Council adopts job description, reclassifies Dr. Rush as executive director of government relations and external affairs

The Tuscaloosa City Council voted to adopt a job description and reclassify Dr. Rush into the position of executive director of government relations and external affairs. The council approved the measure by voice vote after discussion and questions about duties, performance metrics and pay category. "This position is set up to be the main connector and advocate outside of City Hall," Dr. Rush said, describing work that combines community outreach and legislative advocacy.

The job description formalizes duties Dr. Rush has been performing since July 1, 2025, city staff said, including serving as a liaison to local agencies and business groups and coordinating the city’s legislative agenda. Councilmembers asked how the position’s success will be measured; Dr. Rush pointed to a metrics section in the material she provided that lists quarterly legislative meetings and follow-ups, progress toward passage of legislation, and engagement with the Alabama League of Municipalities as examples of measurable items.

Councilmember Richard Busby pressed for clarity on how the position will serve as a single point of contact for outside agencies and neighborhood groups. Dr. Rush said she has been attending partner-agency board meetings and local business gatherings to answer questions and reduce misinformation before it grows into problems.

Councilmembers also questioned whether managing a department is a component of the position’s pay grade. A staff member described the city’s process for assigning pay categories — comparing essential functions to existing pay-plan jobs and benchmarks from peer municipalities — and said being a department manager is not required for the pay grade recommended for the role.

At least one councilmember raised a legal question about whether the mayor’s assignment of duties is equivalent to the council creating a new job. Citing state law, a speaker who identified the relevant statute said the mayor is the chief executive with authority over city operations but distinguished assignment of duties from the formal creation of a job. The council proceeded to vote on a motion to approve the job description; the motion passed by voice vote.

The council directed that Dr. Rush be reclassified into the adopted job description; no separate ordinance or salary ordinance was adopted at the same time. The action recorded was the adoption of the job description and reclassification of the incumbent into that class.

The job description and its metrics will be part of future personnel and budget discussions as the city continues to refine senior-level pay and recruitment plans.