Legislative Office Manager - (INTERNAL OPPORTUNITY ONLY)

About the City of Bremerton

Nestled along the shores of the Puget Sound and just a scenic ferry ride from Seattle, the City of Bremerton offers an exceptional blend of career opportunity and quality of life. From the vibrant Harborside district—featuring the Kitsap Conference Center, waterfront hotels, dining, and the Port of Bremerton Marina—to the creative energy of the Bremerton Creative District and Quincy Square, there’s something here for everyone. Enjoy local attractions like the Puget Sound Navy Museum, stroll the waterfront Bremerton Boardwalk, or relax at Harborside Fountain Park. Cross the iconic Manette Bridge to explore charming shops and cafés, or unwind at Evergreen Rotary Park. Outdoor enthusiasts and golfers alike will appreciate the city-owned Gold Mountain Golf Course, while arts and culture thrive at venues like the Admiral Theatre and events such as the Bremerton Blackberry Festival. With its strong sense of community, natural beauty, and growing opportunities, Bremerton is an ideal place to build your career and make a lasting impact—explore our openings and discover your future here.

THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CURRENT CITY OF BREMERTON EMPLOYEES ONLY

Reporting to the City Council President, the Legislative Office Manager provides executive-level administrative and operational support to the City Council and oversees the daily operations of the City Council Office. The position facilitates communication among Council Members, City administration, employees, the media, and the public; coordinates Council meetings and schedules; manages legislative records, communications, and departmental finances; and conducts research on Council-related matters. The position supervises the Legislative Assistant and performs work in accordance with applicable City policies, ordinances, directives, and legal requirements.

(Note – this list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position.) 

• Manage the daily operations of the Legislative Department and City Council Office, including current projects, administrative priorities, office procedures, and routine operational decisions. Work independently to identify issues, recommend solutions, and ensure timely completion of Council business.
• Respond to inquiries, concerns, and complaints from residents, City employees, outside agencies, and individuals conducting business with the City. Screen and route calls and correspondence; explain applicable City or departmental policies and practices; research issues; and coordinate appropriate follow-up.
• Serve as a liaison among the City Council, Mayor’s Office, City departments, employees, the media, outside agencies, and the public to support effective communication and resolution of Council-related matters.
• Develop and maintain the Council meeting and study session schedule in coordination with Department Directors, managers, and Council leadership. Organize logistics for Council meetings, study sessions, workshops, budget sessions, district meetings, committee meetings, events, and appointments.
• Oversee preparation of Council meeting agendas, notices, agenda bills, supporting attachments, and Council packets. Review materials for completeness and compliance with the Agenda Bill Policy and ensure Council Members receive the information needed for deliberation.
• Ensure timely distribution of meeting notices, agendas, packets, and related communications to Council Members, City staff, the media, and other interested or affected parties.
• Compose, review, and edit correspondence, reports, briefing materials, and other documents, including confidential materials. Identify and reference appropriate policies, rules, regulations, and staff resources in responding to Council requests and legislative matters.
• Ensure timely distribution of meeting notices, agendas, packets, and related communications to Council Members, City staff, the media, and other interested or affected parties.
• Prepare public notices and press releases and arrange legal publication in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act and other applicable requirements. Establish and maintain professional working relationships with members of the media.
• Establish and maintain public and confidential records in accordance with the Public Records Act, State records-retention requirements, and City policies. Research, collect, compile, analyze, and organize information for Council use
• Supervise the Legislative Assistant, including assigning and reviewing work, monitoring deadlines and workload, providing guidance and feedback, supporting professional development, and adjusting assignments to meet changing priorities and operational needs.
• Responds to communications with discretion, using judgment and experience to disseminate information to respond to residents’ inquiries, complaints, and concerns. Explains policies and procedures to the public, City employees, and various outside agencies; and initiates follow-up actions.
• Ensure City Council Office representation at regular Council meetings, committee meetings, and special meetings as required. Coordinate recording and documentation of proceedings and oversee the editing, publication, and distribution of approved official minutes.
• Analyze, organize, and follow office procedures. Establish and maintain a variety of public and confidential information in compliance with the State Records Act. Research, collect, compile, and analyze data as required.
• Compose correspondence and reports, including material of a confidential nature; reference appropriate staff, policies, rules, and regulations, independently and at the request of Council on a variety of matters; review and edit material as needed.
• Prepare the Legislative Department budget for Council consideration; monitor budget accounts and expenditures; verify account codes and approvals; process requisitions, purchase orders, reimbursements, and related transactions; and maintain accurate financial records.
• Maintain Council calendars and coordinate travel arrangements, appointments, and other scheduling needs as assigned.
• Prepare and submit departmental payroll records and personnel-related forms and documents.
• Coordinate with Legislative Assistant to ensure timely screening of email directed to city council address; redistribute to Council, staff, others per Council guidance.

• Regular in-person attendance is required; telework may be authorized on a situational basis.
• Perform related duties and special assignments as required.

• Supervisory practices, performance management, team leadership, and organizational oversight.
• Principles and practices of public administration, legislative operations, and modern office management.
• City government operations, functions, policies, procedures, codes, and the roles and priorities of the City Council.
• Open Public Meetings Act, Public Records Act, State records retention requirements, and records-management practices for paper and electronic documents.
• Budget preparation, expenditure control, basic accounting, payroll, purchasing, and recordkeeping practices.
• Business English, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, document preparation, and professional correspondence.
• Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, Zoom, SharePoint, Constant Contact, and similar office, communication, and collaboration systems.

• Executive-level administrative support, office coordination, scheduling, and management of multiple priorities.
• Researching, analyzing, summarizing, and presenting information; taking accurate notes; and preparing meeting minutes, reports, and correspondence.
• Communicating clearly, professionally, and diplomatically with elected officials, employees, residents, media representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Using office technology and learning website-management and communication tools, including CivicPlus or similar platforms.

• Provide complex and confidential administrative support to multiple elected officials while exercising sound independent judgment.
• Plan, organize, prioritize, and revise office activities and assignments to meet schedules, deadlines, and changing operational needs.
• Analyze situations accurately, identify practical solutions, and take appropriate action within established authority.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and use discretion when handling sensitive information and communications.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, residents, City employees, public agencies, private-sector representatives, members of academia, the media, and the general public.
• Work effectively under pressure and manage frequent interruptions, competing priorities, and evening meeting requirements.

• Any combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative office experience, including at least two (2) years of specialized experience in government, public administration, legislative support, or a closely related environment.

• College-level education in public administration, business administration, political science, communications, or a related field may substitute for specialized experience on a year-for-year basis, subject to approval by the City Council.

Applicants must apply on-line athttps://www.BremertonWA.gov/169/Current-Jobs.

Required Application Materials: 

A completed City application and personal résumé are required. Incomplete applications packets will not be considered. Required application materials must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their application materials reflect the minimum qualifying experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as listed on the job posting.

Application process after submittal - What to expect:

Initial screening– Once the position closes, the HR Department will review and evaluate your application materials to determine whether your materials reflect and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience required to meet the minimum qualifications.

Invitation to Interview– After initial screening and additional review by the hiring department, if it is determined that you exceed the minimum qualifications, you may be contacted and invited to interview with a hiring panel.

References– After the interview, if it is determined that you are the most qualified candidate for the position, references will be sent electronically to the individuals listed on your application.

Pre-employment Requirements – If/when applying for safety-sensitive positions, pre-employment physicals and/or drug testing may be required prior to any final offer of employment.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you require an accommodation at any point during the application process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 473-5348 orhumanresources@ci.bremerton.wa.us 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Thank you for your interest in joining the City of Bremerton. 

The City of Bremerton is committed to integrating diverse perspectives into our workplace culture and encourages our employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under applicable law.  We strive to create a diverse team that allows us to effectively connect to the community we serve.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The City of Bremerton is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.

ADA Statement
The City of Bremerton does not discriminate on the basis of disability in programs and activities, which it operates pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and ADA Amendments Act.  This policy extends to both employment and admission to participation in the programs, services and activities of the City of Bremerton.  Reasonable accommodation for employees or applicants for employment will be provided.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Thank you for your interest in joining the City of Bremerton. 

The City of Bremerton is committed to integrating diverse perspectives into our workplace culture and encourages our employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under applicable law.  We strive to create a diverse team that allows us to effectively connect to the community we serve.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

ADA Statement
The City of Bremerton does not discriminate on the basis of disability in programs and activities, which it operates pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and ADA Amendments Act.  This policy extends to both employment and admission to participation in the programs, services and activities of the City of Bremerton.  Reasonable accommodation for employees or applicants for employment will be provided.

The City of Bremerton is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.