Assistant to the City Manager Job
Administrative assistants are among the most critical employees in government. Their tasks range considerably, but their primary employment is in the area of organization and communication relating to the functions of their government. City managers, as the chief administrative officers of municipalities, employ assistants to help them coordinate the many tasks and needs of their offices. These jobs require capabilities specific to political and administrative work; candidates may be required by the municipality to possess a bachelor's degree.
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Tasks and Duties
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Assistants to the City Manager are administrative employees of municipal government that help provide support for elected officials and staff appointees. They help to ensure the smooth operation of the City Manager's office, through the facilitation of administrative, clerical, and public relations tasks. Depending on the size and complexity of the local city government, the associated tasks of the position might vary. Assistants to the City Manager spend most of their workdays in local government offices doing tasks related to organization, research, policy and public presentation.
Skills Required
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Assistants to the City Manager usually have policy skills relating to the analysis and communication of proposals and regulations. Depending on their focus and role, they may be required to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, and be able to respond to a wide variety of public stakeholders. City Managers' Assistants also must be able to recognize and apply an appreciation to political sensitivity, as many of the issues addressed by city government are policy problems that can have profound implications. Punctuality and organizational skills are also very valuable.
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Training or Education Required
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Assistants to the City Manager arguably learn their most important skills on the job through administrative experience. Assistants to the City Manager may complete a four-year bachelors' degree in the field of public policy or public administration, as some city governments will require this level of training. They may, depending on the particular city's job description, have training in office management and information technology. Courses in leadership and management can round out their educational background, as Assistants to the City Manager frequently supervise other employees.
Employment Opportunities
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Assistants to the City Manager work in local government, by definition. They are not typically members of a public employees' union, though they might supervise employees who are. Depending on the structure of the local government, their job might involve tasks for or supervision by elected officials, so their employment may be subject to change due to elections. Assistants to the City Manager might move into other government roles, issues advocacy, or political organizing if they leave their position.
Future Prospects
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Job prospects for administrative assistants in general are expected to grow at an average rate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, prospects for positions in state and local government will grow at a modest rate as well, though wage growth is expected to be more sluggish than average--8 percent, compared with the larger economy's expected 11 percent growth. Generally speaking, job growth is predicted to come from the retirement of existing municipal employees. Other growth factors include the needs of a growing population who will require more government services.
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References
- City of Redwood City: Assistant to the City Manager HR Description
- City of Livermore: Assistant to the City Manager Job Description
- City of Rancho Cucamunga: Assistant to the City Manager
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- SE Missourian: Cape City Manager Appoints New Assistant
Resources
- Photo Credit Feature image by Yuriy Rozanov from Fotolia.com
