Policy Assistant

Human Resources Division - Office of Tennessee Secretary of State; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government office is seeking a Policy Assistant to perform administrative work and represent the Secretary of State at meetings. The successful candidate will have a bachelor's degree and experience in Tennessee's political landscape. The role requires strong communication skills and attention to detail, with specific duties that include drafting correspondence, supporting the Capitol office, and managing the Secretary's schedule and travel.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited university with a relevant major.
• Experience with Tennessee's political and government landscape.
• Strong attention to detail and proofreading skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft routine correspondence for the office.
• Provide administrative support to the Capitol office.
• Assist the Secretary of State with scheduling and travel.

Skills

Attention to detail

Excellent oral communication skills

Written communication skills

Proactive attitude

Ability to manage time

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, communications, or business administration

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Policy Assistant
Tennessee Department of State
Executive Office of the Secretary of State

Mission: The mission of the Office of the Secretary of State is to exceed the expectations of our customers, the taxpayers, by operating at the highest levels of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and accountability in a customer-centered environment.

Supervisor: Secretary of State

Summary: Performs administrative office work in addition to traveling with and staffing the Secretary of State at meetings and events

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Draft routine correspondence such as thank you, congratulatory, and condolence type letters and emails for the office
• Provide administrative staff support to the Capitol office
• Compile documents and other preparatory information in an orderly manner for various meetings of boards and commissions on which the Secretary of State serves
• Screen and route incoming mail; greet and assist visitors; screen calls and make appointments; receive inquiries, compose constituent replies; answer questions relating to departmental activities
• Assist the Secretary of State by scheduling, making travel arrangements, and driving, including out-of-town and overnight travel as required
• Staff the Secretary at in and out-of-town events, which include briefing materials, coordinating with the Communications Division to provide photos and event information for social media content
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as otherwise assigned

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, communications, business administration, political science, or other relevant major
• Must have experience and understanding of the political and government landscape in Tennessee
• Attention to detail is a must. Ability to proofread one’s work and learn lessons from previous efforts.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Attention to detail is a must. Ability to proofread one’s work and learn lessons from previous efforts
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams
• Ability to communicate information to the public in a professional manner in person, on the telephone, and via email
• Ability to monitor email and text and reply in a timely manner
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects at once while managing time, prioritizing tasks, and logistics
• Ability to foresee scheduling conflicts and remedy them before they are an issue
• Self-starter, motivated, eager, inquisitive, proactive, enthusiastic, and positive attitude
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Works well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to plan effectively and the flexibility to handle the unexpected

Physical Requirements

• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and be willing and able to travel independently throughout the state, including overnight travel
• Ability to handle boxes and equipment weighing a minimum of forty (40) pounds

Salary: $50,000 annually plus the State of Tennessee benefits package.