Policy & Intergovernmental Affairs Officer

The City of Savannah is seeking a highly skilled and strategic professional to serve as our Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Officer. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for advancing the City’s strategic priorities through effective policy development, legislative advocacy, and intergovernmental collaboration.

As the new Policy & Intergovernmental Affairs Officer and trusted advisor to the City Manager and Executive Leadership Team, you will:

• Serve as the primary liaison with federal, state, and regional partners.

• Shape and influence public policy by drafting legislative agendas, position statements, and issue briefs.

• Lead advocacy efforts, build coalitions, and represent the City at key intergovernmental meetings.

• Provide executive-level counsel on emerging policy issues and legislative changes that impact the City.

We are looking for a professional who thrives in complex political environments, demonstrates strong communication and relationship-building skills, and can navigate the legislative landscape with diplomacy and impact.

We offer great pay, excellent benefits to include medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, employee/spouse/childsupplemental life insurance, short-term disability, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, deferred compensationplan (457 B), pension plan, flexible spending account, home purchase assistance and 12 paid holidays!

• Develop, monitor, and evaluate legislative and policy issues that impact the City at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Serve as the primary liaison to external elected officials, government agencies, legislative bodies, and important community partners.
• Advise executive leadership on emerging policy issues, regulatory changes, and opportunities for strategic alignment.
• Draft policy recommendations, legislative agendas, resolutions, position statements, and issue briefs.
• Represent the City in intergovernmental meetings, conferences, and hearings.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, government staff, and policy stakeholders.
• Lead strategic advocacy efforts, including organizing legislative visits, coalition building, and public affairs campaigns.
• Coordinate internal teams to prepare for policy rollouts or legislative impacts.
• Track relevant legislation and prepare impact analysis for the City Manager’s Office and City Council.
• Support special projects that require cross-jurisdictional coordination or high-level stakeholder engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• A bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Law, Public Policy, communication or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, legislative affairs, communications or government relations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the legislative process at local, state, and federal levels.
• Exceptional writing, communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple high-stakes projects under pressure.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Work Location: 2 E Bay St             Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday

Additional Requirements
 Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post offer/pre-employment medical screen; and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.

• Deep understanding of intergovernmental systems, public policy frameworks, and political strategy.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to diplomatically navigate complex political environments.
• Excellent oral and written communication, including the preparation of executive summaries and briefings.
• Skill in building consensus and facilitating cross-sector collaboration.