What: Under the supervision of, and reporting directly to the Commissioner, the Special Assistant occupies a critical role, providing high-priority executive and project management support to the Commissioner. The Special Assistant to the Commissioner supports various critical, agency-wide functions that are central to BCHD’s overarching mission.
A successful candidate must be committed to social justice and health equity and have the following attributes: efficiency, creativity, flexibility, commitment, and an exceptional ability to plan, think, and act quickly and in the best interest of the Commissioner, Health Department, and the residents of Baltimore. The ideal candidate will have experience in project management, policy analysis, and public health, with exceptional writing and communication skills. The Special Assistant will:
- Ensure that the Commissioner is prepared for any and all meetings/speaking engagements by drafting memos, preparation materials, talking points, and speeches for the Commissioner. This includes closely coordinating with the Commissioner’s Executive Assistant, Communications Director, Public Information Officer, Legislative Affairs Director, Chief/Deputy Chief of Staff, and other agency staff as necessary and assigned.
- Staff the Commissioner at all meetings as assigned and perform tasks related to meetings such as: recording minutes, following up on subsequent action items, and attending meetings in the Commissioner’s absence and/or representing the Commissioner and the Health Department appropriately and effectively.
- Monitor and track tasks, deliverables, and deadlines for all items related to the Commissioner’s meetings and speaking engagements.
- Research, prioritize, and follow-up on issues and concerns addressed to the Commissioner, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature.
- Evaluate, analyze, and report on key initiatives with specific attention to successes, challenges, and use of resources.
- Support, lead, and participate in departmental meetings and inter-agency projects, and other initiatives as assigned.
- Provide project management oversight for all assigned projects, with responsibility for outcomes.
- Work independently as part of the executive team on special non-recurring and on-going projects.
- Prioritize conflicting needs; handle matters expeditiously and proactively; and follow through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressure.
- Maintain enthusiasm and initiative while working long hours, including evenings, nights, and weekends (as needed) in order to complete the duties as outlined above, and any other special projects and requests that may arise.
- Execute all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Excellent spoken and written English.
- Master’s degree in public health, public policy, public administration, or a related field preferred; and/or Bachelor’s and 2-3 years of work experience in consulting, policy, or related fields.
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency.
- High level of professionalism, courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.
- Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to respond to urgent situations with limited guidance.
- Ability to excel in time-pressured and high energy environments.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality is essential. All responsibilities must be handled with required discretion and sensitivity.
Skills:
- Must be passionate about social justice and committed to public service.
- Must demonstrate excellence in the following necessary competencies: project management, writing ability, organizational/time management skills, planning, and policy development.
- Must be able to meet tight deadlines, independently prioritize multiple projects/requests, and manage several tasks and projects from all stages.
- Must be an exceptionally hard-worker, proactive, possess a strong sense of urgency, and excel at being a self-starter.
- Must be able to work closely with and be available to the Commissioner, as needed, and anticipate her needs and requirements.
- Must be responsive to feedback and adapt to competing and shifting priorities with flexibility, resolve, and determination.
Benefits: Salary offer will be commensurate with experience. An excellent fringe benefit package accompanies the salary. Applicants will be interviewed over the phone or, when possible, in person. Due to the volume of applications received, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Interested candidates should submit a recent writing sample, cover letter, and resume to: Narintohn Luangrath, Baltimore City Health Department 1001 E. Fayette Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Narintohn.Luangrath@baltimorecity.gov Application due date: Friday, February 23, 2018 Start date: August 2018