Chief Policy Analyst to the Mayor

About the role

The City of Tacoma's City Manager's Office is recruiting for a full-time Chief Policy Analyst to the Mayor. This position serves in the Policy Analyst, Senior classification. The ideal candidate must have the ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines, handle confidential information, and demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills to build and maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders and residents. The role requires political astuteness and sensitivity to issues or requests that may have the potential for controversy. This is an opportunity to join a dedicated team committed to making an immediate and lasting impact on the community.

Responsibilities

• Conduct responsive, data-driven research and analysis to support the Mayor’s executive-level decision-making, including preparing clear recommendations on emerging issues.
• Draft high-quality policy briefs, memos, reports, talking points, speeches, presentations, and other communications requiring discretion, judgment, and political awareness.
• Serve as a liaison to the City Council, internal departments, external agencies, community stakeholders, Sister City partners, and youth participants engaged through the Mayor’s Youth Council.
• Manage and respond to constituent inquiries, complaints, and sensitive communications on behalf of the Mayor, ensuring tactful resolution and timely follow-up across departments.
• Lead and assist with cross-departmental projects and initiatives, tracking progress, performance metrics, and outcomes while preparing detailed summaries for executive leadership.
• Coordinate and support the Mayor’s public-facing activities, including meeting preparation, event logistics, media request facilitation, itineraries for policy or diplomacy travel, and collaboration with Council support staff.
• Represent the Mayor’s Office at meetings, committees, task forces, community events, Council sessions, and Sister City or Youth Council engagements, ensuring alignment with the City’s mission and priorities.
• Coordinate routine requests and guidance for the Mayor’s Office, such as Ceremonials, appointments, street and place renaming requests, and the Mayor/Council Budget Guidance for travel, development, and outreach.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, public policy, or a directly related field.
• Four years of policy analysis or municipal government experience, including one year at a senior, lead, and/or supervisory level.
• Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis.
• Washington State Driver's License, as needed.

Benefits

The City of Tacoma offers a comprehensive benefits package. For more details, visit Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma.

Pay

Annual Salary: $105,643.20 - $148,740.80

Appointment is subject to references and passing a background check.