Chief of Staff: City Council District 4

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

CITY OF BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 4

CHIEF OF STAFF - COUNCIL TECHNICIAN

SALARY RANGE: $76,299 - $122,078

STARING SALARY: $76,299 - $99,188

HOURS: 9am – 5pm, Staff work from office (either City Hall or district office) four days a week, with one work-from-home day

BACKGROUND CHECK

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening and must be successfully completed. 

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Chief of Staff is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the district office, advancing the Councilmember's legislative and policy priorities, coordinating community engagement efforts, and ensuring high-quality constituent services.

The Chief of Staff serves as a key liaison between the Councilmember, City agencies, community organizations, constituents, elected officials, and other stakeholders. The position requires strong leadership, political acumen, communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The incumbent works independently under the general direction of the Councilmember and regularly represents the Councilmember at meetings, hearings, community events, and other public functions.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received:
Works under the general supervision of the Councilmember.

Supervision Exercised: Supervises two staff members and may oversee interns and volunteers.
 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Office Management

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the Council office, including establishing priorities with the Councilmember, leading staff meetings, coordinating office activities, maintaining the Councilmember's calendar, and ensuring efficient office operations.
• Supervises office staff and may assign, prioritize, and review the work of support staff, interns, volunteers, and other personnel; supports employee development and team effectiveness.
• Oversees office administrative functions, including budget and expense management, personnel-related matters, participation in budgetary hearings, and coordination with City administrative departments.
• Maintains constituent databases, records, and other information systems.
• Performs related administrative and operational duties as assigned.

Legislative and Policy Leadership

• Assists with legislative functions, including researching issues related to Council bills, resolutions, state and federal legislation; drafting legislative proposals; reviewing agenda items; and providing policy recommendations.
• Leads and coordinates policy initiatives and legislative priorities on behalf of the Councilmember, including work with City, State, and Federal partners.
• Researches, drafts, and recommends policy, procedural, and administrative changes to support district and Citywide initiatives.
• Organizes and participates in meetings with Council Members, staff, advocates, government officials, community organizations, and other stakeholders to build coalitions and advance district and Citywide priorities.
• Conducts research, analyzes information, and develops recommendations to support the Councilmember's strategic goals and priorities.

Constituent Services and Community Engagement

• Acts as a liaison between the Councilmember and constituents, community leaders, City agencies, elected officials, business groups, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Builds and maintains productive relationships with community organizations, neighborhood associations, government officials, and residents to advance district priorities and improve constituent services.
• Researches, investigates, and resolves constituent concerns, complaints, and service requests involving municipal services and issues affecting the district.
• Attends community association meetings and engages with community leaders, residents, and stakeholders to identify needs, communicate priorities, and strengthen community partnerships.
• Ensures exceptional constituent service and community engagement throughout the district.

Communications and Public Representation

• Represents the Councilmember at community meetings, board meetings, committee meetings, hearings, public events, and related activities; responds to inquiries, provides information, and follows up on action items.
• Drafts, reviews, and oversees correspondence, speeches, press releases, newsletters, website content, position statements, reports, and other written and public-facing communications on behalf of the Councilmember.
• Oversees and maintains public communications, including websites, newsletters, and other outreach materials.
• Serves as a spokesperson or designated representative of the Councilmember, as appropriate.

Additional Requirements

• Works evenings and weekends as necessary to attend community meetings, hearings, events, and other Council-related activities.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

EXPERIENCE

Three (3) years of experience in public administration, business administration, legislative work, community activism, program coordination, or program administration.

EQUIVALENCY

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

EDUCATION ACCREDITATION:

LICENSE, REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

N/A.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public administration.
• Organization and functions of legislative bodies.
• Strong interest in politics and government, especially local government; familiarity with Baltimore and the Fourth District

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to comprehend, interpret, edit, and draft legislative documents.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City Council Members, constituents, community leaders, government officials, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to conduct research; compile, synthesize, and analyze information from a variety of sources; and develop recommendations.
• Ability to prepare executive summaries, reports, and recommendations.
• Ability to represent elected officials at meetings, hearings, and public functions.
• Ability to investigate, analyze, and resolve constituent complaints and inquiries.
• Ability to compile, maintain, and protect confidential information and records.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to compose narrative and statistical reports, newsletters, press releases, position papers, and other written communications.
• Ability to assist in the coordination and operation of an elected official's office.
• Ability to assign, prioritize, and review the work of others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong interest in politics, government, and public service, particularly local government.
• Familiarity with Baltimore City government, Baltimore neighborhoods, and issues affecting the Fourth District.

BENEFITS

The City of Baltimore offers a generous and competitive benefits package. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.

Financial Disclosure:

This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law. 

The City Council is the City's legislative body, with the power to enact all ordinances and resolutions. City Council members are elected from fourteen districts, and the President is elected at large, by all voters of the City. The fifteen City Council members, along with the Mayor, act only by ordinance, resolution, or motion. They adopt and may alter the annual budget and confirm the Mayor's appointments. The City Council is responsible for the appropriation and issuance of bonds. The City Council determines its own rules of procedure, and its meetings are open to the public. City Council members are elected every four years. They are elected to geographic districts of roughly the same proportion of population.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER