09/04/1993 08201

SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE BUDGET SECRETARY

DEFINITION:

This is highly responsible staff work serving as executive staff assistant to the Budget Secretary.

The employee in this class serves as executive staff assistant to the Budget Secretary, performing high level staff work in assigned administrative and program areas. Work involves advising and assisting the Budget Secretary with the establishment of Budget Office goals and objectives, serving as the contact point for the Secretary with his deputies and staff and with Federal staff and local government and private officials, representing the Secretary at meetings and preparing reports and written correspondence on behalf of the Secretary in response to inquiries and to present information. Important aspects of this work include providing coordinative supervision to deputies, monitoring and coordinating fiscal programs, identifying and resolving problems, researching issues and recommending action to the Budget Secretary and providing advice to the Budget Secretary on sensitive, agency-wide matters. Work is performed under the general direction of the Secretary and is reviewed through conferences and the observation of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Performs a wide variety of high level staff work assisting the Budget Secretary carry out the programs of the Office of the Budget.

Represents the Secretary at meetings and conferences and in contacts with state-wide and local organizations, business groups and individuals.

Serves on special committees and task forces for the Secretary and, when designated, chairs such committees or task forces.

Coordinates the Secretary's representation in and with statewide Boards, Commissions and Councils and, when designated, sits as the Secretary's alternate on such bodies.

Identifies and evaluates problems and issues in current policies and programs and recommends appropriate action to the Secretary for the development and evaluation of new programs and policies.

Maintains effective working relationships with appropriate officials in the central agencies, operating agencies or Federal agencies involved in matters addressed by the Secretary's Office.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

Knowledge of the current theory and techniques of governmental fiscal management, budgeting, personnel administration and administrative analysis.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations.

Ability to exercise judgement and discretion in applying and interpreting Commonwealth budgeting policies and procedures.

Ability to exercise coordinative supervision and work effectively with program directors.

Ability to represent the Secretary on sensitive and unusual issues.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff and Federal, state and local officials.

Ability to speak effectively before civic, business, industrial and labor organizations.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Six years of progressively responsible administrative or staff experience;

                                                                                                                                                      or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.