City of Irvine Invites Applicants for the Position of: Chief of Staff

Do you have a desire to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant and diverse community? Join a collaborative workforce committed to serving the City of Irvine.

The Chief of Staff acts as the chief policy advisor to the Mayor and members of the City Council. Reporting directly to the Mayor or assigned Councilmember, the Chief of Staff will develop and implement all policy objectives, strategies, and operating plans and manage all activities of support staff. The Chief of Staff will coordinate activities with other legislative bodies and serve as their liaison when delegated to do so by the Mayor/Councilmember.

Chief of Staff is an at-will position serving at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

Your Impact

Must be able to provide clear guidance and leadership with respect to complex issues and has excellent negotiation skills and an ability to succeed in a high pressure work environment. Identifies issues and problems requiring involvement by the Councilmember, and recommends decisions or actions to be taken.

Supervisory: Directly supervises full-time, part-time, and temporary employees; carries out responsibilities in accordance with office policy and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performances; addressing complaints; and resolving problems.

• Manages and administers the office including personnel issues and office budgets.
• Manages City Hall and remote staff. Conducts staff meetings.
• Sets and oversees the administration of office goals, policies, and procedures and has oversight responsibility for all personnel matters including hiring, salary, and disciplinary decisions.
• Works with City Manager/Department staff on long-term legislative and community plans of the Mayor/Councilmember.

Chief Policy Advisor: Identifies the need for policy actions, and directs staff activities to support a Councilmember in public response, policy, or other action including providing background information to help prepare Councilmember for floor and committee proceedings.

• Approves strategies and tactics on legislative issues.
• Develops plans for events relating to the Councilmember’s policy goals.
• Maintains knowledge of City issues by reviewing media sources and constituent input on a daily basis, as well as through regular contact with leaders in the district including regularly attending commission meetings, community group meetings, events, etc.
• Ensures appointed Commissioners execute on Councilmember policy priorities.
• Assists with the drafting and presentation of resolutions, letters, and other materials; and prepares talking points and background/briefing materials for the Councilmember’s participation in meetings or events.
• Generates memo (policy/ordinance/bill) ideas, initiates memo drafts, conducts research and analysis, and provides Councilmember with high-level policy guidance and recommendations.

Administration and Constituent Services: Oversees all office systems (including constituent mail) and communication programs (e.g., Social Media, Public Service Announcements, newsletters)

• Coordinates with the Councilmember and Scheduler on appointments and overall schedule.
• Works with Councilmember to develop key metrics and provides regular reports for the Councilmember on city activities, constituent services, and casework.
• Oversees message development for press and speeches for public events.
• Develops and implements other communication programs. Possesses ability to navigate through external constituent and public interests groups.
• Complies with City of Irvine policies and rules as outlined in the Personnel Policy Manual. Performs other related work as assigned.
• Serves at the direction of the Councilmember as the principal substitute when appropriate for the Mayor/Councilmember at official speaking and other engagements, and at key constituent and legislative meetings.
• Oversees the office budget.

Best Fit

• Maintains a good working relationship with the Mayor/Councilmember, staff, and constituents.
• Thorough knowledge of legislative process.
• Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal agencies and departments.
• Thorough knowledge of the City of Irvine’s Code of Conduct/Ethics rules.
• Thorough knowledge of California FPPC rules and regulations.
• An understanding of the history and uniqueness of Irvine.
• Possesses necessary organization, skills, supervisory leadership, and motivation to manage a legislative office.
• Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with others including the public.
• Temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities and at all times maintain professionalism and diplomacy.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of the office policies, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of current office computer applications.
• Proficiency in word processing.
• Works well under pressure and handles stress.
• Foreign language proficiency a plus (Korean, Spanish, Farsi).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science or related field; and five years of related experience in government or a legislative office with management experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Working Conditions

• Work is often fast paced, high energy, and creates fluid situation requiring adaptability and strategic thinking.
• Work is performed in an office environment or out in the field.
• Ability to work in a small work station without an expectation of privacy.
• Meets attendance requirements as established by the office.
• Works a flexible schedule including long hours, nights, and weekends.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Mayor/Councilmember.

Your Team

Irvine is recognized as one of America’s Best Places to Live, according to Money Magazine. The City of Irvine features an array of entertainment and recreational opportunities including exceptional parks, open space preservations, sport complexes, and master-planned communities.

The Process

The selection process will include an examination and conduct a background investigation prior to appointment. This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation.