City Council Chief Policy Analyst
The Saint Paul City Council is hiring an experienced and highly skilled non-partisan Chief Policy Analyst to assist the Council President and Council Director of Operations with the legislative development process regarding Council-wide policy objectives. The Chief Policy Analyst will be responsible for operationalizing key, widely agreed upon policy priorities and shepherding the ensuing legislation through the process, from development, through passage by the City Council, and final signature by the Mayor, while keeping the public and key stakeholders informed and engaged along the way.
Here’s what you can expect to do:
•Assist the Director of Council Operations and the Council President with strategic planning to advance broadly agreed upon Council legislative priorities.
•Perform highly responsible professional work analyzing, drafting, and project-managing legislative priorities in coordination with City Council leadership.
•Conduct in-depth research and analysis on complex policy issues to inform the development of resolutions, ordinances, and legislative proposals.
•Draft, review, and refine proposed resolutions, ordinances, and other legislative documents, ensuring they are legally sound, aligned with the Council’s priorities, and strategically viable.
•Identify opportunities for broad agreement among Councilmembers on policy initiatives, using strong communication and negotiation skills.
•Coordinate with Council and departmental staff to incorporate implementation needs and processes into policy solutions during the policy development process.
•Coordinate with Council staff in an ongoing way toward shared policy projects to ensure collaboration and appropriate project management of key policy priorities.
•Provide technical and legislative drafting expertise to ensure clarity, accuracy, and effectiveness in legislative language.
•Deeply understand the city’s legislative process, including the interactions between municipal code, the city charter, state and federal laws, and the administration structure.
•Develop and maintain clear and concise legislative reports, memoranda, and summaries to inform Councilmembers and stakeholders of key policy developments and impacts.
Information Specific to this Position
The Council’s Chief Policy Analyst will have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities being faced by the City of Saint Paul, will have professional experience utilizing the legislative tools available to address those issues, and will possess a keen ability to successfully navigate City Hall. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of researching, drafting, and analyzing complex legislative proposals in a local government or similar setting. This position reports to the City Council Director of Operations and works closely with the Council President.
Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time.
Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.
Position Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Urban Studies, Planning, Political Science, or related field and five years of professional experience in public administration, policy analysis, community development, or a related field.
Desired Qualifications:
Juris Doctorate or Master’s Degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Urban Studies, Planning, Political Science, or related field.
How to Apply:
- Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
- Upload or submit the following required documents via the online application system. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.)
- A resume
- A cover letter
First time applying online? Read our How to Apply Online Guide.
Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627.
Learn more about our Hiring Process:
Unclassified Posting: This is an UNCLASSIFIED position and is therefore not governed by City Civil Service Rules.
Final Selection Process: You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.
Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. Candidates will be required to submit proof of education to Human Resources upon conditional job offer, if qualifying based on education.
Human Resources Contact Information:
Olletha Muhammad at 651-266-6545
Email: olletha.muhammad@stpaul.gov
The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Working Title: Chief Policy Analyst
Official Title: City Council Chief Budget Analyst