Legislative Aide to the Mayor in Cambridge

The Legislative Aide to the Mayor serves as a key policy advisor across a broad range of issues, supporting the Mayor’s legislative role as the Chair of the City Council. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the role helps advance policy initiatives, support legislative matters, and strengthen partnerships across the Council. This position requires a strong working knowledge of municipal government operations, including legislative processes, budgeting, and intergovernmental coordination. The Legislative Aide also plays an important role in supporting the Mayor’s work with the School Committee and its subcommittees, ensuring effective communication and coordination on education-related priorities.

Working collaboratively across the Mayor’s Office, this position contributes to meaningful community engagement on public issues, helping ensure that constituent perspectives inform policy decisions while maintaining a responsive, accessible front office environment. Success in this role requires analytical judgment, political acumen, discretion, and a deep commitment to public service and community trust.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports the Mayor on legislation and policy, conducting research and drafting policy orders, reports, and policy memos.
• Attend City Council, committee, and School Committee meetings, take notes, and track legislative developments and policy issues, as assigned.
• Prepare detailed talking points and briefing materials to support Council and School Committee discussion and debate.
• Serve as a liaison between the School Committee and City Council on the school budget and coordination of information and meetings.
• Monitor city programs, legislation, and policy initiatives to track progress and outcomes.
• Assist with drafting policy communications for newsletters, social media, constituent correspondence, and official statements.
• Assist with constituent and visitor engagement, contributing to a responsive, professional, and community-centered Mayor’s Office.
• Engage with community members, advocacy groups, and stakeholders regarding policy priorities and concerns.
• Represent the Mayor in meetings of City boards, commissions, working groups, and task forces, as assigned.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years demonstrated experience in municipal government or public policy; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential duties of the job.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of municipal government operations, legislative processes, and the roles of City Council and School Committee; familiarity with Cambridge highly preferred.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex policy and legislative issues.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality as required.
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to prioritize competing responsibilities and multitask effectively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with exceptional attention to detail, particularly in written correspondence.
• Highly adaptable with demonstrated sensitivity to working with diverse populations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Smartsheet or similar systems preferred.
• Cambridge is a diverse city representing many languages and cultures; multilingual proficiency is a plus.

The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

• Strong work ethic and ownership: Takes pride in work, approaches tasks proactively, and enjoys meaningful work.
• Team orientation and positivity: Collaborates seamlessly, brings optimism and good humor to the workplace.
• Communication and attention to detail: Communicates clearly, both verbally and in writing, and ensures accuracy in all tasks.
• Adaptability and multitasking: Manages competing priorities effectively while maintaining focus and quality.
• Commitment to values: Upholds the Office’s principles, including equity, service, and inclusivity, cultural competency.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is conducted primarily in a standard office environment which includes fluorescent lighting, air conditioning, computers, and other standard office equipment. The position is 100% in-office. Remote work is not available.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires the ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Ability to read and analyze large quantities of information. Ability to travel back and forth between office locations.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Vacation and sick leave eligible.
• Paid parental leave.
• Sick incentive pay eligible.
• 3 personal days.
• 14 paid holidays.
• Management allowance, $2,700/year.
• City employee commuter benefits (T-Pass reimbursement, Bluebikes membership, EZRide shuttle membership).