07/01/1996 16861

LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLICY MANAGER

DEFINITION: This is responsible managerial work involving the direction of the development and implementation of local government services programs in the
Center for Local Government Services.

Employees in this class supervise Local Government Policy Specialist positions in the development of policies and strategies to provide comprehensive programs of local government services in assigned geographical areas of the Commonwealth. Services include consultation, technical assistance, and planning in the areas of local government structure, finance, operations, personnel management, public works, municipal codes development and enforcement, training, intergovernmental cooperation, community planning, community and economic development, and general administration. This work involves directing the study of policy issues, existing and proposed legislation, and the effectiveness of State programs to analyze impact on municipalities, local governments and community and economic development in their assigned regions. Local Government Policy Managers also oversee and coordinate Specialists' efforts in functioning as liaisons between State and local governments; and in conducting projects involving research, publications development or program evaluation that have Commonwealth-wide impact. Work is performed with a high degree of independence under the general direction of the Deputy Director and evaluated for effectiveness in meeting the broad objectives established by the Executive Director of the Center for Local Government Services.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Assists the Deputy and Executive Director of the Center for Local government Services in establishing program objectives and the administration of Center operations.

Directs Specialists in the review of policy and analysis of programs related to services provided to local, municipal and county governments. Reviews and edits reports and recommendations prepared for the Executive Director. These reports and recommendations may be presented to the Local Government Advisory
Committee and Governor's Policy Office.

Oversees the provision of financial and administrative consultative services, representation of local government interests with State agencies, and analysis of local government services needs in assigned regions.

Supervises the analysis of Federal and State legislation and regulations to assess impact upon local governments; and directs the development of recommendations to revise existing legislation and regulations or propose new legislative initiatives.

Assists or provides leadership to Specialists in the strategic regional coordination of housing, community development, distressed communities, human resources and economic development program initiatives and resources.

Represents the Local Government Services Center at conferences and addresses local government officials, local government associations, public and private agencies, regional and community development authorities and colleges.

Assists and directs Specialists in managing projects of a highly critical or sensitive nature.

Coordinates initiatives impacting upon multiple areas or regions.

Establishes performance standards and evaluates the performance of Local Government Policy Specialists.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of local government administration including public finance, fiscal
administration, governmental organization, operations, personnel management, codes administration, intergovernmental cooperation, and community planning and development.

Knowledge of major Federal and State legislation dealing with municipalities and other political subdivisions.

Knowledge of the legislative process in the Commonwealth.

Knowledge of legislative research sources, techniques and methods.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

Knowledge of techniques used in policy research, program analysis and planning.

Knowledge of the social and economic programs of state government, and the laws and regulations governing state agencies and programs.

Knowledge of the structure and operations of state government, and its relationship to Federal, regional and local governments.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of strategic planning and project management.

Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of a professional managerial staff.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, and to speak effectively before large groups.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, civic leaders, public and private agencies, and the general public.

Ability to conduct research, analyze and evaluate data, and write technical reports.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Eight years of highly responsible professional experience involved in local or regional governmental affairs as a consultant, manager, administrator, planner or governmental official, including two years in the supervision of professional or management personnel; and a Bachelor's Degree;

                                                                                                                                                                   or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Graduate study in Public Administration, Political Science or a closely related field may be substituted for the required non-supervisory experience on a year-
to-year basis for a maximum of two years.