π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Chief of Policy and Communications - Mayor's Office (Non Civil Service)
πΉ Company: City of Dallas
πΉ Location: 1500 MARILLA, Dallas, TX 75201, US
πΉ Job Type: Full-Time
πΉ Category: Government Administration
πΉ Date Posted: April 29, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 5-10 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading policy and communication strategies for the Mayorβs Office
- Supervising policy and communications teams
- Advising the Mayor on policy matters
- Managing media relations and representing the Mayor at public events
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of political acumen, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills to effectively advise the Mayor and manage communications efforts.
π Key Responsibilities
β
Directs policy and communication strategies for the Mayorβs Office
β
Supervises policy and communications teams, fostering collaboration and high performance
β
Advises the Mayor on policy matters and ensures alignment with strategic goals
β
Leads media relations, including preparing press releases, speeches, and other communications
β
Builds relationships with community stakeholders and elected officials
β
Represents the Mayor at public events, meetings, and boards
β
Provides strategic recommendations on legislative and policy matters
β
Ensures compliance with legal and ethical standards
β
Performs other duties as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of responsibility and requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelorβs or Masterβs degree in Public Policy, Communications, Political Science, Public Administration, or communications-related field.
Experience: Five (5) yearsβ experience in Public Policy, Public Administration or Business Management, community organization and outreach or other experience related to Public Administration in a fast-paced political environment (e.g., mayorβs office, government agency, or political campaign) including three (3) yearsβ lead or supervisory experience.
Required Skills:
- Expertise in local government, public policy development, and public administration
- Proven media relations and strategic communications experience
- Ability to navigate political and community dynamics effectively
- Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant communication tools
- Ability to conduct research, synthesize data, and prepare strategic policy recommendations
- Experience in business and professional writing for reports and public communications
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in both English and Spanish (or another relevant language)
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in Spanish or another relevant language would be beneficial for engaging with Dallas' diverse community.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $103,541.19 - $129,426.48
Benefits:
- Health Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Pet Insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Qualifying Childcare Assistance
- Paid Time Off
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is for the starting salary; the actual offer may depend upon qualifications.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Government Administration
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: 1841
Company Description:
- Municipal government of Dallas, Texas, USA
- Operates with over 13,000 employees and an annual budget of $3.6 Billion
- Committed to "Service First"β Excellence
Company Specialties:
- Municipal government
- Local government
- City administration
- Police
- Fire
- Engineering
- Management
- Code compliance
- Water
- Dallas County
Company Website: http://www.dallascityhall.com
ASSUMPTION: The City of Dallas is a large municipal government with a wide range of responsibilities, offering diverse career opportunities.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level, strategic role reporting directly to the Mayor
Reporting Structure: This role is responsible for supervising policy and communications teams
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to influence policy and communications strategies at the highest level of local government
- Opportunity to work closely with the Mayor and other senior leaders
- Possibility to advance to other senior roles within the City of Dallas
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to make a substantial impact on the city's policies and communications.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Government office
Office Location(s): 1500 Marilla Street, Dallas, TX 75201, US
Geographic Context:
- Dallas is the ninth largest city in the United States, with over 1.3 million residents
- Diverse and multicultural community
- Thriving arts, cultural, and entertainment scene
Work Schedule: Standard office hours, with potential for flexibility based on the needs of the role
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on serving the needs of Dallas residents.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person interviews with hiring manager and team members
- Background check and reference checks
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Policy and communications expertise
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Leadership and team management skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Political acumen and community engagement
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Demonstrate your understanding of local government and Dallas' unique context
- Prepare examples of your policy and communications work
- Be ready to discuss your leadership style and team management approach
ATS Keywords: Policy, Communications, Mayor, Local Government, Strategic Planning, Leadership, Community Engagement, Media Relations, Public Administration
ASSUMPTION: The application process is likely competitive, with a focus on identifying candidates with strong policy and communications expertise and a proven track record of success in a political environment.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Communication and project management tools (e.g., Slack, Asana, Trello)
- Policy and legislative research databases (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw, Bloomberg Law)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary based on the team's preferences and the City of Dallas' IT infrastructure.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Empathy
- Ethics
- Excellence
- Equity
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Focused on serving the needs of Dallas residents
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody the City of Dallas' core values in your work?
- How have you navigated complex political dynamics and aligned strategies with senior leaders' goals in previous roles?
- How do you foster collaboration and high performance within your teams?
ASSUMPTION: The City of Dallas values candidates who are committed to public service, ethical decision-making, and a strong work ethic.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced political environment
- Navigating complex political dynamics and community stakeholders
- Adapting to changes in policy and communications strategies
- Ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities, requiring a high degree of adaptability, resilience, and strategic thinking.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its direct reporting relationship to the Mayor and responsibility for policy and communications strategies
- Similar roles in other government agencies may have different reporting structures and areas of focus
- Career progression may involve moving into other senior roles within the City of Dallas or broader government administration
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other government administration positions, its unique focus on policy and communications for the Mayor's Office sets it apart.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy for a major city initiative
- Managing a team to draft and advocate for new local legislation
- Representing the Mayor at public events and handling media inquiries
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects and initiatives undertaken in this role will depend on the Mayor's priorities and the City of Dallas' policy agenda.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the Mayor's broader policy and communications goals?
- What are the top priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the City of Dallas support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the team structure and dynamic for the policy and communications teams?
- How does the City of Dallas engage with its diverse community and ensure equitable representation in its policies and communications?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates your interest in and understanding of the role and the City of Dallas' mission.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills in policy development, communications, and leadership
- Prepare examples of your policy and communications work, demonstrating your ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.