City of San José
Job Title
PLANNING AND POLICY STRATEGIST (Assistant to the City Manager)
About the City Known as the “Capital of Silicon Valley,” the City of San José plays a vital economic and cultural role anchoring the world’s leading region of innovation. Encompassing 181 square miles at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay, San José is Northern California’s largest city and the 12th largest city in the nation, and is ranked the #1 safest major city in the country. With almost one million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States.
About the Office of Administration, Policy, and Intergovernmental Relations The City Manager’s Office provides strategic leadership to the Mayor and City Council. The Office of Administration, Policy and Intergovernmental Relations, under the direction of the Director, coordinates internal budgets and hiring, citywide public policy, legislative affairs, and public records. It provides the City’s leaders and staff with support, coordination, research, and strategic analysis of the city’s critical needs, programs, policies, and services.
Position Duties The Planning and Policy Strategist (Assistant to the City Manager) is a key member of the Office of Administration, Policy, and Intergovernmental Relations. The position reports to the Deputy Director of Policy and supports organizational capacity‑building around policy development and data‑driven decision‑making. It enhances the City Manager’s Office internal planning and management, supports streamlining inter‑departmental coordination for programs, policies, and initiatives, and facilitates collaboration across Departments to advance the development, implementation, and evaluation of services that support the City Council Focus Areas, City Council Committees, and other critical issues. The role also assists internal and external stakeholder communication and coordination to achieve City goals.
Key Position Responsibilities
Analyze organizational structures, programs, functions, procedures, and practices; provide analysis and recommendations of various kinds and levels of services provided by City government to create improved efficiencies.
Coordinate activities and provide information and staff reports to assist the City Manager and senior and executive staff, City Council Members, City task forces, and committees.
Oversee the performance of the organization in meeting the City’s goals and in carrying out directives of the City Manager and Emergency Operations Center (when activated).
Support memo and project coordination at City Council Committees and for City Council Focus Areas in support of Deputy City Managers.
Establish and maintain good working relationships with a diversity of individuals, community groups, and organizations to ensure the City’s programs effectively serve the San José community.
Carry out special studies, investigations, and prepare reports and recommendations to the City Manager.
Represent the Director of Administration, Policy & Intergovernmental Relations, or the Deputy Director of Policy as assigned.
May supervise professional and/or support staff as assigned.
Evening and weekend work is occasionally required.
Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, or a discipline related to the business performed by the department.
Six (6) years management and/or administrative experience in government or private business/industry.
A Master’s degree is preferred and may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
Desired Skills & Competencies
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to delegate effectively and encourage the development of staff throughout the organization.
Demonstrate a positive attitude and flexibility to change.
Ability to maintain a constructive mindset in challenging and fluid situations.
Ability to learn quickly, be a self‑starter, handle multiple assignments and deadlines, and work well under pressure.
Experience in the development and implementation of strategies to solve complex organizational and municipal problems.
Strong project management experience.
Proficiency in guiding data-driven approaches for public policy and other decision-making.
Strong administrative, budgeting, organizational, and planning skills.
Detail-oriented and can balance the high-level thinking with managing day‑to‑day tasks on multiple projects at the same time.
Proven ability to effectively communicate with a broad set of stakeholders, including team members, senior and executive leadership, elected officials, internal and external stakeholders, and residents of San José.
Selection Process The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the job specific questions. Applicants must fill out the online application available on the City of San José website, submit a resume, and answer five (5) supplemental questions. Responses should be limited to no more than three pages. Those candidates with experience and training that best match the position will move forward to the next phase, which includes interview(s) and reference checks. Candidates who move forward will be expected to provide an example of a deliverable from a complex policy project at the time of the interview.
Additional Information Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. The City of San José will NOT sponsor, represent, or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa that requires an employer application.
AI and the Hiring Process Artificial Intelligence (AI) is part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. Candidates are encouraged to use AI responsibly as support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews while maintaining authenticity, accuracy, and truthfulness. AI cannot replace the originality and judgment that the City seeks in its employees.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Business Development and Sales, Government Administration
Equal Opportunity Employment The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY), or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov.
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About the City Known as the “Capital of Silicon Valley,” the City of San José plays a vital economic and cultural role anchoring the world’s leading region of innovation. Encompassing 181 square miles at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay, San José is Northern California’s largest city and the 12th largest city in the nation, and is ranked the #1 safest major city in the country. With almost one million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States.
About the Office of Administration, Policy, and Intergovernmental Relations The City Manager’s Office provides strategic leadership to the Mayor and City Council. The Office of Administration, Policy and Intergovernmental Relations, under the direction of the Director, coordinates internal budgets and hiring, citywide public policy, legislative affairs, and public records. It provides the City’s leaders and staff with support, coordination, research, and strategic analysis of the city’s critical needs, programs, policies, and services.
Position Duties The Planning and Policy Strategist (Assistant to the City Manager) is a key member of the Office of Administration, Policy, and Intergovernmental Relations. The position reports to the Deputy Director of Policy and supports organizational capacity‑building around policy development and data‑driven decision‑making. It enhances the City Manager’s Office internal planning and management, supports streamlining inter‑departmental coordination for programs, policies, and initiatives, and facilitates collaboration across Departments to advance the development, implementation, and evaluation of services that support the City Council Focus Areas, City Council Committees, and other critical issues. The role also assists internal and external stakeholder communication and coordination to achieve City goals.
Key Position Responsibilities
Analyze organizational structures, programs, functions, procedures, and practices; provide analysis and recommendations of various kinds and levels of services provided by City government to create improved efficiencies.
Coordinate activities and provide information and staff reports to assist the City Manager and senior and executive staff, City Council Members, City task forces, and committees.
Oversee the performance of the organization in meeting the City’s goals and in carrying out directives of the City Manager and Emergency Operations Center (when activated).
Support memo and project coordination at City Council Committees and for City Council Focus Areas in support of Deputy City Managers.
Establish and maintain good working relationships with a diversity of individuals, community groups, and organizations to ensure the City’s programs effectively serve the San José community.
Carry out special studies, investigations, and prepare reports and recommendations to the City Manager.
Represent the Director of Administration, Policy & Intergovernmental Relations, or the Deputy Director of Policy as assigned.
May supervise professional and/or support staff as assigned.
Evening and weekend work is occasionally required.
Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, or a discipline related to the business performed by the department.
Six (6) years management and/or administrative experience in government or private business/industry.
A Master’s degree is preferred and may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
Desired Skills & Competencies
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to delegate effectively and encourage the development of staff throughout the organization.
Demonstrate a positive attitude and flexibility to change.
Ability to maintain a constructive mindset in challenging and fluid situations.
Ability to learn quickly, be a self‑starter, handle multiple assignments and deadlines, and work well under pressure.
Experience in the development and implementation of strategies to solve complex organizational and municipal problems.
Strong project management experience.
Proficiency in guiding data-driven approaches for public policy and other decision-making.
Strong administrative, budgeting, organizational, and planning skills.
Detail-oriented and can balance the high-level thinking with managing day‑to‑day tasks on multiple projects at the same time.
Proven ability to effectively communicate with a broad set of stakeholders, including team members, senior and executive leadership, elected officials, internal and external stakeholders, and residents of San José.
Selection Process The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the job specific questions. Applicants must fill out the online application available on the City of San José website, submit a resume, and answer five (5) supplemental questions. Responses should be limited to no more than three pages. Those candidates with experience and training that best match the position will move forward to the next phase, which includes interview(s) and reference checks. Candidates who move forward will be expected to provide an example of a deliverable from a complex policy project at the time of the interview.
Additional Information Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. The City of San José will NOT sponsor, represent, or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa that requires an employer application.
AI and the Hiring Process Artificial Intelligence (AI) is part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. Candidates are encouraged to use AI responsibly as support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews while maintaining authenticity, accuracy, and truthfulness. AI cannot replace the originality and judgment that the City seeks in its employees.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Business Development and Sales, Government Administration
Equal Opportunity Employment The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY), or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov.
#J-18808-Ljbffr