Senior Advisor for Policy

The Senior Advisor to the Mayor for Policy will lead and execute high-priority initiatives on behalf of the Office of the Mayor, with a particular emphasis on legislative strategy and policy implementation. This individual will be instrumental in advancing the Mayor's legislative agenda by working cross-departmentally and in close coordination with City Council members and their staff. Serving as a key communicator of the City's strategic direction, the Senior Advisor will foster collaboration across City Hall and with external stakeholders, ensuring alignment with the Mayor's goals. Additionally, this role will serve as a bridge between executive leadership and implementation teams, providing regular updates on progress and ensuring projects are delivered effectively and efficiently.

Individuals in this role have developed, implemented, and advised leaders on policies such as the City's first Paid Parental Leave policy, the City's Form-Based Zoning Code, broadband policy, gun safety policies, and developing the City's Fair Wage Employment board, among other critical policy initiatives.

This position will report directly to the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Mayor.

Responsibilities Include
Legislative Affairs and Strategic Advising

• Provide policy advice to the Mayor on legislative trends, political dynamics, and emerging issues.
• Drafting, socializing, and executing legislation on behalf of the Mayor's Office.
• Recommend new policy agenda items to the Mayor and senior leadership as appropriate.[TJ1]
• Represent the Mayor at key meetings, policy forums, and intergovernmental gatherings.
• Collaborate with community leaders, advocacy groups, and stakeholders to ensure inclusive and transparent policy development.
• Support key legislation from departments, particularly legislation that advance's the Mayor's priorities.
• Coordinate with city departments and stakeholders to inform legislative proposals and implementation strategies.

Legislative Process

• Review the City's legislative process and implement process changes as needed to support modernization and process discipline.
• Support legislative initiatives tied to the City's 10-year Strategic Plan, such as Civil Service modernization and developing a policy review committee.

Policy Monitoring and Analysis

• Monitor state and federal legislation for developments that may impact Cleveland.
• Analyze proposed or enacted laws and regulations to assess their impact on city operations, residents, and priorities.
• Prepare policy briefs, reports, and strategic recommendations for the Mayor and senior leadership.

Miscellaneous

• Managing a portfolio of special projects, legislative or otherwise, including the development of project plans, coordination of projects that span City departments, and revision of approach based on changing needs and requirements.
• Provide day-to-day support to the Office of the Mayor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience drafting legislation and managing complex policy initiatives.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced political environment with discretion and sound judgment.
• Commitment to public service and equity-driven policymaking.
• Strong understanding of municipal, state, and federal legislative processes.

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, law, political science, or other related field.
• Juris Doctorate strongly preferred.
• 7+ years experience in government affairs, public policy, or legislative work.

Supplemental Information
The City's guiding principles are as follows
: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change.
All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.