Special Projects Manager

Provides specialized support for the Travis County Judge in the execution of responsibilities in the operation of County government.  Serves as liaison between other officials, County personnel, attorneys, state and local government officials and the general public. As a member of the County Judge's Policy Team, the Special Projects Manager will assist in developing and implementing the County Judge's policy agenda. Lead and oversee special project events supporting the County Judge's policy agenda. Track constituent concerns raised via email, phone, public events, or other methods of communication. Develop new methods for constituent outreach to promote and inform the direction of the County Judge's actions, policy, and advocacy. Responsible for leading specific constituent outreach and tracking initiatives. Resolves problems and issues by conducting research, analyzing and developing action-oriented strategies, assisting constituents seeking information or assistance.  Serves as the primary advisor to the County Judge and Chief of Staff in all areas of constituent services and manages public events as assigned from conception to completion.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a job in the Professional Support job family. This position is distinguished by the amount of organization independence for both actions and decision-making and by the level of supervision, as well as the experience required. This classification will participate in project teams involving various levels of internal and external participants and collaborate to deliver results. This role will develop, maintain, and communicate project documentation, including schedules, milestones, notices, and corresponding budgets. This classification may require a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the Travis County Corporations.

* Produces memos and briefs for the County Judge, including applicable constituent concerns, trends and frameworks to ensure that advice, policy development, service delivery reforms, and major initiatives are reflective of current best practices.
* Advises the County Judge on departmental and precinct-level requests that come before Commissioners Court, including weekly agenda items.
* Monitors Commissioners Court meetings and assists in related functions. Coordinates departmental activities by informing all parties involved in proceedings. Prepares resolutions, proclamations, office correspondence and agenda requests. Reviews incoming correspondence and recommends actions that require decisions.
* Manages and coordinates related stakeholder advisory committees to advance key policy initiatives.
* Assists in developing the County Judge's positions on emerging constituent and policy matters and collaborate with the Communications Team to create materials that effectively convey these positions.
* Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with County agency and department staff, community partners, and other stakeholders on key county-wide initiatives and programs.
* Delivers clear, effective, and strategic communication, including briefing materials and presentations, to a wide range of audiences and stakeholders.
* Represents the County Judge in conversations with constituents, county employees, and other employees.
* Evaluates and coordinates and serves as project manager overseeing special projects. Monitors project issues, and reviews plans and strategies for future project planning requirements.
* Responds to constituents' needs and updates the County Judge on issues affecting the County. Responds to constituents seeking information or assistance from the official or department head or County government. May conduct field visits and prepares reports on findings related to projects and activities. May serve as liaison to other governmental and nongovernmental agencies and organizations, and on boards and commissions.
* Provides outstanding customer service and organizes memorable events that meet high quality expectations. Serves as an effective event manager be being detail oriented in the production of events from conception through to completion.
* Develops tracking system for constituent needs. Respond to constituents' needs and update the County Judge on issues affecting the County. Follows up on constituent issues and keeps files related to constituent issues. Reports outcome of constituent issues back to constituents. May conduct field visits and prepares reports on findings related to projects and activities. Serves as a liaison to other governmental and nongovernmental agencies and organizations, and on boards and commissions.
* Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in government, Public Administration, Business Administration or a directly related field AND five (5) years of responsible administrative experience in a service-oriented organization.

OR,

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:

None required.

Preferred Requirements

Proven track record and relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: health and/or mental health policy, housing policy, resilience, urban planning, criminal justice policy, environmental policy, or public budgeting.

Knowledge of:

* County governmental policies and procedures.
* Standard office administration practices and procedures.
* Constituent interests and issues.
* Event planning and implementation.
* Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
* developing successful working relationships with governments at every level throughout Travis County, Texas, and the United States.
* Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

Skill in:

* Producing high quality verbal and written communications.
* Conducting research in areas of substantive importance. 
* Developing successful working relationships with governments at every level throughout Travis County, Texas, and the United States.
* Advising elected officials on matters of public policy.
* Maintaining important files and records.
* Compiling data and writing clear and comprehensive reports and letters.
* Providing exceptional customer service.
* Interacting with leading public officials, County employees and the general public.
* Planning and implementing community events.

Ability to:

* Respond to constituent inquiries in a professional and timely manner.
* Manage and organize diverse community and County activities.
* Accurately receive, research, analyze, prioritize, and effectively communicate information.
* Work independently within broad policy guidelines.
* Work under tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
* Perform responsible and complex administrative work involving the use of independent judgment.
* Maintain confidential data and information for executive staff.
* Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and officials, with representatives of outside private and public organizations, and with the general public.
* Develop and drive new initiatives, work cross-departmentally, work within multidisciplinary teams, oversee projects to completion, and track results.
* Act as an effective advocate for Travis County. 
* Prioritize effectively; superb time management skills.

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 20-50 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment.  Subject to sitting, client/customer contact, standing, walking, vision to monitor, repetitive motion, stooping/kneeling, squatting, bending, and reaching to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions. This is not a remote position.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm

Department: County Judge

Location: 700 Lavaca St. , Austin, TX

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature.  It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.  The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.