SECRETARY OF THE SENATE
The Colorado State Senate is seeking to hire a new Secretary of the Senate to oversee the operations of the Senate. The Secretary serves in a non-partisan capacity, working for all 35 Senators. In the course of their duties, the Secretary works with Senate staff, legislative staff, staff from other state agencies, lobbyists, and the general public. The Secretary is hired by the Senate President and is elected at the beginning of each legislative session by the Senate as a whole. The Secretary of the Senate's duties and responsibilities can be divided into three broad categories: legislative, administrative, and financial.
Legislative
The Secretary serves as the Senate Parliamentarian and assists and advises the President of the Senate and the Majority Leader in managing the activity on the floor of the Senate. The Secretary must have a strong command of the Senate Rules and all legislative proceedings in order to ensure that all actions are procedurally correct, all documents are accurate and timely, and that all legislative and procedural information is available as needed to ensure efficient functioning of the Senate. The Secretary routinely prepares scripts for the Senate President, the Majority Leader, and other Senators, as needed, to facilitate smooth legislative proceedings.
Administrative
The Secretary serves as the chief administrative officer of the Senate. The Secretary is responsible for establishing and enforcing administrative policies and procedures, as well as Senate and General Assembly policies and procedures, and serving as a point of contact for administrative and policy concerns from both Senators and staff. The Secretary hires, manages, and supervises the non-partisan Senate services staff of about twenty, including senate sergeants, administrative clerks, and individuals who manage the day-to-day activities of the Senate such as the daily calendar and journals of the senate’s work. Alongside the Chief Clerk of the House, the Senate Secretary also oversees any joint staff that serve both chambers.
The Secretary of the Senate is a member of the legislative management team, which oversees and manages the operations of the Colorado Capitol and Legislature. As such, the Secretary attends meetings of the legislative council committee, the executive committee, and other committees as necessary or as required.
Financial
The Secretary of the Senate manages and oversees a $9 million Senate budget which includes operating expenses such as chamber upgrades, purchasing of furniture and supplies, monitoring monthly expenditures, travel, and salaries.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Great attention to detail
- Experience managing and leading a team
- Command of parliamentary procedure and legislative rules
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Meticulous organization and planning skills
- Excellent multitasking skills, time management skills, and the ability to prioritize work
- Ability to maintain confidentiality with both parties
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to perform under pressure and manage shifting timelines or priorities
- Strong commitment to working in a strictly nonpartisan manner
Compensation
Compensation is commensurate with experience and within the range of $120,000 - $160,000. The Senate provides a competitive benefits package, including health and dental insurance covered mostly by the employer, life insurance covered by the employer, and your choice of a Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution PERA retirement plan. Additionally, the Senate provides 10 paid sick days, 12 PTO days, 11 state/federal holidays, a flex schedule during the legislative interim, and a free parking space at the Capitol Complex.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please send a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in, and qualifications for, the position addressed to Senate President Steve Fenberg to nellie.moran.senate@gmail.com. Please put “Senate Secretary Application” in the subject field of your email. The deadline to apply for this position is July 31st, however applications may be considered on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible.
***Equal Opportunity: We welcome applicants from all walks of life, and strongly encourage individuals of color, women, LGBTQ, immigrants, refugees, veterans, people with disabilities, and individuals from other communities to apply.***
Persons interested in other non-partisan positions with the Senate may direct their inquiries to:
Ryan Breitweiser
Journal Clerk
State Capitol
Denver, Colorado 80203
ryan.breitweiser@coleg.gov
Persons interested in positions with the Senate Democrat Caucus may direct their inquiries to:
Jessica Martinez Vasquez
Senate Democrats Constituent Engagement Director
State Capitol
Denver, Colorado 80203
jessica.v.martinez@coleg.gov
Persons interested in positions with the Senate Republican Caucus may direct their inquiries to:
Jerry Wheeler
Senate Republicans Aide Program Coordinator
State Capitol
Denver, Colorado 80203
jerry.wheeler@coleg.gov
