The Senior Legislative Assistant provides high-level executive, legislative, and administrative support to the Charleston County Legislative Delegation by coordinating legislative activities, managing communications, conducting research, and providing exceptional organizational support in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.
This position serves as a trusted partner to multiple legislators by coordinating complex schedules, managing competing priorities, facilitating appointments and meetings, and ensuring legislative business is conducted efficiently and professionally. The successful candidate must possess exceptional organizational skills, sound judgment, strong decision-making abilities, and the ability to effectively support multiple elected officials who have varying priorities, communication styles, and operational needs.
This role requires an experienced professional who thrives in a dynamic environment, exercises discretion with confidential information, anticipates needs before they arise, and consistently delivers high-quality work while managing multiple competing deadlines with minimal supervision.
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $76,315 - $99,964 (Annual Salary Range) *
*Hiring salary will be dependent upon applicant's education, experience, skill level, and other job specific qualifications*
OPEN UNTIL FILLED – APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY
Duties and Responsibilities: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.)
Executive & Legislative Support
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Provides high-level administrative and executive support to members of the Legislative Delegation
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Coordinates multiple calendars, legislative events, committee meetings, appointments, and public engagements.
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Serves as the primary point of contact for legislators, County leadership, state agencies, local governments, boards, commissions, and the public.
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Drafts, edits, and prepares correspondence, reports, agendas, meeting minutes, presentations, and legislative documents.
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Conducts legislative and policy research and compiles information to support informed decision-making
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Maintains official records and documentation in accordance with County policies and procedures.
Legislative Coordination
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Coordinates appointments to boards and commissions, including tracking vacancies, expiration dates, appointment schedules, and required documentation.
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Posts required public meeting notices, board vacancies, and delegation announcements on the Legislative Delegation website.
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Plans and coordinates meetings involving legislators, government agencies, community partners, and the public.
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Supports departmental operations, including budget preparation, purchasing, inventory management, and administrative reporting.
Decision-Making & Problem Solving
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Independently evaluates competing priorities and determines appropriate courses of action while maintaining exceptional customer service.
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Exercises sound judgment when responding to sensitive inquiries, constituent concerns, and requests from elected officials.
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Anticipates scheduling conflicts, operational issues, and legislative deadlines to prevent disruptions.
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Resolves administrative and operational matters independently while recognizing when issues require leadership involvement.
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Continuously evaluates departmental processes and recommends improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Relationship Management
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Builds and maintains productive working relationships with legislators, County officials, governmental agencies, community organizations, boards, commissions, and the public.
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Adapts communication and work style to support multiple elected officials with differing expectations, priorities, and personalities.
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Maintains strict confidentiality when handling sensitive legislative, constituent, and personnel information.
General Responsibilities
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Answers departmental telephone calls and responds to inquiries with professionalism and accuracy.
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Greets visitors and assists in directing them to appropriate personnel or resources.
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Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, emerging issues, and recommended solutions.
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Performs all responsibilities of a Legislative Assistant I when assigned.
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Performs other duties as apparent or assigned
What Success Looks Like in This Role
The ideal candidate is a highly organized professional who enjoys supporting multiple leaders in a fast-paced environment. They excel at balancing competing priorities, exercising independent judgment, adapting to different leadership styles, and maintaining professionalism while managing confidential and politically sensitive matters. They anticipate needs, communicate effectively, and consistently deliver high-quality work under pressure.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Public Policy, or related field.
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At least 2 years or more of experience as a Legislative Assistant OR 6 years or more of comparable professional experience.
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Valid SC driver’s license (or obtained within 3 months), meeting County motor vehicle requirements.
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1 year experience working with elected officials or in local government preferred.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful candidate demonstrates the ability to:
Manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
Exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Adapt quickly to changing priorities and shifting legislative deadlines.
Build strong working relationships with elected officials, County leadership, and diverse stakeholders.
Communicate professionally and effectively both verbally and in writing.
Handle confidential and politically sensitive information with discretion and integrity.
Produce high-quality work under tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
Think critically, solve problems, and recommend practical solutions.
Effectively organize, prioritize, and complete numerous assignments simultaneously.
Remain composed and professional during frequent interruptions and rapidly changing priorities.
Demonstrate initiative by anticipating needs and proactively addressing issues before they become problems.
Provide exceptional customer service while representing the Legislative Delegation professionally.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
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Able to function productively in a standard office environment accessing cabinets, shelving, work areas, warehouse and office equipment
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Able to lift, carry, push and pull up to fifteen (15) pounds occasionally
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Able to sit or stand for long periods of time and to maintain focus on projects such as on computer screen(s)
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Able to effectively communicate orally (in person and over the telephone) and in writing (electronically and handwritten) in English.
WORKING CONDITIONS
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Climate controlled office with hazards typical to that environment
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Position may require travel within and outside of the County which imposes common travel hazards.
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Standard work hours would be Monday – Friday between the hours of 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
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May be designated to report to work during hazardous weather and other emergency conditions
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All employees of Charleston County Government must reside in South Carolina.
