] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → CHIEF OF STAFF, OMBUDSMAN

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Chief of Staff, Ombudsman

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Chief of Staff/Ombudsman CODE: 0457 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Chief of Staff, Ombudsman GRADE: NQ MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Directs all assistance and support to the Board of Education, Board officers, and Board members in fulfillment of the Boards responsibilities, including but not limited to administrative and logistical support, supporting the Boards fulfillment of its statutory duties and facilitating coordination with the superintendent of schools. Responsible for the overall management of the Board of Education Office and the Internal Audit Unit, including the hiring and supervision of the Board of Education's professional and support staff. Promotes the interests of the schools within Montgomery County. Serves as primary staff liaison to the superintendent of schools and executive staff. Acts as principal advisor to the Board of Education on education laws, bylaws, rules, regulations, and policies. Coordinates retention of counsel in legal matters that affect the Board and its members. Directs the Board's intergovernmental and public relations. Represents the Board of Education at meetings and functions, as directed. Acts as the Board of Education's ombudsman. Monitors public information and communications related to the Board of Education. Responds to inquiries on Board meetings and official Board actions. Provides research and analytical support on all program and constituent issues. Acts as the Boards parliamentarian.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of conflict resolution. Knowledge of the responsibilities and practices of local boards of education, and respective authority and roles of the Board and superintendent. Knowledge of the functions and activities of county and state agencies. Knowledge of policy making process in local or state government, or with local and/or state boards of education. Understanding of the legal, regulatory, and other constraints on public policy makers. Ability to perform research, administrative, and analytical assignments of a difficult and complex nature and to exercise good judgment and discretion in the performance of such duties. Excellent oral and written communications and human relations and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to make effective use of information technology/computers. Demonstrated ability to work independently. Excellent conceptual, analytical, organizational and management skills.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in human resource management, public relations and communications, public or business administration, or other acceptable field. Master's degree desirable. Experience with formal boards including but not limited to boards of education. Experience in managing professional and support staff. Strong experience in the field of customer satisfaction/relations, mediation, conflict resolution and complaint management. Experience with employee assistance referral programs. Experience in managing effective human resources and public relations and communications programs. Experience in working effectively with community organizations, interest groups, and community outreach programs. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Frequent night and weekend work required. Ability to attend all meetings of the Board of Education, work well beyond a normal work week and respond to work requirements at any time.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Directs all assistance and support to the Board of Education in fulfillment of its statutory duties.

Performs research, including management, program, financial and other analytical studies.

Recruits, selects, manages, trains, and evaluates Board Office staff and internal audit staff.

Acts as chief coordinator for Board ceremonies, meetings, hearings, and retreats.

Prepares official Board of Education testimony.

Directs fulfillment of the Board of Educations quasi-judicial functions, as well as its legislative program.

Directs development of the Board Office budget and approves payroll and expenses.

Supports Board of Education officers and each member in the performance of their duties.

Provides assistance in superintendent search, selection, contracting, and evaluation.

Performs the ombudsman function by fielding calls, responding to correspondence, and resolving complaints through the ombudsman process.

Maintains confidential records of all ombudsman cases.

Works with community organizations, interest groups, and community outreach programs to further understanding of the Board of Education and its responsibilities.

Directs overall communication functions of Board Office and on behalf of Board members, including but not limited to correspondence, outreach and engagement, and web and social media presence. Provides professional support at all meetings of the Board of Education, including its committees.

Supervises the work of the Internal Audit Unit including development of work plan, reviewing draft audit reports, working with administration regarding any issues or trends that may arise.

Oversees the work of the Boards committees.

Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

Class Established: 5/95
Date(s) Revised: 9/2007, 7/2018, 9/2018
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.