SENIOR ASSISTANT TO THE COUNTY MANAGER - 40004750

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this job is to perform difficult professional and responsible administrative, research, and policy analysis work.  Work includes coordinating special projects as well as assisting the County Manager and executive leadership team in day-to-day administrative matters. 

This position works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists the County Manager by developing project strategies, working procedures, and programs; provides professional support in planning, coordinating, communicating, facilitating, and producing results; and assists in all phases of planning as necessary.
• Support the County Manager in research, special initiatives, interdepartmental projects, and the implementation of organizational goals. Participate in multidisciplinary teams and advisory committees.
• Drafts informational reports for the County Manager and works in collaboration with the Public Information Office (PIO) on communication and assists all departments in the dissemination of information to the public, news media, and other governmental entities.
• May supervise assigned project staff, interns, or administrative personnel, providing direction, evaluation, and support for project completion and departmental efficiency.
• Drafts correspondence, messages, and presentations for the County Manager.
• Acts on behalf of the County Manager and Senior Executive Leadership Team as designated by the County Manager at meetings, and carries out presentations, as necessary.
• Partners with PIO to develop strategy and provide information in response to media inquiries and public-facing information communicated by the County Manager, as needed.
• Drafts, edits, and publishes the monthly reports to inform the County Manager of the progress of projects, programs, and initiatives.
• Drafts responses to inquiries and requests for information from the public or others for review by the appropriate executive leadership team member.
• Manages and coordinates County projects as assigned by the County Manager and executive leadership on a one-time or on-going basis.
• Develops information and performs policy and other analyses as requested by the County Manager and executive leadership.
• Serves as liaison for various committees and groups to accomplish assigned objectives.
• Research policy questions and prepare reports, statistical summaries, position papers, and other written materials.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of public administration; thorough knowledge of the County’s objectives, procedures and organization.
• Must possess excellent written and verbal skills, and experience with research, data analysis and fact checking. Must possess excellent data and computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Windows suite of products – Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Ability to devise detailed procedures and methodology.
• Ability to prepare complex records and to express complex ideas effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, employees, community agencies, various community officials, and the general public.
• Demonstrated flexibility to work weekends and extended hours when necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities by anticipating needs and completing tasks efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to complete tasks promptly and efficiently under pressure, both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to creatively think about and approach problems and assigned projects.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to translate policy into actionable recommendations.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Management, or similar major.
• Seven (7) years relevant experience. Familiar with the procedures and operations in the public sector; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

PREFERRED:

• Master’s in business, Public Administration, Management, or similar major.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. 

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.