Following nearly five years in the City of Richmond Mayor’s Office, including three years as chief of staff, Alex Knox has announced his departure from the office to pursue the next step in his career. He will continue working and help transition to his replacement through mid-October.  In his time at the Mayor’s Office Alex has held nearly every position and has helped lead some of our biggest projects including: the launch of the Richmond ferry service, the Richmond branding and marketing initiative, the March for Our Lives rally, the Special Parcel Tax on Vacant Properties, and establishing the new Downtown Richmond Visitor Center.

I am starting the search for a new chief of staff and will be accepting resumes with a cover letter through September 6. The application will be available starting on Friday August 16 at https://agency.governmentjobs.com/richmondca/default.cfm. Anyone wishing to apply should be prepared to start work by October 31 at the very latest but ideally sooner.

Job Opportunity
City of Richmond
Office of Mayor Tom Butt

The Position
Title: Chief of Staff
Job Type: Full Time
Annual Salary Range: Depending on qualifications and experience, $76,284 - $92,208.

Summary

There is an opening in the Office of Mayor Tom Butt for the Chief of Staff position. The position is responsible for a wide variety of tasks and special projects and provides analytical, administrative, and related management support to the mayor. The position is unique in that the nature, diversity and scope of responsibilities originating from the Mayor’s Office require the frequent use of discretion, initiative, and independent judgment, as actions can have a significant effect on City operations or public relations activities. Responsibilities include regular contact with government officials, the City Council, board or commission members, representatives of business or community organizations, the public, and various City staff.

About the Office

To learn more about the Mayor’s Office please visit http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/55/Mayors-Office

Examples of Duties

This is an exempt, at-will position appointed by the mayor and reports directly to him.  The job description is broad and includes but is not limited to:

• Direct the work of the Mayor’s Office staff; manage their workload, and prioritize projects based on the mayor’s direction.
• Review and analyze issues, policy, legislation, budgets, statistical and financial reports.
• Interface and confer with City staff at all levels and in all departments as required by assignment.
• Serve as a community liaison and media representative for the Mayor.
• Prepare a wide variety of written materials, including agenda documents, news releases, letters, internal memos and research reports.
• Manage public policy projects including presentations to City Council, staff, and outside agencies and groups.
• Coordinate and arrange appointments and meetings for the Mayor and prepare agendas, presentations and support materials as required.
• Oversee administrative and office operational responsibilities including development and use of the department budget.
• Handle and respond to constituent inquires and requests.
• Plan, facilitate and host civic events including forums, celebrations, ceremonies, and formal public meetings.
• Attend and represent the mayor at meetings and conferences.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong writing and research skills with a focus on public policy.
• Evaluate and direct the work of other staff.
• Time-management and ability to work independently on projects.
• Ability to engage directly with constituents and problem solve.
• Event planning.
• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Providing varied, responsible, and often confidential administrative assistance to the mayor and associated administrative staff.
• Working efficiently under pressure with frequent interruptions.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Municipal budgetary practices and policies.
• Analyzing and resolving administrative situations and problems.
• Multiple languages a plus but not required.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education, experience, and training which would be likely to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities listed above. Graduation from a four year accredited college or university and three years of administrative experience related to the knowledge and abilities required. Relevant educational experience typically include public policy, political science, public affairs & administration, city/environmental planning, sociology, law & legal studies, architecture, economics, and other fields related to local government.

Licenses/certifications

A valid class C California Driver’s License.

Benefits

Working conditions: Five days, 37.5 hours per week are basic hours of employment for City employees.
Holidays: 12 paid holidays. In addition, employees receive 5 days plus 2 hours floating holidays.
Medical: The city participates in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) Medical Plans. Coverage is available for the employees spouse and/or dependents. 
Dental/vision: Employees receive a City-paid plan for employees and dependents.

Vacation: most employees accrue annual vacation as follows:

10 days - first 3 yrs. Of service
15 days - 4-10 years of service
20 days - 11-15 years of service
25 days - 16-30 years of service
30 days- 30+ years of service

Administrative Leave:  7 days.
Sick Leave:  Employees accrue one day of paid sick leave per month. There is no limit on number of days an employee can accumulate.
Retirement:  The City pays the employer portion to the CalPERS; the employee pays the employee portion. The City does not participate in the social security system.
Employee Benefits information is available on the City of Richmond Human Resources website.