Job Description
DISTRICT DIRECTOR
OFFICE of CONGRESSWOMAN NORMA J. TORRES
The Office of Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) is seeking a District Director to oversee all operations of the district office and staff. The core duties include scheduling meetings both with and without the member, organizing district events, ensuring caseworkers are meeting their goals, addressing personnel and other HR matters, and advising the Member and Chief of Staff on district policy issues. The District Director is a senior-level position and will report to the Member of Congress along with the Chief of Staff.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
o Supervisory: Directly supervises six employees (three field staff; two caseworkers; one DO scheduler/office manager; carries out responsibilities in accordance with office policy and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training district office employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining district office employees; addressing complaints; and resolving problems.
o Represents the Congresswoman and/or assigns appropriate staff to do so in the district office(s) as needed;
o Manages district office(s) staff;
o Plans, assigns and evaluates work of employees in district offices;
o Interviews, selects and trains employees of district office(s) and ensures that district office(s) staff complies with office policies, practices, and procedures;
o Conducts district office(s) staff meetings;
o Speaks to local groups when the Congresswoman is unavailable;
o Maintains close communication with the Washington, D.C. office;
o Travels throughout the district at regular intervals to keep abreast of local concerns;
o Meets with elected officials and representatives of local groups on behalf of the Congresswoman;
o Schedules meetings with federal and district government agencies as necessary;
o Acts as a liaison to and notifies the appropriate media when the Congresswoman will be in the liaison’s area and works with the Congresswoman's Scheduler and Press Secretary to ensure appropriate media participation;
o Responds to constituent telephone calls and mail;
o Meets attendance requirements as established by the office;
o Maintains a good working relationship with the Congresswoman, staff, and constituents;
o Works well under pressure and handles stress;
o Accepts performance-based criticism and direction;
o Works a flexible schedule including long hours, nights and weekends; and
o Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the political science or related field, including strong academic credentials. Alternatively, five-ten years of related experience or training in management and/or legislation or equivalent similar experience.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:
o Ability to perform essential job functions above;
o Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with others;
o Thorough knowledge of CA state or federal legislative process;
o Temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant, and professional manner;
o Thorough knowledge of local, state and federal agencies and departments;
o An understanding of the district and federal political process;
o Provides necessary organization, supervisory leadership and motivation to manage district office(s);
o Excellent oral and written communication skills;
o Knowledge of the office policies, practices, and procedures;
o Knowledge of office computer applications; and
o Proficiency in word processing.
Interested candidates should send an email to CA35.OfficeStaff@mail.house.gov with “District Director” in the subject line and include a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples. Female, minority, veterans and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. No phone calls or drop-ins please.