Associate Director of Intergovernmental Affairs

Position Summary 

The Associate Director of Intergovernmental Affairs provides essential support to the Senior Director in managing the City’s legislative affairs portfolio, with a primary focus on Pennsylvania state-level engagement and limited federal responsibilities. Reporting to the Senior Director and working closely with the Chief Deputy Mayor for Intergovernmental Affairs, Sustainability, and Engagement, this role serves as a trusted advisor and liaison between the City and external governmental bodies and associations.  

The Deputy Senior Director assists in tracking and reviewing Commonwealth legislation, shaping legislative strategies, coordinating advocacy efforts, and ensuring that Philadelphia’s priorities are advanced through collaborative partnerships. This position requires exceptional judgment, political acumen, and the ability to navigate complex legislative environments while maintaining alignment with the Mayor’s vision for a safer, stronger, and more equitable city. 

Essential Functions 

• Supports the development and execution of the City’s state legislative agenda. 

• Monitors Pennsylvania legislative sessions and tracks bills impacting Philadelphia. 

• Prepares testimony, briefing materials, and legislative summaries for state hearings and meetings. 

• Coordinates advocacy efforts with state legislators, committees, and agencies. 

• Maintains relationships with state lawmakers and legislative staff to advance City priorities.  

• Assists in analyzing proposed state legislation and preparing impact assessments. 

• Drafts policy briefs, talking points, and strategic recommendations for leadership. 

• Represents the City in state-level meetings and hearings as delegated. 

• Collaborates with internal departments to align state advocacy with City priorities. 

• Tracks state budget cycles and identifies funding opportunities for City programs. 

• Coordinates intergovernmental roundtables focused on state issues. 

• Supports compliance with state reporting and regulatory requirements. 

• Assists in preparing the Mayor and senior officials for engagements with state partners. 

• Helps manage legislative affairs workflow and project timelines. 

• Participates in special projects and initiatives related to state policy. 

• Provides limited support for federal legislative initiatives, including monitoring federal legislation and assisting with advocacy efforts as directed. 

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge of: 

• Pennsylvania legislative and regulatory processes, including budget and appropriations. 

• Principles of intergovernmental relations and public policy development. 

• Municipal government operations and administrative procedures. 

• Basic understanding of federal legislative processes. 

• Key policy issues relevant to urban governance, including infrastructure, public safety, housing, economic development, and sustainability. 

• Ethical standards and legal guidelines governing lobbying, legislative advocacy, and public sector communications. 

Skill in: 

• Monitoring and analyzing state legislation. 

• Building relationships with state legislators and agencies. 

• Drafting persuasive communications and testimony. 

Ability to: 

• Exercise sound judgment under pressure and navigate politically sensitive environments with discretion and diplomacy. 

• Represent the City with credibility and professionalism in high-stakes public forums, negotiations, and engagements. 

• Collaborate effectively with diverse internal departments and external stakeholders to drive alignment and consensus. 

• Manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail and long-term strategic goals. 

• Communicate complex legislative and policy issues clearly and effectively to executive leadership and non-technical audiences.