Deputy Chief of Staff

Introduction

Are you interested in public service and community development? The City of New Haven is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual to join the Mayor''s Office as the Deputy Chief of Staff. This key position involves advancing the policy interests of City departments and agencies, supporting the Chief of Staff and Mayor, and serving the residents of New Haven.

The Deputy Chief of Staff plays a crucial role in providing project management, programmatic support, and expert assistance on a variety of complex issues. Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, this position requires exceptional organizational skills, a mission-driven mindset, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

The Deputy Chief of Staff is responsible for advancing the policy interests of the City departments and agencies, and the residents in New Haven. The Deputy Chief of Staff's primary duties involve providing project management, programmatic support, and other tasks to support the Chief of Staff and Mayor.

The position requires the individual to be highly motivated, organized, mission-driven, and able to manage a wide range of tasks. This is an advanced staff position within the Office of the Mayor and reports directly to the Chief of Staff.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides expert professional assistance and support to the Chief of Staff and the Mayor on a wide range of highly complex topics.
• Works with the Chief of Staff to assist City Departments with making city services more effective, equitable, and efficient.
• Prioritizes and manages multiple projects simultaneously and follows-up on time-critical events.
• Attends and participates in a variety of governmental and other meetings regarding neighborhood, business and related community and organizational meetings. Develops and presents reports and information regarding matters and issues.
• Serves as mayor''s liaison to various groups and institutions including arts, cultural international and special interest groups, associations and/or institutions; attends meetings and events as the Mayor''s representative.
• Collaborates with the Chief of Staff and other stakeholders to develop strategic plans and policies that align with the Mayor''s vision and goals for the city. This may include conducting research, gathering data, and analyzing trends to inform decision-making processes.
• Handles special assignments for Coordinators, Chief of Staff, and Mayor.
• Facilitates communication and coordination between different city departments and agencies to ensure seamless implementation of initiatives and projects. Acts as a liaison to promote cross-departmental collaboration and efficiency.
• May conduct policy analysis and research on emerging issues affecting the city, making recommendations for policy improvements or changes; then provide support in drafting legislation, ordinances, and resolutions, and coordinate legislative initiatives with elected officials and legislative bodies.
• Performs related work as required.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor''s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, or a related field is beneficial. Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government, public administration, or a closely related field. Experience in a leadership or managerial role is advantageous. PMI Certifications desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of municipal government organization, ordinances, rules, policies, and procedures relating to the administration of the Mayor's office.
• Familiarity with legislative methods, techniques, and procedures of the Board of Alders and the Connecticut General Assembly.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and court decisions relevant to assigned responsibilities.
• Sound understanding of principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, contracting, reporting, and maintenance of public records.
• Strong understanding of advanced administrative principles, including goal setting, program development, and implementation.
• Proven track record in successful project management, delivering on time and within budget.
• Demonstrated project management skills, organizational capabilities, and the ability to work well under pressure while handling multiple projects simultaneously.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and overseeing the implementation of complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Proficiency in research methods and analysis techniques.
• Skill in exercising sound, expert independent judgment, and seasoned political acumen within general policy guidelines.
• Mastery of principles and practices of effective business communications and correct English usage.
• Must possess superior oral and written communication skills, to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies, and other written materials, using current technologies.
• Ability to present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically, and persuasively in public meetings.
• Ability to plan and assist the activities of assigned staff in the Mayor's office, including the application of sound, expert knowledge, research, and analysis of Citywide issues.
• Demonstrated understanding of principles and practices of effective supervision.
• Ability to define complex issues, perform difficult and complex analyses and research, evaluate alternatives, and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Aptitude in interpreting and applying City, state and federal policy, laws, and regulations applicable to areas of responsibility.
• Skill in evaluating work processes, recommending, and implementing improvements, and exercising sound judgement.
• Capacity to establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with elected officials, all levels of City management, other governmental officials, business and community leaders, community agencies, employees, the public, and. other stakeholders.
• Willingness and ability to represent the City and Mayor's office on various platforms effectively on a range of issues.
• Must maintain sensitive and confidential information; will exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with highly sensitive, complex, and confidential issues and situations with broad effects on City policies and issues.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and an understanding of cultural nuances in providing effective services.
• Proficient in managing constituent service standards, policies, procedures, and etiquette.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work flexible hours, occasional evenings, and weekends may be required to support staff with meetings, events, and other assignments.

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a "General Fund" non-tested position. It is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of the Mayor.

This position covered by the Executive Management & Confidential Employee Policy, available to review HERE.

Hires into this class shall not be covered by the City pension but shall continue to be covered by Social Security; additionally, employee will contribute 7.5% of base pay into a defined contribution plan.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening accordance with the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

Selection Plan

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification.

It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. Your application and resume should indicate that you meet the minimum requirements as listed. This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. Submissions may be evaluated prior to a posted closing date, and a hiring decision may be made prior to the removal of the job posting.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.

We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.

Conclusion

To apply for this opportunity:

• Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use.

• You MUST click on the job posting you are interested in, and click Apply or Apply Online from within that posting.

• MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application!

• Review or modify your application for that position

• Click "Ready to Send App" or the "Send" tab; read page and click the attestation

• Click "Send to City of New Haven"

• You will be redirected to "CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUBMISSION"

• You will also receive an email and text, if a number was provided, confirming your submission

• If you do not receive this confirmation in the next 24 hours, your application has not been submitted - please contact us at NHJobs@newhavenct.gov

Please Note, your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile, you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position.