Employment: VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT- Office of Cong. G. K. Butterfield – District 1

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT- Office of Cong. G. K. Butterfield – District 1

JOB DESCRIPTION:

District Director/Director of External Affairs

SUMMARY

The District Director/Director of External Affairs (“District Director”) oversees all district office operations, and serves as the local liaison with elected and appointed officials, and community leaders throughout the First Congressional District.  This position develops and proactively implements policy objectives, strategies and operating plans for the Member’s district office(s) and directs all Member activities and staff.  Additionally, the District Director is responsible for arranging and attending meetings on behalf of the Congressman.  The position reports directly to the Chief of Staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Representing the Member

• Represents the Member and/or assigns appropriate staff as needed, which may include work on nights and weekends
• Monitors the House and Member’s schedule (daily and monthly) and provides advice and recommendations for attendance by the Congressman
• Speaks to local groups when the Member is unavailable
• Responds to constituent calls and mail, as directed by the Member and the Chief of Staff
• Identifies district priorities to be added to the member’s schedule; directs appropriate staff to attend events when the member is unavailable
• Facilitates and responds to meeting requests with constituents, elected officials, and others as directed by the member and the Chief of Staff 

Managing District Office Staff and Activities

• Manages district office(s) and district staff; Appraises staff performance and recommends rewards and disciplinary action
• Plans and assigns work of staff in district offices; manages “Hot Topic” casework and works with DC staff to ensure timely and accurate responses to mass inquiries
• Assigns staff to attend scheduled meetings and events with the Member, and ensures “coverage” if the Member is unable to attend
• Works with district staff to develop “Action Plans” to fulfill their stated duties and responsibilities; monitors progress via monthly work reports
• Interviews, selects and trains employees of district office(s),  in consultation with the Chief of Staff, and ensures that district office(s) staff complies with office policies, practices, and procedures
• Conducts weekly staff meetings; Prepares and leads district agenda for other meetings
• Coordinates selection and manages activities of interns and fellows
• Oversees all activities assigned to district staff
• Writes letters, prepares mass mailings, and monitors outgoing staff communications

Strategic Outreach

• Develops and implements an outreach plan to maximize and prioritize Member’s time in the district (suggests approximately 5 – 7 events or activities per month, focusing particularly on Mondays and Fridays)
• Monitors news and upcoming events in the 23 counties and develops a strategy for coverage at meetings and events.  Keeps official calendar of district events, and prepares a monthly report of recommended upcoming events for review to the Congressman and Chief of Staff
• Establish and maintain relationship with counterparts in the NC Delegation
• Travels throughout the district at regular intervals to keep abreast of local concerns
• Meets with elected officials and representatives of local groups on behalf of the member
• Schedules meetings with federal and district government agencies, as necessary
• Works closely with DC staff to plan and coordinate District Work Period activities; Assigns district staff to staff events in the district
• Plans, manages and supervises annual district events/activities, including Academy nominations, CBC Scholarship Competition, District Arts Competition, Veterans Day Events, Gospel Extravaganza, MLK Jr. Day, Memorial Day and Weldon Day.  Works with DC staff to coordinate efforts and publicize events.
• Travels to district offices as needed
• Works with DC staff to identify and plan at least four (major) district events each year

DC/District Liaison

• Maintains close communication with the Washington, D.C. office via the Chief of Staff; initiates weekly calls to provide updates of district activities and events
• Monitors state government activities (legislative, executive and judicial), and reports on issues that affect the District and the Member’s priorities.  Shares information with the Legislative Director, Communications Director and Chief of Staff, in a manner that allows for prompt response and input
• Works with Communications Director to ensure that website content related to district activities is accurate and up-to-date.  Performs quarterly review of static information related to the District
• Monitors status of district appropriations requests and grant applications
• Identifies issues and concerns that may require legislative action and makes recommendations to Member, the Legislative Director, and the Chief of Staff.
• Monitors progress of major legislative initiatives at state and federal level – makes recommendations for outreach and Member input
• Identifies opportunities for federal legislation
• Prepares a monthly report of activities for the Congressman and Chief of Staff

Staffing Member in the District

• Prepares Member for district events/meetings; prepared daily or weekend briefing books for the Member while in the District
• Works with Communications Director to ensure that the Congressman has talking points, background information, speeches, etc., when needed
• Provides Congressman with daily updates on District activities via morning call-in, and otherwise, as necessary
• Staffs the Member and/or assigns appropriate staff while Member is in the District; such work may nights and weekends

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree in political science or related/relevant field

· Three to seven years of management experience

· Extensive knowledge of Eastern North Carolina and demonstrable ties to the community

· Knowledge of legislative process and procedure; prior Congressional experience is a plus

· Strong oral and written communications skills

· Ability to work flexible hours which may include nights, weekends, and occasional overnight stays

· Knowledge/familiarity with local, state, and federal agencies and departments

· Thorough understanding of district and federal politics and the political process

· Experience with event planning

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

· Ability to provide necessary organization, supervisory leadership and motivation to manage district office(s)

OTHER INFORMATION

· Salary:  Commensurate with experience.

· Location:  NC01 District Main Office (Wilson, NC) – could be flexible for the right candidate

· Starting Date:  January 2010

· Closing Date:  Until filled

HOW TO APPLY

· Please send your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to NC01DistrictResume@mail.house.gov.

· Phone calls regarding the position will not be accepted.