Assistant to the Council

Location: Goodyear, AZ | Full-Time | FLSA Exempt

About the Role

The Assistant to the Council provides a wide variety of professional support to the Council, including representing the Council at meetings when required. This position offers extensive professional assistance, project management, and recommendations on City issues, covering a broad range of municipal activities. The Assistant to the Council serves as the liaison to the Goodyear Youth Commission, assisting in developing and organizing meetings, educational experiences, and leadership opportunities.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong time management, and organizational abilities. Prior experience working with or supporting elected officials and a solid understanding of the challenges involved in addressing sensitive subject matter with civic leaders are essential. This individual will be comfortable managing complex projects, exhibit a positive and professional demeanor, and represent the City of Goodyear Mayor and Council Office with tact, respect, flexibility, and efficiency.

The City of Goodyear values its employees and offers a culture of innovation, employee development, and career-building. Successful employees embody the core values of adaptability, integrity, initiative, empathy, optimism, and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Prepares reports and verbal/written correspondence on behalf of the Council.
• Assists in setting the Council's schedules.
• Conducts research and special projects, ensuring implementation of programs developed by the Council.
• Coordinates responses to citizen issues by working with departments or appropriate parties.
• Advises the Council on unresolved issues requiring attention.
• Acts as a liaison between elected officials, the public, city departments, and committees, including the Goodyear Youth Commission.
• Responds to citizen inquiries and complaints with tact and resourcefulness, seeking solutions within Goodyear and other agencies.
• Composes sensitive and discretionary correspondence on city-related issues.
• Attends City Council meetings and work sessions; researches, responds to, and prepares correspondence; sets up meetings; and handles follow-ups on sensitive or confidential issues.
• Drafts speeches, newsletter articles, social media posts, and other communications.
• Ensures Councilmembers are prepared for meetings by providing research, coordinating logistics, and preparing materials.
• Stays knowledgeable about City issues and articulates the Council’s position, including supporting regional and national activities.
• Exercises judgment in analyzing policy issues, identifying city-wide impacts, and coordinating strategic responses.

12-Month Objectives

• Meet individually with assigned Councilmembers and department directors to discuss expectations and establish communication processes.
• Manage City Council and constituent requests by researching and analyzing issues and providing timely updates.
• Attend city-related meetings with or on behalf of Council, compiling background information and following up on discussed issues.
• Familiarize yourself with the Youth Commission, including its structure, goals, and mission.
• Research and manage assigned projects, tracking progress from conceptualization to finalization.
• Plan, coordinate, and monitor special programs or events initiated by Council, such as Council Conversations.
• Enhance communications, streamline work processes, and improve customer service for Council and residents.
• Develop information points, speeches, newsletter articles, social media posts, and other communications for Council.
• Prepare recommendations and reports for Council on projects, programs, disputes, and emerging issues.
• Utilize communication tools (e.g., Council Activity Reports) to ensure timely dissemination of information to all Councilmembers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in a related field.
• Valid driver’s license.

Skills:

• High-level command of the English language, including writing memoranda, correspondence, and reports with clear organization and proper grammar.
• Ability to perform general math calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Comprehensive knowledge of a technical field, with analytical judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to understand and navigate complex governmental processes.
• High-level interpersonal and human relations skills, including tact and the ability to handle stressful or negative interactions.
• Reading comprehension for city regulations, council action reports, and trade journals.

Managerial Responsibilities: No direct supervision of others, but may provide advice or direction to less experienced employees.

Budget Responsibility: None.

Policy/Decision Making: Significant discretion in performing duties after receiving general instructions, with work typically reviewed before finalization.

Benefits

• Vacation Leave: 14 days per year, increasing with longevity. Enhanced vacation benefit recognizes total years of service under all Arizona public retirement systems.
• Sick Leave: 12 days per year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year, including one floating holiday in January.
• Flexible Holiday: 24 hours per calendar year (prorated based on hire date).
• Health Insurance: Three health plans available at a group rate.
• Dental Insurance: Two dental plans available at a group rate.
• Vision Insurance: Available at a group rate.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health Care and Dependent Care accounts available.
• Short-Term Disability Insurance: City-paid coverage.
• Cancer Benefit: City-paid coverage.
• Life Insurance: City-paid insurance valued at twice the annual salary ($400,000 maximum); additional coverage available at employee’s cost.
• Longevity Pay: Beginning at year six.
• Tuition Assistance: $5,250 per calendar year.
• Employee Assistance Program: Available.
• Onsite Wellness Center/Clinic: Access provided.
• Goodyear Recreation Center: Free access.
• Employee Well-Being Program: Robust program available.
• Identity Theft Protection: Free monitoring and protection with Aura.
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan: 2% city match (employee contributes 1%).
• Retirement Health Savings: $22.50 city contribution (employee contributes $12.50 per pay period).
• Retirement: Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Defined Benefit plan with mandatory city and employee contributions (currently 12.00%). Includes Long-Term Disability Benefit.

Pay

$82,445.24 - $122,390.55 Annually