Position: Chief of Staff

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools, the Chief of Staff provides executive-level assistance to the Superintendent by driving communication, collaboration and coordination of management and administration of the school system. The Chief of Staff is charged with setting the overall direction of government relations efforts and serves as the conduit of direction from the Superintendent to executive leadership and communication from executive leadership to the Superintendent. The incumbent of this position leads the engagement and collaboration with government, community and business partners and leads effective and timely communication of information through innovative and varied approaches. The Chief of Staff supervises the workflow of the Superintendent's office to ensure quality and timeliness including reports, correspondence and related items and provides leadership for the Superintendent 's executive staff meetings, cabinet meetings, and preparation for Board of Education meetings, including preparation of agenda items and interaction with executive staff in the preparation of materials and presentations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as the conduit of information and direction from the Superintendent to executive leadership and communication from executive leadership to the Superintendent;
• Develops and implements procedures and strategies relating to the efficient delivery of services; advocates for fairness in the administration of policies and procedures;
• Oversees the offices of Government Relations, Compliance and Procedures; Strategic Initiatives; Board of Education; and Appeals;
• Interprets local, state and federal actions for the district, informing executive leadership on the status of issues and pending legislation;
• Serves as a liaison to local, state and federal legislative bodies which impact the district; advises the Superintendent on policy and operational matters;
• Develops and prepares recommendations to improve efficiency and further the goals of the school system;
• Works with members of the Board of Education, elected officials, community representatives and business leaders to promote the interests of the school system;
• Maintains accurate records and data; collects, analyzes and prepares reports reflecting current and ongoing concerns and trends;
• Represents the Superintendent at various meetings, conferences and functions as needed and required; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Considerable experience working with senior management in an organizational structure;
• Demonstrated skills in leadership, interpersonal communication and organizational management required;
• Thorough knowledge of the Public School Laws of Maryland, the bylaws of the State Board of Education, and the policies of the Board of Education of Prince George’s County;
• Ability to interpret policy, procedures and data;
• Thorough understanding of organizational structure with direct experience in affecting systemic change;
• Ability to use computer technology in an administrative and educational setting;
• Excellent leadership and organizational ability; and
• Demonstrated oral and written communication and good human relation skills.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in policy governance, public administration, communications or a closely related field required; Doctorate preferred.  A minimum of ten (10) years of successful relevant experience in education, a nonprofit or a government environment required.

Certification:

None required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervises assigned staff.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information:

Work schedules may include evenings and weekends. Incumbent may be required to work beyond normal hours with little or no advanced notice. Driver's license is required inasmuch as there will be a need to travel to sites throughout the school district.