1/16/2013 23476

SPECIAL ASSISTANT FOR STRATEGIC INITIATIVES, L&I

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible advisory and consultative strategic staff work serving as a special assistant to the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Industry.

The employee in this job serves as a special assistant to the Secretary of Labor and Industry, performing specialized high level strategic staff work for Department program and legislative initiatives of the highest sensitivity and visibility. Work involves advising the Secretary on highly sensitive matters with significant internal and external impacts; leading, coordinating, and evaluating the implementation of legislative changes; and developing legislative, regulatory, and policy recommendations. Work includes analyzing critical Department programs to identify areas of substantial improvement to customer and business relations, operational efficiency, and cost savings. Work also involves serving as the primary contact point with program deputies and public officials on strategic
initiatives; representing the Secretary at meetings; and preparing reports, correspondence, and presentations. Work is performed under the general direction of the Secretary and is reviewed through conferences and evaluation of reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs specialized high level consultative and advisory staff work for highly sensitive and visible Department programs.

Advises the Secretary on critical issues involving Department programs with significant internal and external impacts.

Develops and drafts policies, legislation, and regulations for the Department’s most critical programs.

Coordinates and leads the implementation of legislative and regulatory changes to Department programs.

Assists the Secretary in establishing and directing the implementation of Department goals, objectives, and quality assurance measures.

Identifies problems and issues in program operations that have significant Department and Commonwealth impact and recommends appropriate action to the Secretary.

Provides oversight to program deputies on strategic issues impacting the Department’s most significant operations.

Leads and coordinates the review of Department programs to improve operational efficiency.

Leads efforts with private and public sector representatives to develop and implement innovative solutions to improve external customer relations.

Develops strategies to improve interagency functions.

Serves as a liaison with Department program staff and with federal, state, and local government officials.

Analyzes the impact of proposed legislation affecting Labor and Industry programs.

Represents the Secretary at various meetings and conferences.

Performs research on critical issues affecting program operations.

Performs the full range of supervisory work.

The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

Knowledge of research methods and techniques.

Knowledge of government administrative and regulatory functions.

Ability to analyze and interpret legislation, regulations, policies, goals, and objectives.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Seven years of professional administrative, staff, or consultative experience; and a bachelor’s degree in industrial relations, political science, public administration, or a related field;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.