Director -Legislative Research Commission

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet•Frankfort, KY

About The Position

The Legislative Research Commission is accepting applications for the position of Director of the Legislative Research Commission. This position is nonpartisan in nature and requires the ability to work with neutrality in a politically charged environment. The Legislative Research Commission provides staff support to the Kentucky General Assembly. The agency offers unique opportunities to people seeking fulfilling, challenging, and rewarding careers. LRC staff members provide diverse services and are united by the common purpose of supporting the branch of government closest to the people. This is a permanent, full-time position with benefits including health and life insurance; retirement plan; and paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. Compensatory time is awarded on an hour-for-hour basis with prior approval. Job Summary: Serve as the chief executive officer for the Kentucky General Assembly and reports to the Legislative Research Commission. The Director is responsible for the performance of the nonpartisan staff employed by the General Assembly and for their delivery of high-quality professional services to legislators and to the legislature.

Requirements

Juris Doctor, Ph.D., or master’s degree in public administration, law, political science, social science, or related field.
Minimum of 10+ years experience in government administration.
Has demonstrated exemplary moral and ethical leadership while holding a significant leadership position for at least ten years in business, government, military service, or a nonprofit organization.
At least 5 years of management experience.

Nice To Haves

Extensive knowledge and understanding of state government and of the legislative process and familiarity with Kentucky’s political landscape, state Constitution, statutes, and regulations.
Demonstrated experience and effectiveness in organizational management and leadership.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and current developments of human resource management.
Ability to coach, manage, and develop high-performance staff; set and achieve strategic objectives; and manage a budget.
Strong commitment to the professional development of staff and retaining a diverse and effective team.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with Deputy Directors and managers to ensure that LRC policies and priorities are followed, budget directives are observed, and problems are avoided or resolved.
Review and approve hiring, firing, promotion, and salary decisions for all nonpartisan staff.
Plan and coordinate special projects for the agency and LRC, such as national or regional legislative conferences or workshops.
Develop, implement, and execute personnel policies and procedures for the agency as directed by and in coordination with the LRC.
Maintain staff by interviewing, selecting, orienting, and training employees.
Maintain a safe, secure, and legal work environment.
Lead staff by communicating job expectations and plans; by monitoring and appraising job results; and by providing coaching, counseling, and disciplinary measures.
Meet the requirements of 7.909(5) by approving the posting of vacancies, approving disciplinary actions, selecting senior management personnel, arranging orientation for new staff, and ensuring staff receive appropriate professional development.
Maintain a work-related incentive program for employees of the Commission using an employee suggestion system.
Provide for permanent office space for the Legislative Research Commission on the third floor of the State Capitol.
Maintain jurisdiction over the use of the House and Senate chambers when not in session and over the allocation of all rooms used by the General Assembly while in session.
Ensure investigations and studies required by law or approved by the LRC of governmental agencies, institutions, and other matters of public policy to aid the General Assembly in performing its duties are conducted in an efficient and economical manner.
Afford to any member of the General Assembly such information and assistance as may be practicable in the preparation of bills, memorials, resolutions, and amendments proposed to be introduced into the General Assembly.
After each election conduct a pre-session orientation for members-elect of the General Assembly.
Ensure members of the General Assembly attend a sexual and workplace harassment training course to be held at the beginning of each session of the General Assembly meeting the requirements of KRS 7.101.