Executive Aide / Chief of Staff

GENERAL DEFINITION:

This is administrative and staff work of a responsible nature. The employee in this position is a principal assistant to one or more department heads, assuming responsibility for the details of administration. The range of duties is varied and is performed through both general and specific delegation by the department head. In major areas of delegation, the employee has wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, limited only by review and general policies determined by the department head. The employee performs both assigned and independent staff work, makes recommendations to the department head in the involvement of overall administrative policy and does other work as assigned.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Illustrative Only)

Identifies problems and suggests possible solutions, as well as, ways of improving programs; appraises and evaluates specific projects within departments; assures compliance with state contracts; provides technical assistance to office heads and other employees in problem-solving research and operations; receives requests from the public concerning administrative actions of the various departments, channels the requests to the appropriate authorities, follows up on corrective action, and sees that replies to inquiries are given; initiates research or special studies in needed areas and prepares reports with recommendations for corrective action; attends meetings, conferences, and committee and staff meetings in order to provide assistance and make recommendations on subjects under discussion; coordinates activities between office personnel; compiles statistical and analytical data into meaningful reports; prepares annual County comprehensive plans and reports to the Board of Commissioners; conducts surveys and collects information regarding operational and administrative problems, analyzes findings and makes reports of practical solutions; makes interpretations and recommendations for improvement of administrative planning, organization and operation; prepares manuals and other formal statements of improved procedures, methods, and systems of operations; confers with persons requesting service or making complaints on matters of general importance to the office head or department head in charge.

Performs other duties as required by Department Head.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of local government administration; good knowledge of public personnel administration; good knowledge of local finance administration; knowledge of sources of information related to problems of local government; ability to write clear and concise reports, memoranda, directives, and letters; ability to develop comprehensive plans from general instructions; ability to meet the public and to discuss problems and complaints tactfully, courteously, and effectively; ability to establish and maintain satisfactory work relationships with others; good physical condition.

ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Education equivalent to completion of a Bachelor's degree program. One to three years administrative experience in government, a governmental or community interest agency, or similar environment. Specialized education in public administration, political science, or economics may be substituted for up to one year of experience.

Or any equivalent combination of acceptable training and experience which has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities cited above.