PRINCIPAL STAFF ASSISTANT

PRINCIPAL STAFF ASSISTANT
CITY CLERK
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester seeks qualified applicants for a Principal Staff Assistant for the Election Division within the Office of the City Clerk. Under the direction of the City Clerk, the Principal Staff Assistant position is responsible for providing advanced administrative support in the Elections Division to the City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk. The position responds to citizen complaints, including the explanation of departmental policies and regulations to other City employees and the public, and refers complaints to the proper authority. In addition, the Principal Staff Assistant is responsible for researching and accessing historical records and/or archives, answering telephones and assisting work of other clerks at the counter. The position will independently perform highly responsible and technical support related to City Clerk office functions while maintaining confidentiality. This position must be able to work outside normal working hours as requested by the City Clerk and to oversee Election administration.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Register new residents and updates the Central Voter Registry files of the Secretary of State's database.
• Support the Deputy City Clerk in overseeing mail in and early voting in person operations.
• Prepare, maintain and distribute City census.
• Responsible for the updating, printing and distribution of City census forms.
• Support the Deputy City Clerk in the administration of all local, state and federal elections.
• Support the Deputy City Clerk in overseeing the operation of polling locations of upcoming elections; prepare all election materials, provide supplies and equipment for various polling locations.
• Coordinate and participate in community forums for voter registration and civic engagement
• Respond to citizen complaints, including the explanation of departmental policies and regulations to other City employees and the public, and refer complaints to the proper authority.
• Research and access historical records and archives.
• Answer telephone and assists the work of other clerks at the counter
• Clerking after work hours council committee meetings and attend community events as requested by the city clerk
• Assist in seasonally heavy workloads in all Clerk division offices
• Receive, draft, process, publish, archive and distribute records

SECONDARY ELEMENTS:

• Perform related work in Elections Division and City Clerk as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Exemplary customer services skills
• Thoroughness and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Knowledge of and experience with technical writing
• Knowledge and understanding of the Home Rule Charter
• Knowledge of the various communities and geography of Worcester, including its political and natural boundaries
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to operate standard office equipment
• Ability to interpret and follow local, state, and federal regulations/statutes
• Ability to work with diverse organizations/interests
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and prioritizing
• Ability to work efficiently within time constraints and deadlines.
• Ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with the public, City employees, locally elected officials, and organizations
• Reliable and self-motivated
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends during election seasons
• Ability to collect, compile, and enter complex statistical data from a variety of source material
• Possess good judgment in making decisions concerning the laws and policies governing elections, City clerk vital records and record keeping
• Ability to lift and handle materials and equipment up to forty (40) pounds

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Political Science, American History, English, Urban Studies or similar discipline.

o An equivalent combination of education, training and five (5) years of experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the required duties of the position will be considered in lieu of the above-mentioned requirements

• Three (3) years of related professional experience
• Two (2) years of customer service or administrative experience in an office setting

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree Preferred in Public Administration, Political Science, American History, English, Urban Studies or similar discipline
• Five (5) years of related professional experience
• Three (3) years of customer service experience in an office setting
• Previous experience working in an elections support role
• Three (3) years of experience performing administrative tasks
• One (1) year of experience working in the public sector
• Previous experience working with the Home Rule Charter and Open Meeting Law

SALARY RANGE: $68,520- $89,768 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.