Public Utilities Chief of Staff

Job Summary

This is a highly responsible professional and supervisory work overseeing and managing public and governmental affairs for the City of Hollywood Department of Public Utilities (DPU). General direction is received from the Public Utilities Director or designee, who holds the incumbent responsible for bridging communication between leadership, departments, and stakeholders. Provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for Public Utilities policy objectives, strategic planning, administrative functions, and internal audit services.

The Chief of Staff serves as a strategic partner for the Department Public Utilities and the rest of the City through internal and external communications channels. Key responsibilities include managing daily operations, strategic planning, policy enforcement, and coordinating water, sewer and stormwater water services to ensure compliance and operational efficiency. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Supervision is exercised over a staff of professional and clerical employees assisting with various phases of work.

• Works with DPU leadership team in establishing the department’s priorities, and leads in the development of the Utilities strategic goals, mission and vision
• Advises executive staff on matters pertaining to operational efficiency and effectiveness and implements activities to identify and track DPU performance measures ensuring utility operations achieve strategic initiatives and goals
• Sets direction and achieves results for reliable and efficient operations, customer service delivery, cost management, safety, security and maintaining compliance with City and department policy as well as applicable federal, State, and Local regulations and laws
• Ensures effective communication between departmental senior staff, administrative staff, technical personnel, and support staff relating to management and administrative issues, and customer complaints and inquiries.
• Responds to public information requests on behalf of the Director, for the City Managers office and Mayor and City Commission.
• Supports all DPU Emergency Management and Incident Command Structure (ICS) management team functionality and responses during emergency activations, including serving as the Incident Commander or Deputy Incident Commander.
• Facilitates communication and resolves complex and sensitive issues and complaints both internal and external
• Represents the department and director at various meetings with local elected officials, media, environmental groups, multiple municipalities, neighborhood associations, and civic and business groups, as needed.
• Serves as a liaison to the Office of the City Manager, Mayor and Commission, other City departments, and external stakeholders on behalf of the Director.
• Supervises the investigation and follow-up of constituent inquiries and complaints received by the department director from the offices of the Mayor and City Commission.
• Makes recommendations regarding ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and general policy development.
• Makes recommendations on hiring, discipline, and promoting subordinates; authorizes leave and overtime; evaluates and rates employee performance.
• Performs related work as required.

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field, with five years of progressively increasing responsibilities relevant to municipal water, wastewater, and stormwater industry and managing complex organization, including two years of experience in a lead, supervisory, project management, or program management capacity

Additional education and experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience may be substituted for the above requirements.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in business, engineering, public administration preferred; demonstrated experience working in municipal government and/or Water and Sewer preferred; experience working in or with the South Florida water, sewer and stormwater industry is preferred.