Executive Assistant

AGR/Agriculture•Sussex, DE

About The Position

The Executive Assistant supports the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. This position performs high-level administrative and support work on behalf of the executives to support problem-solving, decision-making, and communication across the agency. Work includes representing the executives on administrative matters with internal and external leaders, including from the Office of the Governor, state and federal legislators and agencies, interest groups, media, and the public. Reporting directly to the Cabinet Secretary, this individual will be expected to complete priorities with short deadlines and assist with unusual situations, providing personal and confidential assistance to the Secretary and managing office activities to ensure efficient operations and workflow.

Requirements

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Responsibilities

Oversees constituent relations including resolving crisis situations in service delivery referred by the Office of the Governor (OGOV), legislators, other agencies, and the public.
Ensures that constituent contacts are handled quickly and responsively.
Directs and conducts special projects that may involve issues of a sensitive or confidential nature.
Participates in planning, policy formulation, budgeting, and solving issues and challenges.
Reviews correspondence and reports, determines the level of authority that can handle requests, complaints, or issues, oversees tracking, reporting, and review of data to ensure compliance with applicable policies and procedures, and keeps the agency leadership appropriately briefed.
Tracks and analyzes proposed legislation that impacts the assigned agency, coordinates and follows up with staff, and makes recommendations.
Receives media requests, researches issues and data, and prepares appropriate media responses.
Prepares press releases for circulation.
Provides liaison with internal and external executives and other leadership, OGOV, legislators, special interest groups, the media, council/commission members, state/federal contacts, and the public.
Responds to inquiries and complaints, and explains policies, procedures, regulations, and the agency’s position on issues to resolve problems.
Develops agendas and programs for meetings, conferences, or special presentations and represents the official at meetings and on task forces.
Plans, coordinates, and directs office activities and analyzes, recommends, and implements operating practices, policies, and procedures.
May supervise two or more merit full time positions. The elements of supervision include performing the following on a regular and continuing basis: planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training, disciplining, and recommending hire, termination, and promotion.
Performs other related duties as required.