] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → STAFF ASSISTANT, GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH

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Staff Assistant, Governmental Affairs and Community Outreach

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Staff Assistant CODE: 0197 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Staff Assistant, Governmental Affairs and Community Outreach GRADE: P MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the Board of Education (BOE) and BOE Chief of Staff, represents the Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) system in legislative matters before the state legislature and individual legislators; attends legislative sessions and committee meetings, and meets with other formal and informal groups in support of the school system's positions on legislative proposals. In collaboration with MCPS staff, represents interests of MCPS on fiscal and legislative issues before the County Council. The legislative aide monitors legislative proposals and related developments and serves as a liaison to school system executive staff, BOE and Superintendent keeping them apprised of legislative developments. Serves as ombudsman.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the legislative process; to include knowledge of state and local government, and Local Education Agency (LEA) responsibilities for public education; considerable knowledge of legislative and policy issues regarding public education; working knowledge of the organization, functions, and key personnel of the school system. Ability to effectively represent the positions and interests of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) before the state legislature; ability to monitor legislative affairs closely to keep abreast of developments affecting MCPS. Ability to express views and arguments persuasively before legislative committees. Ability to develop legislative priorities, prepare testimony and comments on state, county, and federal legislation; conduct research; monitor; and represent the legislative interests of the school system through lobbying and comprehensive position issues papers on legislative matters. Must have effective written and communication skills w as well as demonstrated organizational skills and experience in assessing, interpreting, and resolving complex problems/situations. Excellent interpersonal skills and strong experience in the field of customer satisfaction/relations, mediation, conflict resolution and complaint management. Experience in a public or private institution or educational setting is desired. Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain a high level of confidentiality is required.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in political science or public administration or other related field. Progressive experience in education policy and administration. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) NA
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) The grade is dependent on the candidates experience. Required to spend considerable time away from BOE office during legislative session. Frequent extended day work required; Ability to attend all meetings of the Board of Education, work well beyond a normal work week and respond to work requirements at any time.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

In conjunction with MCPS staff, represents the Boards interests before the Maryland General Assembly, and serves as the primary liaison to Montgomery County Delegation to Annapolis. Attends Maryland General Assembly legislative sessions, hearings, and meetings.

Prepares and presents, as appropriate, proposed and updated legislative positions, amendments, testimony, and an annual legislative platform in consultation with Superintendent, MCPS Executive staff, Board Chief of Staff, and the Board of Education.

Prepares reports for the Board on current legislation and legislative issues and actions, conducts research on legislative issues of interest to Board members, and helps prepare management, fiscal and policy studies as appropriate, as well as maintaining official Board records on legislative matters.

Coordinates annual meetings between the Board and the Montgomery County Delegation.

Attends County Council committee meetings related to potential fiscal, policy, and legislative issues and provides reports on the meetings to the Board and Chief of Staff. Serves as the Boards primary liaison to the Maryland Association of Boards of Education and represents the Boards legislative and policy interests before State commissions and related associations.

Monitors the actions of and serves as liaison to the State Board of Education on regulatory, legislative, and policy matters. Monitors state commissions and task forces that deal with educational issues.

Under direction of the Boards Chief of Staff, will focus on developing message, positions, and brand of Board/MCPS to governmental entities, organizations, community, and elected officials

Develops and implements strategic communication plan for the Board including community engagement, use of social media, blog posts, Board website, Education Matters TV program, etc.

Prepares and coordinates the Boards Distinguished Service Awards program.

Meets periodically with Board members to provide updates and explore options and identify educational priorities.

Serves as liaison to Congressional offices and National School Boards Association (NSBA), related to federal educational issues.

Handles routine inquiries and correspondence on school system actions and policies.

Oversees all incoming and outgoing correspondence.

Under direction of the Chief of Staff, provides general professional support and maintains confidential records of all ombudsman cases; prepares annual report on Ombudsman activities.

Assists the Chief of Staff in coordinating and preparing periodic and annual reports to the Board.

Writes and edits talking points, resolutions, letters, testimony, and other Board documents.

Provides staff support to Board committees.

Understands and applies principles of performance evaluation and professional growth standards for employees.

Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
Class Established:
Date(s) Revised:
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.