Chief of Staff - Office of Senator Fernandes

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief of Staff (COS) is responsible for the successful operation of a Senator’s office and for developing office services and staff support that promote a Senator’s activities and priorities. The COS supervises employees and interns employed by the office and is responsible for a broad range of personnel management tasks and responsibilities. The COS serves as an advisor to a Senator on matters that can include legislation, district relations, communications, or strategy. Additionally, the COS may serve as liaison and / or spokesperson for the Senator with citizens, lobbyists, agency representatives, and state and local government officials. The Chief of Staff reports to the Senator for whose office they serve.

All applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Duties and Responsibilities :

Act as advisor to the Senator on office management, legislative, budget, constituent, communications, and district matters.

Supervise employees and interns employed by the office; carry out responsibilities in accordance with office policy and applicable laws, including :

planning, assigning, and directing work

addressing staff complaints and resolving problems

hiring, training, and disciplining employees and interns

reporting time and attendance

Oversee the administration of office goals and manage long-term legislative plans of the Senator.

Act as principal liaison to Senate Counsel, Senate President’s office, other member offices, local, state, federal elected government offices, and the media.

Maintain good working relationships with the Senator, other Senate offices, constituents, and other key stakeholders.

Other Duties and Responsibilities May Include :

Speak to local groups when the Senator is unavailable.

Draft, file and track the Senator’s legislation or budget amendments.

Oversee annual budget process as it pertains to the Senator’s and district priorities.

Analyze legislation and provide policy consultation in key areas of interest for the Senator, prepare briefings for the Senator on key legislative and district issues.

Advocate and negotiate on behalf of the Senator’s legislation and interests.

Maintain the Senator’s schedule.

Assist with the Senator’s legislative and district activities.

Attend events with the Senator or on their behalf.

Coordinate press releases, external communications, community awards and citations.

Supervise and conduct constituent casework.

Access the Senator’s State House email; read and communicate contents of email to the Senator and respond as necessary to constituent comments or concerns.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Senator.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree and at least 1 year of relevant work experience, or any of the following combinations of education and experience :

• Associate’s degree and at least 3 years of relevant work experience;

Graduate degree or higher in a related field; or

At least 5 years of relevant work experience.

Management or supervisory experience and the ability to motivate employees.

An understanding of municipal, state, and federal political processes.

Excellent interpersonal skills and temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities and stakeholders in a tactful, positive, collaborative, and professional manner.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Knowledge of Microsoft office computer applications.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to think critically and work both independently and as part of a team.

Ability to produce quality work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to maintain a flexible schedule including working extended hours, possibly on nights and weekends.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A minimum of 3 years of experience in staff management or oversight of direct reports.

Experience working in the Massachusetts state legislature, other state legislatures, or other government experience.

The Senate’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of state employee benefits for eligible employees which you may consider towards your overall compensation, including, but not limited to :

75% state-paid medical insurance premium

Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans

Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Assistance programs

Low-cost basic and optional life insurance - Retirement Savings : State Employees\' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan

12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time

Competitive Senate-sponsored parental leave - Tuition Benefit for employees and spouses at state colleges and universities

Long-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options

Employee Assistance Programs - Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities

Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

The Massachusetts Senate is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, military, and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Our goal is to be a workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the diverse commonwealth we serve, and women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Generally, new hires can expect a salary between $87,221 and $110,617, which will be based on related experience, education, and training.

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