Location: Bradenton,FL, USA
Work Location: 1112 Manatee Avenue W, Bradenton, Florida 34205
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Director level work involving the coordination, dissemination and solicitation of information regarding community, intergovernmental and legislative issues of interest to Manatee County. Work involves the research of significant legislative issues, attendance at legislative meetings; consultation with State and Federal legislators, state agencies, and municipal and special district staff interpretation of various polices and laws and participation in the development and presentation of the annual legislative program. Work includes management of the economic development and business relations functions. Serves as county liaison to the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) including oversight of EDC reporting to the county, county economic development incentives and related interlocal agreements with the cities and town in the county. Work also involves the management of communications and information management, to include public records and 311. Reports to the County Administrator.
Note: This position has been designated by the Manatee County Commission as serving at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. Employees so designated may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
Working Conditions
Typical indoor office environment. Sitting for long periods of time, working on computer. Lifting equipment or supplies up to 25 pounds alone and up to 50 pounds with assistance. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as ability to hear and identify sounds. Periodic high stress situations. Overnight travel occasionally required. Regularly required to work other than normal business hours.
Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
Oversee external and internal county communications. Develop and execute communication strategies to engage the public and manage media relations, ensuring consistent messaging during routine operations and emergencies. Develop plans to keep employees informed of key updates, encourage departmental coordination, and facilitate effective information sharing.
Consults with and represents County leadership regarding legislative and executive branch issues and pending legislation impacting the County; develops the County federal and state legislative strategy; participates in the development of strategies for various policy issues and outlines key issues for review by County Officials and submission to the legislature. Consults with State and Federal legislative staff, state agencies, and municipal and special district staff; participates in the development and presentation of the annual legislative program.
Acts as the County Administrator's liaison with federal, state, local governmental entities, and elected bodies; represents the County on various committees and boards. Represents the County at various meetings; attends legislative sessions, committee and sub-committee meetings, and meetings of commissions to provide information where appropriate and testify on behalf of the County to present the County's position on various issues.
Oversees public records division, ensuring compliance with public records laws, overseeing timely request fulfillment, and implementing best practices for document management and retention.
Conducts research and investigation of legislative issues; coordinates and disseminates legislative information to leadership and department staff; discusses impact of legislation on departmental operations and county initiatives; provides interpretation of various federal, state and other jurisdiction's policies and laws. Drafts or amends federal and state legislation in appropriate form for consideration by the lawmakers; develops and administers special projects and submits reports and recommendations to County Officials.
Management of the economic development and business relations functions. Serves as county liaison to the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) including oversight EDC reporting to the county, county economic development incentives and related interlocal agreements with the cities and town in the county.
Acts as the County liaison with civic and community organizations, residents, and homeowner associations on issues as directed by the County Administrator.
Oversee 311 operations to ensure efficient service delivery, analyze trends for service improvement, and implement best practices for optimal customer service.
Provides coordination, preparation, and where appropriate presentations of various reports as directed by the County Administrator.
Performs other related duties as needed to facilitate the accomplishment of County legislative goals and objectives as well as general intergovernmental coordination with other governmental agencies.
Performs other related work (including weather or extreme emergency duties) as required.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in specific field of endeavor.
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible related experience or Master's degree with eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible related experience.
Six (6) or more years of supervisory/management experience.
Valid driver license required with valid Florida driver license required within 30-days of hire.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Previous work as a high-level manager is preferred.
Advanced professional certification highly desirable.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to think and communicate strategically and analytically.
Ability to listen/comprehend information and put in appropriate context.
Ability to negotiate and persuade diplomatically with good outcomes/results.
Ability to network, develop, and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to motivate and influence people.
Knowledge of principles/theory of public administration.
Knowledge of policy and procedure development and implementation.
Knowledgeable on current trends, resources, legislation, and funding sources.
Ability to be creative and proactive, yet politically sensitive.
Ability to apply comprehensive knowledge of a specific nature.
Ability to interpret and apply complex applicable regulations, policies and procedures.