What are the responsibilities and job description for the CHIEF OF STAFF position at City of Newport News?
JOB DESCRIPTION
CHIEF OF STAFF
CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
NEWPORT NEWS, VA
GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Under limited supervision, this position partners with the Mayor and City leadership to ensure a clear
understanding of the City’s mission and strategic plans by coordinating operations and prioritizing
and managing ongoing projects. This position represents the Mayor’s Office to internal and external
stakeholders.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Serves as the primary liaison for the Mayor’s Office. Represents the Mayor through interactions with
various stakeholders including City Council, executive leadership, City staff, residents, community
business leaders, and local or state government representatives. Reviews City Council agendas and
other public meeting agendas prior to the events; briefs the Mayor on urgent, important or relevant
agenda items. Regularly attends City Council meetings.
Responsible for assisting in the effective administrative management of the Mayor’s office including
budget preparation and monitoring. Responsible for the effective supervision of assigned staff
including employee selection, performance management, employee relations, staff organization and
development, and related activities.
Responsible for researching legislative activities related to city operations; participates in the
development, coordination and implementation of strategic initiatives. Proposes policy and position
statements regarding federal, state and local legislation for the Mayor’s consideration
Initiates and coordinates community events and initiatives, including the annual State of the City
address. Works closely with the Press Secretary, City Communications Department and Special
Assistant to the Mayor to review speeches, formal presentations, proclamations and resolutions, and
other messages from the Mayor’s Office to ensure communications consistent with the Mayor’s
objectives and the City’s brand.
Identifies and supports the development of public and private sector partnerships for special projects,
events and initiatives to enhance community growth and development. Identifies and garners external
support and sponsorship which may include grant and fundraising efforts.
Performs other duties as assigned.
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PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
- Municipal Government Administration — Comprehensive knowledge of modern principles and
practices of municipal government administration preferred. Understands highly complex laws,
regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process as it relates to City
Council. Knowledge of current trends and practices related to the use of technology.
- Management of Personnel – Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles and procedures to
systems, practices and administration.
- Customer Service – Thorough knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer
customer satisfaction.
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Critical Thinking – Uses logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex
situations and then to research information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative
solutions, conclusions or approaches to the situation. Applies general rules to specific problems to
produce answers that make sense. Combines pieces of information to form general rules or
conclusions.
- Judgment/Decision Making – Evaluates the best method of research and then exercises appropriate
benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships
organizations. Shares knowledge with staff for mutual and departmental benefit.
REQUIRED ABILITIES
- Coordination of Work – Ability to establish and implement effective administrative programs and
procedures. Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the
completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Attends and
maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events. Performs a broad range of supervisory
responsibilities over others.
- Communication – Excellent ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and proposals to
information and ideas presented verbally or in writing. Ability to handle a variety of human
resources issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.
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- Accounting and Budgeting – Ability to perform arithmetic, algebraic, and statistical applications.
Ability to employ economic and accounting principles and practices in the analysis and reporting
of financial data.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Degree in Public or Business Administration, Government Operations,
or a related field and 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in government administration
with 3-5 years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Master’s Degree preferred.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
An acceptable general background investigation to include a local and state criminal history check and
a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.
- Some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10
- Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.
SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
- Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.
- Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
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