District Director - Office of Senator Fernandes

JOB SUMMARY 

The District Director assists the Senator in maintaining close connection to district constituents, stakeholders, issues, and trends. In collaboration with, and at the direction of the Senator and Chief of Staff, the District Director acts as a liaison between the State House and the district on legislation and other matters of interest to district residents, businesses, and service providers. Utilizing a network of district contacts and a variety of strategies, tools and skills, including digital media, the District Director ensures that the Senator is informed about district concerns and legislative priorities and is engaged in important district events. The District Director reports to the Chief of Staff.

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

New hires can expect a salary between $67,114 and $85,117, which will be based on related experience, education, and training.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Coordinate with the Chief of Staff to assist town officials, businesses, and organizations in resolving district issues. 
• Monitor district newspapers, media outlets, social media, and other relevant news sources. 
• Provide staff support to the Senator at district events and meetings including pre-event briefings, preparation of talking points and other advance work. 
• Inform and advise the Senator on district issues, events, outreach opportunities and economic and demographic trends. 
• Coordinate the delivery of or present awards and citations on behalf of the Senator. 
• Respond to district inquiries on legislation, policy, grants, and other information related to local needs.
• Receive and respond to constituent requests for help resolving problems or for assistance in receiving services, products, or benefits from federal, state, local or private-sector providers, providing constituents with regular casework progress updates.
• Communicate across municipal, state, and federal agencies, advocacy groups, digital media platforms, and local and statewide organizations to address constituent concerns and problems.
• Collaborate with and assist the Senator’s policy team in tracking state budget and bond authorization requests from municipalities and organizations in the district and make recommendations to the Senator for consideration.

Other Duties and Responsibilities May Include: 

• Schedule, plan, and coordinate district meetings and events for the Senator. 
• Manage the Senator’s calendar on days when the Senator is in the district. 
• Research legislation and budget issues. 
• Assist with general administrative duties: answering phones, ordering supplies, sorting mail. 
• Train, supervise, or participate in the hiring of office staff or interns. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

1. One to two years of college or technical school and at least 1 year of relevant experience, or any of the following combinations of education and experience:
   1. Bachelor’s degree; or
   2. At least 3 years of relevant work experience. 
2. Basic understanding of state government operations and the legislative process. 
3. Demonstrated experience and understanding of the Senator’s district issues, demographics, politics, stakeholders, and history.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
5. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work cooperatively and professionally with a variety of stakeholders.