Legislative Policy and Research Advisor

1. Serves as a trusted advisor to the City Council by synthesizing complex policy, operational, and legislative data into actionable insights. Provides objective, evidence-based recommendations that promote transparency, accountability, and alignment with citywide strategic priorities and long-term policy goals.
2. Leads comprehensive reviews of governmental programs to benchmark and identify opportunities for improvement, increased strategic alignment, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Evaluates the necessity and impact of programming, personnel changes, and funding requests on service delivery, program sustainability, and policy objectives.
3. Analyzes proposed legislation, ordinances, and policy initiatives to assess their impact and alignment with the City's organizational goals or related programming. Prepare policy options and cost-benefit analysis to inform policymaking. Serves as an advisor during Council deliberations, providing real-time guidance on policy and programming implications.
4. Applies forecasting models and service trends to support long-range planning and resource prioritization. Identifies emerging pressures (i.e. increasing demand, limited resources, competing priorities, etc.) and recommends strategies to ensure structural balance and continuity of essential services.
5. Links programmatic decisions to service outcomes by designing and applying performance indicators that track departmental efficiency, effectiveness, and quality. Monitors departmental performance and identifies policy variances in department effort to achieve performance goals.
6. Conducts research and analysis on issues affecting service capacity, quality, and productivity. Assesses the efficacy of existing programs, identifies opportunities for innovation, and supports continuous improvement through process reviews and implementation of best practices.
7. Facilitates collaboration across policy and operations teams to support integrated planning and performance improvement. Works with internal stakeholders to align goals, share data, and coordinate efforts that advance strategic initiatives and citywide innovation.

Minimum Education: College degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a closely related field.
Master's degree (MPA, MPP, MBA or similar) is strongly preferred.

Minimum Experience: Three years of progressively responsible experience in research and policy analysis. Two years' experience conducting complex research and analysis in a legislative policymaking environment.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

1. Demonstrated expertise in public sector research and analysis, including presenting report findings to leadership and members of the public.
2. Knowledge of local and state government structures and legislative processes.
3. Strong analytical skills to evaluate how resource allocation and alignment decisions impact service delivery and long-term success across departments and citywide programs.
4. Strong data interpretation skills to interpret complex policy and operational data and identify patterns, relationships, and implications.
5. Proven ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both in writing and orally, with technical and non-technical audiences. Skilled in preparing reports, policy briefs, presentations, and other materials that translate complex research and policy information into accessible formats for elected officials, stakeholders, and the public.
6. Strong organizational and project management abilities to manage multiple priorities and assignments in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
7. Demonstrates effective time management and the ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and stakeholder needs.
8. Ability to provide objective, evidence-based and impartial recommendation policy, and data- driven recommendations to City Council and executive leadership. Skilled in weighing competing interests and using data to guide policy conversations toward practical, effective outcomes.
9. Ability to apply performance measures and program information.
10. Applies critical thinking and ethical reasoning to navigate complex organizational dynamics.
11. Demonstrate flexibility and resilience in response to changing political priorities, evolving Council direction, or organizational restructuring. Capable of quickly reorienting work to meet new challenges or mandates.
12. Maintains the highest standards of professionalism when handling confidential, controversial, or politically sensitive information. Ensure that all communications and recommendations are presented with integrity and transparency.
13. Demonstrated experience with quantitative research and policy/program analysis.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.