CHIEF OF STAFF (SENIOR COUNCIL AIDE (EXE LEV))

Salary : $110,000.00 - $120,000.00 Annually
Location : 900 Bagby-City Hall Annex
Job Type: Executive Level
Job Number: 32765
Department: City Council
Opening Date: 11/27/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
POSITION OVERVIEW
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTEDDEPARTMENT: CITY COUNCIL
DIVISION: DISTRICT I REPORTING LOCATION: 900 BAGBY WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM**Subject to change
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSDistrict I is looking for a competent and trustworthy CHIEF OF STAFF who is versed in city operations, local politics, civic engagement and community empowerment. The CHIEF OF STAFF will be the councilman-elect's senior advisor and should be trusted and empowered to manage day-to-day office operations, including the assignment of workflow and the supervision OF STAFF, policy design and implementation. The CHIEF OF STAFF will ensure the councilman-elect is managed, properly prepared, and staffed for meetings and public functions. The ideal candidate will be principled, professional, reliable, and strategic; be familiar with District I, and have experience in government work (local, state or federal).
The Chief of Staff will oversee the planning and overall office management for the Council Member. The role will also require the agenda preparation of the Council Member, strategic vision and ability to implement public service strategies. This role also requires frequent representation of the Council Member at City Hall, throughout the district and the City of Houston. The Chief of Staff is integral to the daily and overall management and functions of the office, and it requires a high level of attention to detail. This position requires balancing the management functions of the office with the preparation of the Council Member in carrying out the duties of public office.
Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Monitors Council Member's work schedule and activities.
• Supervises office personnel.
• Manages Council agenda preparation for Council Member.
• Acts as liaison between Council Member's office and departments.
• Responds to non-routine inquiries and complaints regarding policies and procedures.
• Represents Council Member at meetings and briefings and informs Council Member of significant issues.
• Researches Council agenda topics and evaluates the impact of pending Council actions.
• Interprets administrative policies and oversees communication of information to the public regarding operations and procedures.
• Maintains simple financial records and prepares report summaries from retrieved information.
• Stays abreast of changes in city ordinances.
• Serves as liaison with constituents and constituent groups.
• Handles the management and production of internal and external communications (incl. but not limited to newsletter) of the Council office.
• Provides talking points, briefings and miscellaneous information to Council Member, as needed.
• Provides insight, manages, and furthers policy initiatives of Council Member.
• Manage overall strategy and implementation of office matters in terms of communications, community involvement, policy initiatives and all work products.
• Analyzes administrative policies and communicates information to the public regarding operations and procedures.
• Attends City Hall and community events.
• Manages the ordering of supplies and other office purchases.
• Handles special projects, as needed.
• Interfaces with media, as necessary.
• Manages applicable communications and implementation of directives from Council Member to staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration or a closely related field.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Four years of administrative or closely related experience are required.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Valid driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston driving policy (A.P. 2-2).
PREFERENCES
Preference will be given to candidates who are Bilingual in Spanish and who possess a postgraduate degree in public policy, public administration or business.
All applicants must submit the below items in full to be considered for this position:
(1) A WRITING SAMPLE
(2) RESUME
(3) REFERENCES
**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**
GENERAL INFORMATION
SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
Department may administer skills assessment test
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION YES
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
PAY GRADE: 28
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: or call (832/393-0453).
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832/393-0453). (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
EOE Equal Opportunity EmployerThe City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan.
Benefits include:
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 10 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Flexible schedules
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
For plan details, visit
01
Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes
• No

02
What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Less than High School Diploma/ GED
• High School Diploma/ GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

03
What concentration is your postgraduate degree in?

• Public Policy
• Public Administration
• Business
• None of the Above
• I do not have a postgraduate degree

04
Which best describes your years of experience related to the duties of this position?

• I have no experience that directly relates to the duties of this position.
• Less than 4 years of experience
• 4 - 5 years of experience
• 6 - 7 years of experience
• 8 years or more of experience

05
Please describe your related experience.
06
Which best describes your years of experience in a managerial capacity?

• I have no managerial experience.
• I have less than 3 years of managerial experience.
• I have 3 years or more of managerial experience.

07
Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question