Council Assistant (Part-Time, Unbenefited) – Council District 8 Office

The City of San José, the heart of Silicon Valley, is one of the nation’s best-managed cities and a top destination to live, work, and do business. With a diverse and inclusive workforce of over 7,000 employees, we work together to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable community.

About the Role

The Council District 8 Office is recruiting for one part-time, unbenefited Council Assistant to support the Office of Councilmember Domingo Candelas. This position serves as a liaison to the elected official, representing the Council District office at City-related meetings and functions. The role involves policy analysis, research, communication, event planning, and community outreach. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple assignments while maintaining effective working relationships with community members, stakeholders, and City staff.

Bilingual language skills in Vietnamese (oral and written) are highly preferred. This unclassified, contract "at-will" position does not extend beyond the elected official's term and requires a flexible schedule, including frequent evenings and weekends. Exempt management employees are not eligible for overtime compensation.

Responsibilities

• Represent the elected official at neighborhood or community meetings, City-related boards/commission meetings, and other engagements with government agencies, private industry, and stakeholders.
• Provide legislative support, including policy research and responding to stakeholder inquiries.
• Gather and analyze background information on issues pending before the City Council.
• Draft correspondence, memoranda, reports, speeches, and other communications articulating the elected official’s proposals, priorities, and positions.
• Respond to constituent inquiries, resolve complaints, and interpret operating policies for residents and interested parties.
• Plan, coordinate, and lead community meetings and special events.
• Provide training and supervision of interns and volunteers as needed.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as required.

Requirements

Any combination of training and experience equivalent to the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to advise the Councilmember on public policy, democratic processes, constituent service, or citizen involvement.

• BA/BS in Political Science, Public Policy, Public or Business Administration, Communications, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of public administration, management, budgeting, land use, housing, transportation, and public relations.
• Ability to plan and manage special events, coordinate with multiple stakeholders, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, or equivalent software.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and project management skills to deliver quality products in a timely manner.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including report writing, editing, and email correspondence.
• Skill in research techniques, data collection, compilation, analysis, and interpretation.
• Strong work ethic, professionalism, and flexibility in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, facilitate groups, and make recommendations in complex situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple competing priorities while meeting deadlines.