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

1. Bachelor’s degree and at least 1 year of relevant