Policy Advisor

TITLE:

Policy Advisor

EMPLOYER:

City of San Diego

Office of Mayor Todd Gloria 202 C Street, 11th Floor San Diego, CA 92101

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:

Full Time

REPORTS TO:

Director of Policy

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Office of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria is seeking a Policy Advisor to serve on its dynamic Policy Team. The ideal candidate is organized, detailed, able to work well with others, and has experience working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Under the general direction of the Director of Policy, the Policy Advisor will support the Mayor by formulating policy priorities, analyzing proposed legislation and providing recommendations, and representing the Mayor before key stakeholders such as the City Council, operational departments, and advocacy organizations.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Policy Advisors are responsible for performing duties and functions assigned and directed to meet the policy goals and objectives of the Mayor, including:

• Develop and articulate policy priorities for the Mayor’s Office in alignment with the Mayor’s vision and goals.
• Conduct thorough research and analysis of proposed policies, assessing their potential impact on the City and its residents.
• Prepare detailed policy briefs, reports, and recommendations for the Mayor and senior staff.

• Represent the Mayor’s Office in meetings with the City Council, operational departments, advocacy organizations, and other key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, coalition partners, and advocacy groups.
• Facilitate open and transparent communication between the Mayor’s Office and stakeholders, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in policy development.
• Assist with developing and implementing strategic communication plans to promote policy initiatives and priorities.
• Assist with drafting speeches, press releases, and other communication materials for the Mayor, ensuring clarity, coherence, and consistency.
• Assist with the advancement of policy priorities at other agencies and levels of

government.

• Ensure all policy-related tasks are completed accurately, efficiently, and within
• established deadlines.
• Maintain organized records of policy documents, stakeholder interactions, and
• communication materials.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing priorities and
• demands in a fast-paced environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public affairs, political science, or a related field; commensurate experience to a bachelor's degree may also be considered.
• Knowledge of public policy advocacy, including experience with community and coalition building, engaging affected communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities, developing policy, and strategic communications.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high- pressure, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Punctuality and a willingness to work outside of normal business hours.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working in a public agency.
• Ability to communicate in languages other than English is beneficial.

• High emotional intelligence with a high level of integrity and a set of values that include compassion, collaboration, and service excellence.

BENEFITS:

Please review the Benefits Summary for Unclassified Employees (https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/benefits-summary-unrepresented.pdf) or contact the Benefits Division of the Risk Management Department at (619) 236-5924.

ABOUT THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO:

With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego’s strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world- renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.

The City’s Mission, as stated in the Strategic Plan is “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City.” The City’s Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan".

As one of the region’s largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 13,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2025 operating and capital budget of approximately $5.65 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the City’s website.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS:

To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and two writing samples by electronic mail to Matt Yagyagan, Director of Policy, at MYagyagan@sandiego.gov.