The City of San José, the Capital of Silicon Valley, is one of the nation's best managed cities and one of the top ten cities in which to live, work and do business. Moreover, San José is the center of cultural government and economic activity for the region. The employees of the City of San José have embraced the following values: Integrity, Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Respect and Celebration.
The San José City Council consists of ten Councilmembers elected by district and a Mayor elected at-large, each for four-year terms. The Mayor and Council are responsible for representing the residents of San José, providing accountability, reviewing public policy and programs, and adopting those policies which best meet the needs of the residents, visitors, and businesses in San José.
The total salary range for the Council Chief of Staff classification is $95,157.66 - $189,677.28. This amount includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.
The District 1 Council Office, supporting Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei, is recruiting for a Chief of Staff position. The position will work closely with the Councilmember and lead the staff support team for the Councilmember. The Chief of Staff is an integral link between the Councilmember and the Mayor and City Council colleagues, City administration, and the community. The Chief of Staff must have excellent oral and written communication skills, effective organizational, analytical, and management skills, and a dedication to public service. The position requires the ability to develop and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with community members and neighborhood organizations, key stakeholders, and City staff. The Chief of Staff will serve as a liaison to the Councilmember and will regularly represent the Councilmember at City-related meetings and functions. Bilingual language skills (Vietnamese, Chinese and/or Spanish) both oral and written are highly desirable.
Responsibilities
- Advises the Councilmember on policy, budget, and community matters.
- Manages the day-to-day office operations.
- Supervises staff to implement office projects and achieve identified objectives.
- Manages staffing to include workloads, training, performance evaluations, and assisting with hiring and corrective or disciplinary actions.
- Creates and maintains a collaborative team culture within the Councilmember's office.
- Oversees budgetary, legislative, and strategic planning processes.
- Manages communications and public relations, interfacing with media, governmental officials, department directors, business leaders, advocacy groups, constituents, and others on behalf of the Councilmember.
- Responds to other matters as needed.
Candidates must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends, and as exempt management employees, are not eligible for overtime compensation. Employees in this classification are not members of the classified civil service and are appointed "at will." Each appointment is for a specified period to be determined by the appointing Councilmember and does not extend past the end of the elected official's or appointing authority's term. This unclassified position requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, income, and business positions.
Minimum Requirements
Any combination of training, education, and experience that provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to advise and support the Councilmember on matters of constituent services, public policy, community outreach and engagement, and communications.
Education: Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, business administration, journalism, public relations, or related field. A Master’s degree in public or business administration; or a degree in a technical field related to a municipal function is highly desirable.
Experience: Typically requires five (5) or more years of government or public service experience. Experience working for an elected official at the federal, state, or local level, or as a public or private sector manager is highly desirable.
Required Licensing: Possession of a valid California Driver’s license may be required.
Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.
Desirable Qualifications
- At least five (5) or more years of professional management experience.
- Writing and Computer Skills: Strong writing skills with the ability to write in a concise, direct, and professional style are essential.
- Knowledge of the City of San José, City government functions, and the City Council legislative process.
- Ability to write letters, city memoranda, and policy papers in a concise, professional style with minimal assistance from other office staff and quick turnaround times.
- Ability to work in a team environment with other staff members in a small office.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced work environment with changing priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to maintain a positive and professional demeanor when working in public.
- Ability to carry out and promote the Councilmember's agenda and direction regardless of personal philosophies.
- Ability to work in the evenings and on weekends, as needed.
- Knowledge of economic development principles and land use policy is desired, but not required.
- Knowledge of public information, media relations, and community outreach skills.
- Strong understanding of Human Relations issues and sensitivities.
Selection Process
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Job Specific Questions. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process may consist of one or more interviews.
You will be prompted to answer the following job-specific questions during the online application process. Please note that there is a 4,000-character limit, including spaces, for each text response.
- Do you have at least five (5) years of professional management experience? Please explain.
- Describe your experience in policy work, including writing reports and/or memoranda for managers or elected officials.
- Describe your experience in working with staff, customers, or constituents on behalf of a manager, supervisor, or elected official.
- What is your management style and the techniques you use to manage your responsibilities and a team?
Please make sure to submit your resume and cover letter. You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration.
To be considered for this position, you must fill out the online application on the City of San Jose website and submit the following:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
If you have questions about the duties of this position, the selection or hiring processes, please contact sarah.shull@sanjoseca.gov.
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