This position is located in the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Office of the Director (OD), Office of the Chief of Staff (OCOS).
The incumbent works under the general administrative direction of the Agency Director and or Chief of Staff who defines the overall direction in terms of broadly defined missions and functions. The incumbent is responsible for independently carrying out all program operations. The work is reviewed in terms of fulfillment of program objectives and the smooth operations of the Legislative and Public Affairs office. The activities of the work are normally accepted without change. Guidelines include Federal and District laws, regulations, policies, and codes governing building construction, land use, and zoning in the District of Columbia (D.C.), Mayoral and agency established directives, precedents, etc. The incumbent must demonstrate ingenuity, creativity, and sound judgment in interpreting the intent and appropriate adaption and application of existing guides, policies, and procedures and in the development of new or innovative approaches for the resolution of unyielding problems in the areas of legislation and public affairs.
Duties and Responsibilities
Acts as the principal advisor to the Director and Chief of Staff on issues and matters related to policy and legislative review, policy development and implementation, and the interpretation and application of pertinent regulations. Builds partnerships within the District Government, Federal Government, and community to advance the agency's agenda. Provides expertise to support executive decision-making processes by discerning and describing the interrelationship of facts and issues regarding DPR operations. Identifies best practices and other objective criteria to evaluate issues. Assesses the political/community environment and potential impact, risks, benefits, strengths, and/or weaknesses associated with proposals or courses of action. Assures that recommendations made are well-defined, coordinated, and include the use of multidisciplinary approaches sufficient to meet the established and anticipated needs of decision makers. Serves as a liaison between DPR and other internal and external stakeholders. Exercises delegated authority in initiating actions required to accomplish the overall mission, stated goals and objectives of the agency. Monitors and evaluates mechanisms that enhance integrated communications within and between the Agency, cabinet staff, the business community, and other stakeholders. Establishes and maintains relationships with various organizations, elected officials, and other key stakeholders to advance the goals and interests of the department. Makes staff selections, recommends promotions, provides performance ratings and standards and necessary training, approves/disapproves leave, initiates necessary disciplinary action, and assigns, adjusts, directs, and reviews staff work for the legislative, as needed. Provides or ensures the provision of staff training necessary to keep staff abreast of the changes in governing and related regulatory, legislative matters, or agency matters that impact the performance of duties. Provides structure, coordination, and oversight for strategic and operational planning for the agency and in the identification and establishment of priorities.
Organizes and leads task forces and working groups, which may involve outside experts or stakeholders, to address program and policy issues that impact the different entities and interests comprising the public education system. Provides supervision of legislative processes; oversees and monitors the research and information gathering phase; as well as writes, submits, and monitors the determination of all tasks and functions with regard to official publication. Manages the relationship between the DPR and elected officials, including local and federal legislative branches of government as well as the Office of the Mayor. Attends meetings with the Chief of Staff, agency Director, or on behalf of the agency, highlights required follow-up information and topics of importance. Receives inquiries from elected officials and staff, coordinates an accurate and timely response that is reviewed through the proper channels, and responds on the agency's behalf. Prepares the Agency Director or Chief of Staff for hearings, including the annual agency performance hearing and the agency budget hearing, that are presented before the D.C. City Council. Coordinates special meetings in advance of hearings, or as topics arise. Receives and responds to questions from elected officials in advance of hearings and meetings.
Qualifications and Education
Applicants must have at least 1 year of specialized experience at the next lower grade in the District of Columbia government, or equivalent public or private sector. Specialized experience is work that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such experience includes but is not limited to application of the legislative process of the Council of the District of Columbia and familiarity with pertinent sections of the DC Official Code that pertain to parks and recreation, facilities management, budgeting process, and Agency performance, expert research, analytical and evaluative skills sufficient to conduct in-depth analysis of proposed legislation/bills, policies, and other documents related to the work of DGS; Excellent oral and written communications skills as required to adeptly and concisely convey the multi-faceted work of the Agency; and interpersonal relationship skills is required to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups interested in or affected by governmental affairs and legislative changes.
A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree strongly preferred.
Licenses and Certifications
None.
Working Conditions/Environment
The work is mostly sedentary. Incumbent is required to carry some light to moderately heavy items such as binders, office equipment, and files. The work is primarily performed in an office setting, although may require some occasional travel.
Other Significant Facts
Promotion Potential: None
Duration of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service- At Will
Pay Plan, Grade and Series: MS-0301-14
Collective Bargaining Unit (Non-Union): This position is not in the collective bargaining unit.
Position Designation(s):
The position has been deemed security-sensitive. Accordingly, the incumbent will be subject to pre-employment checks (criminal background checks, consumer credit check, traffic record checks, if applicable) as a condition of employment, and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of your tenure.
(a) Criminal background check;
(b) Traffic record check (as applicable);
(c) Consumer credit check (as applicable);
(d) Pre-employment drug and alcohol test; and
(e) Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.
The incumbent must be able to work evenings and weekends.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation