Department:

CITY MANAGER

Compensation Grade:

A19

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

Pay Range: $91,540.80 - $141,897.60
Starting salary may be negotiable based on qualifications

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

Yes

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

About Us:

Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

City of Virginia Beach's City Manager Office is recruiting for a Legislative Liaison to lead the development, advancement, and execution of the City's state and federal legislative agenda.

The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and annual and sick leave.

The position responsibilities include:

• Developing legislative proposals for presentation to and adoption by City Council, and proactively advocate for the City's priorities with the Virginia General Assembly, U.S. Congress, federal and state agencies, regional organizations, and other governmental partners.

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, state and federal agencies, the Virginia Municipal League, neighboring localities, and City departments to advance the City's legislative, policy, and funding priorities.

• Continuously monitor, analyze, and influence proposed state and federal legislation, regulations, and public policy initiatives. Develop strategic recommendations, position statements, testimony, briefing materials, and advocacy strategies to support informed decision-making by the City Manager and City Council. Anticipate emerging legislative and policy issues and recommend proactive courses of action to protect and advance the City's interests.

• Lead cross-departmental legislative initiatives and special projects by collaborating with City departments to identify priorities, develop legislative solutions, evaluate policy impacts, and implement approved legislative strategies.

• Identify, pursue, and coordinate state, federal, and private funding opportunities that support City priorities. Provide strategic leadership in the development of grant initiatives and assist departments in securing and implementing external funding.

• Represent the City on regional, state, and national boards, committees, task forces, and working groups. Build consensus, cultivate partnerships, and influence policy development on issues affecting the City of Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads region.

The ideal candidate will have the following skill set:

• Experience managing a comprehensive intergovernmental or legislative affairs program.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, agency leaders, and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proven ability to develop and advance legislative agendas, analyze complex policy issues, and recommend strategic actions.
• Knowledge of state and federal policy issues affecting local government (public policy, transportation, environmental regulation, funding mechanisms, defense/community impacts, etc.)
• Experience presenting to elected bodies and senior government officials.
• Excellent strategic communication skills (written and oral), including ability to synthesize complex information quickly.
• Ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy and make informed decisions in fast‑moving or ambiguous situations.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, ethical decision‑making, and commitment to integrity in all professional interactions
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Additional requirements:
DMV Transcript: Yes

At Will: Yes, as a City Manager appointee, this position serves at the pleasure of the City Manager and is not considered part of the merit service as defined in City Code, section 2-75.

Alpha 1: Yes

Will be required to travel: Yes

Will be required to relocate to Richmond for 2-3 months of the year

Will be required to work in excess of the normal 8-5 work week: Yes, as needed.

Special Instructions: This position is open till filled with applicants reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business/Public Administration (or related field, including a Juris Doctor/Law Degree) plus (4) years of experience in such positions related to Intergovernmental Relations or Intergovernmental Affairs; OR any combination of education and/or experience equivalent to ten (10) years in fields providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Skills:

Collaboration, Decision Making, Federal Agencies, Funding, Grant Proposals, Intergovernmental Relations, Policy Development, Position Statements, Presentations, Researching, Special Projects, Strategic Leadership, Taking Initiative, Task Forces, Working Groups

Working Conditions:

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business.
The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile. Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.
https://workingconditions.vbgov.com/WorkingConditions/CompletedSurveys

Official Job Descriptions:

To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.