What are the responsibilities and job description for the City Secretary position at City of Kennedale?
The City of Kennedale, Texas (pop. 10,233) is seeking a dedicated and experienced City Secretary to join our leadership team. Kennedale is located just southeast of Fort Worth. We are a family-oriented community providing a refuge from the hectic pace of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Open spaces, green belts, and trails enhance our serenity, quality of life, and community. With easy access from I-20 and 287, Kennedale is economically prosperous, business-friendly, and conveniently located, providing opportunities to shop, work, and play.
This highly visible and essential position plays a critical role in ensuring transparent, efficient, and legally compliant municipal operations. The City Secretary is appointed by a majority vote of the City Council upon the recommendation of the City Manager and serves as a trusted advisor to city leadership and the public.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, and passionate about public service. Occasional evening and weekend work is required to attend City Council meetings and community events.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Prepare agendas, packets, and official documentation for City Council and Economic Development Corporation meetings
- Attend and facilitate all meetings; record and prepare accurate official minutes
- Serve as the Records Manager for the city; maintain custody of the city seal and all official city records, including ordinances, resolutions, and contracts
- Develop and implement records retention schedules in compliance with Texas State Library and Archives Commission regulations
- Ensure compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and Texas Local Government Code
- Manage and respond to Texas Public Information Act requests
- Draft ordinances and resolutions in collaboration with legal counsel
- Maintain and update the City’s Code of Ordinances; publish and distribute amendments as needed
- Publish required legal notices in accordance with state laws
- Coordinate all municipal and special elections with Tarrant County Elections, ensuring full legal compliance
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and municipal government experience)
Experience:
- Minimum 4 years of municipal government experience
- At least 1 year in a supervisory or administrative leadership role
- Minimum 2 years’ experience as a City Secretary preferred
Certifications:
- Texas Registered Municipal Clerk (TRMC) certification preferred
- Must obtain within 3 years if not currently certified
- Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) certification is a plus
- Must obtain a Notary Public Commission within 90 days of hire
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- Texas Open Meetings Act & Public Information Act
- Texas Election Law & Local Government Code
- Municipal operations and administrative procedures
Skills and Abilities:
- Proficiency in records management and document retention practices
- Ability to draft clear and accurate legal documents, ordinances, and resolutions
- Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite and modern office technologies
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion
- Strong leadership, organization, and time management abilities
