San Jose Councilwoman Sylvia Arenas is hiring a Council Assistant

[PatrickM83]

About the Organization

Sylvia Arenas has served on the San Jose City Council since her upset victory in 2016. On the Council, she has been a tireless champion for families, women, children, and racial equity. She approaches her job as an opportunity to change the rules to make our community and society more equitable.

Job Description

The Office of Councilmember Sylvia Arenas, is recruiting for a full-time Council Assistant. Under the direction of the Councilmember and Chief of Staff, the position provides services in connection with policy analysis, research, communications, event planning, community outreach, and other related matters as needed and as requested.

The position requires an employee with strong and effective organizational skills; ability to handle multiple assignments; excellent written and oral communications skills, and the ability to develop and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with community members and neighborhood organizations, key stakeholders, and City staff.

The successful candidate must be bi-lingual, with fluency in both speaking and writing in Spanish.

Candidates must be willing to work frequent evenings and weekends, and as exempt management employees, are not eligible for overtime compensation.

Typical Duties

The Council Assistant will be primarily responsible for the following tasks:

• Gathering background information relative to issues pending before the City Council
• Analyzing a wide variety of materials on assigned projects, programs, and topics
• Preparation or assisting in preparation of speeches, articles, or other communications for the Council Member
• Responding to constituent inquiries and issues, resolving complaints, and interpreting operating policies for residents of the community and other interested parties
• Attending and representing the Council Member at City-related meetings and activities, meeting with governmental agencies, private industry, and related meetings
• Coordinating arrangements for community meetings, events, and programs
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as required

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience equivalent that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities to advice the Council Member on matters of public policy, democratic processes, constituent service or citizen involvement.

Competencies

The ideal candidate possess the most desirable combination of training, skills and experience, which will allow her or him to serve as a member of the City Council District 8 Team.  Desirable experience, knowledge and skills for this position include:

• Bi-lingual in Spanish/English
• BA/BS in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Communications, or closely related field is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Public Administration; management, and administrative methods; budgeting, land use, house, transportation, public relations, customer/constituent relations, etc.
• Proficiency in the use of software applications such as Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, Outlook, or equivalent.
• Ability to effectively plan workflow and manage multiple projects to deliver quality products in a timely manner evidenced by through strong organizational, administration, and management skills.
• Ability to express themselves clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing (email, letters, report writing and editing).
• Skill in research techniques and applications - collecting, compiling, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Strong work ethic, professionalism, flexibility.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others and facilitate groups to achieve common objectives; understand and identify key issues and make recommendations in complex situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with others and to provide excellent service to internal and external customers, stakeholders and colleagues.
• Ability to present yourself in a professional and effective manner.
• Ability to work in a team environment and work as an effective team contributor.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently, prioritize work, and independently manage multiple, diverse, and competing priorities while meeting deadlines.

Job Type: Full-time

Compensation: $51,878.31 - $76,644.09 per year. Strong benefits package.

To Apply:

Candidates should apply through the City of San Jose’s jobs portal. Please utilize this direct link to the job listing:

https://sanjoseca.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=2001081&lang=en