Mayor Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) will lead a small but dynamic Technology and Innovation team responsible for carrying out the Mayor’s Smart City vision. The CIO designs strategy and policy to ensure San José leads the country in technology and innovation policy and works directly with City functions to implement this vision.

The total salary range for the Chief Innovation Officer is $138,628.10 - $215,798.70. This amount includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidate’s qualifications and experience.

• Develop a comprehensive strategy, vision, and program for the Mayor’s Office of Technology and Innovation
• Act as the public face for the Mayor’s Office of Technology and Innovation, including representing the city on major stages and producing media collateral
• Advise the Mayor on major technology and innovation trends and develop strategies to address them in San José
• Lead, manage and inspire the Technology and Innovation team, including setting objectives and key results (OKR) and work planning
• Manage all aspects of the team portfolio, including project priorities, public‑private partnerships, communications, social media interfaces, and policy approaches
• Manage key donor relationships and fundraise from corporate sponsors, foundations, and competitive grant opportunities
• Work with the policy team to develop state and national strategies that advance San José’s innovation mission
• Serve as the key liaison for Office of Retirement Services, Information Technology Department, and the San Jose Public Library
• Advance and maintain relationships with key partners such as the Bay Area Council, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, Plug and Play Tech Center, Nvidia, Adobe, and Zoom
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with San Jose State University and support ongoing initiatives like the AI Center for Civic and Social Good
• Manage high-level advisory boards with technology executives from leading companies in Silicon Valley
• Staff the Mayor at relevant meetings and events
• May supervise staff, fellows, and interns as the function grows and evolves
• Other duties as assigned

The minimum qualification requirements include any combination of training and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to advise the Mayor or Council Member on matters of public policy, democratic processes, constituent service, or citizen involvement.

Possession of a valid California Driver’s license is required.

A Master’s Degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university, preferably in the field of Public Policy, STEM, Engineering, Law, Business, Economics, or a related field.

At least ten (10) years of professional experience in a position with responsibilities and skills similar to the duties listed above. Real‑world experience in public affairs, local government, management consulting, technology firms, or marketing is highly desirable.

• Experience in technology policy, AI, emerging technologies, innovation, and data
• Passion for and preferred experience with the San José community and Northern California technology ecosystem
• Ability to create multi‑stakeholder coalitions to support the work of the Technology and Innovation team
• Strong communicator who can express ideas clearly to executive audiences and the general public
• Cultural sensitivity, discretion, discernment, and a high level of executive planning
• Comfort with operational ambiguity while achieving results
• Experience with communications, press, and fundraising preferred
• A highly organized individual who demonstrates sound judgment and extreme attention to detail, with the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks on tight deadlines
• A people person who can relate to a diverse group and initiate, develop, and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders
• An individual who demonstrates high ethical standards
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including using online project management tools such as Trello and Slack
• An understanding of government processes and an appreciation for navigating complex bureaucracies

• Vision/Strategic Thinking: Understands trends in civic innovation and funding; builds and communicates a shared vision for partnership development.
• Leadership: Demonstrates high integrity, sets clear direction, and fosters collaboration and accountability.
• Management: Strong skills in project management, budgeting, and organizational development.
• Job Expertise: Demonstrates understanding of cross‑sector partnerships, grantmaking, and urban policy issues.
• Supervision: Empowers and develops others, assigns responsibilities effectively.
• Communication Skills: Speaks and writes clearly, persuasively, and with influence.
• Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills: Collaborates effectively across departments and sectors.