Special Assistant to the Governor

State of West Virginia; Charleston (WV); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of West Virginia seeks a Special Assistant to the Governor to provide essential operational support to the Governor, including preparing briefing materials, coordinating with policy, communications, legislative affairs, external affairs, and security teams, and ensuring readiness for meetings, appearances, and travel.

This exempt, high-pressure role demands discreet handling of confidential information, strong project management, long hours, and frequent state travel to support the

Qualifications

• Experience in public policy, government relations, or in a legislative or executive branch setting is highly preferred.
• Exceptional writing and verbal skills, with the ability to distill complex policy data into concise briefings.
• Demonstrated ability to organize myriad tasks concurrently and perform follow-up.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive support and briefing for the Governor’s meetings, appearances, and travel.
• Coordinate with policy, communications, legislative affairs, external affairs, and security teams to prepare for engagements.
• Travel with the Governor as needed to provide on-site support and monitor developments.

Skills

Public policy experience

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Law, or related field

Job description

Executive Summary

The Special Assistant to the Governor serves as an operational assistant, providing critical support to the Governor in the execution of public duties. This is a fast‑paced, high‑pressure role that requires a unique blend of project management and confidential administrative excellence.

Nature of Work

Reports To: Chief of Staff or Governor

FLSA Status: Exempt (At‑Will)

Examples of Work

• Executive Support & Briefing
• Provide support to the Governor’s personal assistant and scheduler in the following activities:
  • Prepare daily briefing materials and talking points for the Governor’s meetings, appearances, and travel.
  • Ensure the Governor is fully prepared for all engagements and meetings by coordinating with the Governor’s policy, communications, legislative affairs, external affairs, and security teams.
  • Travel with the Governor as needed to provide on‑site support and handle real‑time logistical or governmental developments.
• Relationship Management and Constituent Services
• Support the constituent services team in the following activities:
  1. Vet invitations, requests for meetings, high‑level correspondence, and requests for Governor’s recognition.
  2. Respond to constituent requests for information and assistance.
  3. Support the Director of External Affairs as needed on special projects and initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: Experience in public policy, government relations, or in a legislative or executive branch setting is highly preferred.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Law, or a related field is preferred.
• Communication: Exceptional writing and verbal skills, with the ability to distill complex policy data into concise, actionable briefings.
• Organizational skills: demonstrated ability to organize myriad tasks concurrently and successfully monitor task completion and perform necessary follow up.

Other Information

Core Competencies

Discretion

Ability to handle highly sensitive, confidential, and political information with absolute integrity.

Agility

Capacity to pivot quickly between diverse topics—within the same hour.

Detail Orientation

Ensuring that the Governor never walks into a room without knowing exactly who is there, what the objective is, and that he has all required preparatory information in advance.

Interpersonal Skills

Ability to work across multiple teams and within various levels of state government.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• This role frequently requires long hours, including nights and weekends.
• Significant travel throughout the state and occasionally to Washington, D.C.
• Must be able to maintain a high level of energy and focus in a high‑stakes, public-facing environment.

Job not in the classified service. See the hiring agency for a description of benefits.