Associate Director of Intergovernmental Affairs

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Mayor's Office of Philadelphia is dedicated to serving the residents of the city by promoting equity, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all communities. Committed to transparency, integrity, and accountability, we work collaboratively with city departments, agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders to address pressing challenges and create opportunities for shared prosperity and success.

The Mayor’s Office strives to build a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. The City of Philadelphia aspires to be a model of effective governance, innovation, and social progress, where government works in partnership with the community to create positive change and achieve meaningful results. The Mayor’s Office focuses on six main initiatives:

• Public Safety

• Clean and Green

• Housing

• Economic Opportunity

• Education

• Roundtables (business, faith-based, and intergovernmental)

The Associate Director of Intergovernmental Affairs plays a critical role in advancing these priorities through strategic engagement with Pennsylvania state legislators and, as needed, federal partners, ensuring that the City’s voice is heard and its interests represented at every level of government.

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Intergovernmental Affairs provides essential support to the Senior Director in managing the City’s legislative affairs portfolio, with a primary focus on Pennsylvania state-level engagement and limited federal responsibilities. Reporting to the Senior Director and working closely with the Chief Deputy Mayor for Intergovernmental Affairs, Sustainability, and Engagement, this role serves as a trusted advisor and liaison between the City and external governmental bodies and associations.

The Deputy Senior Director assists in tracking and reviewing Commonwealth legislation, shaping legislative strategies, coordinating advocacy efforts, and ensuring that Philadelphia’s priorities are advanced through collaborative partnerships. This position requires exceptional judgment, political acumen, and the ability to navigate complex legislative environments while maintaining alignment with the Mayor’s vision for a safer, stronger, and more equitable city.

Essential Functions

• Supports the development and execution of the City’s state legislative agenda.

• Monitors Pennsylvania legislative sessions and tracks bills impacting Philadelphia.

• Prepares testimony, briefing materials, and legislative summaries for state hearings and meetings.

• Coordinates advocacy efforts with state legislators, committees, and agencies.

• Maintains relationships with state lawmakers and legislative staff to advance City priorities.

• Assists in analyzing proposed state legislation and preparing impact assessments.

• Drafts policy briefs, talking points, and strategic recommendations for leadership.

• Represents the City in state-level meetings and hearings as delegated.

• Collaborates with internal departments to align state advocacy with City priorities.

• Tracks state budget cycles and identifies funding opportunities for City programs.

• Coordinates intergovernmental roundtables focused on state issues.

• Supports compliance with state reporting and regulatory requirements.

• Assists in preparing the Mayor and senior officials for engagements with state partners.

• Helps manage legislative affairs workflow and project timelines.

• Participates in special projects and initiatives related to state policy.

• Provides limited support for federal legislative initiatives, including monitoring federal legislation and assisting with advocacy efforts as directed.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Pennsylvania legislative and regulatory processes, including budget and appropriations.

• Principles of intergovernmental relations and public policy development.

• Municipal government operations and administrative procedures.

• Basic understanding of federal legislative processes.

• Key policy issues relevant to urban governance, including infrastructure, public safety, housing, economic development, and sustainability.

• Ethical standards and legal guidelines governing lobbying, legislative advocacy, and public sector communications.

Skill in:

• Monitoring and analyzing state legislation.

• Building relationships with state legislators and agencies.

• Drafting persuasive communications and testimony.

Ability to:

• Exercise sound judgment under pressure and navigate politically sensitive environments with discretion and diplomacy.

• Represent the City with credibility and professionalism in high-stakes public forums, negotiations, and engagements.

• Collaborate effectively with diverse internal departments and external stakeholders to drive alignment and consensus.

• Manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail and long-term strategic goals.

• Communicate complex legislative and policy issues clearly and effectively to executive leadership and non-technical audiences.

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Law, or a related field. Master’s degree or Juris Doctor preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public policy, government associations, or intergovernmental affairs.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $140,000 - $155,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation : City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

• The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: