s lead on coordinating with the Office of Government Relations, including managing and updating annual intergovernmental agreement; coordinates across departments to refine and communicate the agency’s state and federal legislative priorities. Tracks and provides feedback on proposed legislation. Convenes and facilitates meetings with internal and external stakeholders; sets up, leads, and/or supports project advisory committees and focus groups. Develops and manages proactive strategy for strengthening relationships with elected officials and increasing their understanding of and support for Prosper Portland. Broadens awareness of Advance Portland, including partner roles and responsibilities. Broadens awareness of Prosper Portland’s place-based (including nuances of TIF funding) and citywide projects and programs Serves as an internal conduit from staff to elected officials and their teams, scheduling briefings and sharing materials as appropriate. Represents Prosper Portland at community meetings. Scope Operates under minimal supervision. Establishes own approaches and procedures. Receives general or little instruction on new assignments. Work is subject to final review. Makes decisions for many aspects of work that require technical expertise, initiative, and good judgment. Makes recommendations for complex and politically sensitive decisions that require oversight. Decisions and errors in work can have a significant legal, financial, political, or operational impact on the agency. Work involves a high level of complexity due to tight timelines, the need to prioritize multiple assignments, relationship management with a variety of external stakeholders that require negotiation, bridge-building, and compromise, the need to navigate political dynamics, the agency’s history of gentrification, and the inherent nature of creating and implementing projects and programs grounded in racial equity. The position has no staff supervisory responsibilities; however, will oversee the work of consultants, vendors, temporary workers, and/or student staff. Competencies Putting People First, Inclusion & Collaboration Interpersonal Skills: Advanced ability to establish and cultivate authentic and effective working relationships and partnerships. Exercises active listening, tact, patience, and discretion. Mission-Driven Service: Ability to provide excellent service by demonstrating a people-oriented mindset and willingness to help. Ability to train and provide guidance to others. Teamwork: Ability to work with others inclusively and collaboratively. Works to resolve conflicts and build consensus. Communication: Effectively communicates both verbally and in writing. Ability to speak and present in public. Utilizes negotiation, facilitation, and persuasion skills. Ability to organize, simplify, and report complex data and information to a variety of audiences. Bilingual or multilingual a plus. Cultural Curiosity and Reflection: Ability to learn and use culturally responsive practices to understand, communicate, and work with people across cultures and identities. Honors and embraces differences and models inclusivity in interactions and decisions. Advancing Equity: A demonstrated commitment to advancing social and racial equity, and actively seeks out opportunities to do so. Ability to learn, understand, and apply the principles and practices of equity to work. Excellence, Innovation & Learning Knowledge: Advanced technical knowledge in one or more of the following areas: public policy, community development, redevelopment, planning and development, or real estate. General knowledge of federal, state, and local land development and public policy; urban renewal law; and real estate laws and regulations. Knowledge of and ability to apply strategies that center equity in project/program development and implementation. Working knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office, database systems, web-based platforms, and other communication tools. Basic understanding of public administration. Technical Abilities: Advanced project/program management skills overseeing complex initiatives that involve multiple stakeholders. Continuous Learning: Openness to new ideas. Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback. Ability to ask for help and learn from experiences. Problem Solving: Apply research, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills. Exercises sound judgment in carrying out responsibilities. Ability to interpret and apply law, policy, and procedure to work. Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to shifting and competing work demands. Ability to work with ambiguity. Perseveres in the face of obstacles. Planning and Organization: Ability to organize, prioritize, coordinate, and monitor complex projects, initiatives, and contracts independently. Ability to strategize, develop, implement, and evaluate goals, policies, and procedures. Ability to manage a budget with multiple funding streams. Accountability: Takes initiative and responsibility for actions. Follows through on commitments and meets deadlines. Maintains confidentiality as appropriate. Minimum Education, Training, and/or Experience Six years of combined experience in government relations, public policy, politics, economic development, public administration, or equivalent experience. An associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree will substitute for up to one year of experience. Physical Requirements Position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time along with the ability to move throughout the office and travel to job sites and events. Position often uses a computer and other standard office equipment. The position must communicate and interact with internal and external stakeholders often regarding complex subject matters. Working Conditions Normal working hours Monday through Friday [8 AM – 5 PM] in a combination of in-person and remote work; Additional hours may be needed to meet deadlines. The position requires frequent travel to external meetings and events; travel out of the metro area may occur. The position will be expected to engage in conversation and personal reflection around race, racism, and equity.