SENIOR MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT DEFINITION
Under the direction of a manager in a state department, institution or agency, or within a local government jurisdiction, provides varied, complex administrative services in support of a manager(s) within the area of assignment; assists in the coordination of management/administrative activities of an assigned unit or work area; does other related duties.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Management Assistant series is distinguished from the Secretarial Assistant series due to the assignment of professional duties such as administrative research, identifying, analyzing and recommending solutions to procedural and/or operational problems or processes, and report preparation. Work is typically assigned on a project basis and generally does not involve the reoccurring or repetitive review of information or data. Secretarial and other office clerical work may be assigned but should not be the primary emphasis of the position. Positions in this class typically act as the principal assistant to the manager(s) regarding complex administrative matters, and help relieve them of administrative detail. The Management Assistant series is distinguished from the Administrative Assistant series due to the ability to simultaneously provide administrative services to more than one manager. Positions providing administrative services to more than one manager on a temporary or short-term basis shall not be included in this class (e.g. vacation/sick day coverage).
The organizational level of the manager(s) providing assignment is irrelevant to positions in this class, whereas positions in the Administrative Assistant series, by definition, are classified according to the organizational level of the manager they report to.
Employees at the senior level are delegated a high degree of responsibility for making recommendations to the manager involving complex administrative action, and may be responsible for implementing such recommendations. Employees frequently exercise independent judgment and make decisions concerning processes to be followed, the appropriateness of the information to be processed, and the actions to be taken. Work is performed independently requiring minimal review for adherence to instructions, plans and standards.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Assists management by providing varied, complex administrative services
Gathers, organizes and summarizes data or information for report preparation
Analyzes information, data and processes; formulates recommendations
Conducts independent research and studies on administrative matters
Conducts surveys
Provides assignment, instruction and guidance to staff
May take the lead on various administrative projects
Reviews operating practices and procedures for efficiency and effectiveness; recommends changes for improvement; implements such recommendations
Arranges meetings, conferences and other events
Coordinates activities as assigned by management
May provide technical instruction and training to staff
May administer and monitor the disbursement of bank account funds are prepare related reports
Maintains databases
Helps relieve the manager of administrative detail related to the area of assignment
Gathers data for the manager to use in budget reports
Coordinates support services to ensure the availability and efficient use of resources needed to accomplish the goals of the unit or work area
Investigates complex problems and/or complaints and makes recommendations for solutions
Assists in planning and implementing administrative improvements, including organizational changes, and work systems
Reads, researches and routs correspondence; drafts letters, memos and other documents for the review and approval of management
Prepares clear technically sound, accurate, and informative statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations
Maintains essential records, reports, and files
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording information systems used by the agency, office, or related units
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Six (6) years of professional experience performing complex administrative support work which must have included the interpretation, verification and/or application of department/agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
OR
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgement and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position. KNOWLEDGES AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of organizational rules, regulations, policies and procedures
Knowledge of the methods used to gather and evaluate data and information.
Knowledge of the methods used to coordinate administrative activities
Ability to organize assigned work, analyze problems and develop effective work methods
Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, standards, rules, policies and procedures applicable to the area of assignment
Ability to plan and evaluate the programs and activities of the unit and to recommend changes for improvement
Ability to compile and tabulate data
Ability to interpret and explain operating procedures, and provide assistance on operating requirements
Ability to provide recommendations for changes and/or improvements to unit policies and procedures
Ability to conduct research, analyze the information, and summarize the results into a meaningful report.
Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to coordinate work activities
Ability to maintain records and files
Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
