Staff Director - Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management

Agency Overview:

The Massachusetts House of Representatives (“House”) is comprised of 160 independently elected Members, each representing a district of approximately 43,000 people.  

Position Overview:

The Staff Director is responsible for overseeing the committee's operations and supporting the Chair by providing support in office and staff management, communication, and general administration. The Staff Director manages priorities before the committee and handles constituent matters as directed by the Chair. The Staff Director also performs other duties as assigned.

Reports to the Chair of the Committee.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Nothing in this job description restricts the Chair’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time for any reason.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

· Under the direction of the Chair, manage the efficient and effective administration of the Committee. Take the lead with establishing and maintaining office goals, policies and procedures;

· Manage matters of importance to the Chair’s district; attend to community concerns, local businesses matters, and monitor local news;

· Attend meetings and forums on behalf of the Chair and act as a liaison to city, town or county representatives;

· Manage State House and/or District Office staff; supervise and provide coaching and guidance to Committee staff;

· Assign responsibilities and tasks to Committee staff and monitor progress and completion of assignments;

· Under the direction of the Chair, works on special commissions and task forces in designated topic areas;

· Oversee legislation monitoring and tracking for Committee; assist with budget filings and manage legislative priorities for the Chair or Committee;

· Prepare summaries of legislation and briefing materials on various topics for Chair;

· Provide orientation and training to new employees regarding the operation of the office, and regarding legislation and matters of importance to the Committee;

· Conduct regular staff meetings and leads effective communication among the Committee staff;

· Manage personnel matters, including providing hiring, performance and disciplinary recommendations to the Chair; Under the direction of the Chair may manage communication to engage with the public, including but not limited to newsletters, press releases and post content on social media platforms;

· Serves as office liaison to support departments including but not limited to the House Human Resources and Business Offices;

· Serve as a liaison between the Chair and constituents of the District; exercising independent judgment to determine and implement appropriate courses of action as directed by the Chair;

· Create administrative documents to be used as templates by committee staff;

· Manage the research and prepare responses to constituents, stakeholders and other interest groups on matters for the Chair;

· Review and approve legislative documents, including committee redrafts, or bill summaries;

· Organize committee hearings, provide support throughout the hearing process such as recording votes, filing amendments, posting hearing notices, reserving hearing rooms, organizing virtual hearings