CITY OF STAUNTON
Executive Assistant/Special Projects Coordinator
The City of Staunton, located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, is seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of Executive Assistant/Special Projects Coordinator. Come join the dedicated professionals serving this dynamic city and its citizens. The Executive Assistant/Special Projects Coordinator is part of the team in the City Manager's Office. For more information about the office, please visit City Manager's Office. The City of Staunton offers excellent benefits and a wide range of amenities. Staunton, with a relatively low cost of living, is known for its history, architecture, arts, and cultural and culinary delights.
“One of the prettiest and most progressive towns in the South” and “20 charming mountain towns to visit this fall”- Southern Living
This unique position provides office management and administrative support for the City Manager's Office, and supports special projects and strategic initiatives as directed by the City Manager. Works in close coordination with the Assistant to the City Manager for Engagement, Communications and Strategic Initiatives and the Sr. Executive Assistant/Communications Coordinator, gaining broad exposure to municipal operations, policy implementation, and organizational strategy.
This individual will have a trong interest in local government and public service, with the ability to quickly learn standard office practices, procedures, equipment, and business writing. The individual must possess the bility to: organize information, prepare accurate reports and data visualizations from multiple sources, and manage several concurrent projects and deadlines with independent judgment; communicate clearly and professionally — in writing and in person — with the public, elected officials, and staff at all levels; establish and maintain effective working relationships, exercise tact and sound judgment in public-facing situations, and thrive in a fast-paced office with shifting priorities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS
The minimum performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following functions/tasks:
Special Project & Strategic Initiative Coordination — in close coordination with the Assistant to the City Manager
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Manages the Staunton Plan portal and performance dashboard, working across city departments to gather performance data and build clear visualizations that communicate progress on Council's strategic plan.
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Coordinates research and compiles information and analysis on special projects and policy questions as requested by the City Manager.
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Provides program and project support on large-scale projects, programs, special events, and activities directed by the City Manager; coordinates and monitors special projects assigned across departments.
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Gathers research, information, and data; performs or oversees data entry; summarizes data for presentations, including preparing graphs and charts. Creates and maintains project schedules and priority lists based on the City Manager's timeline.
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Provides administrative and research support to the Economic Mobility and Opportunity Specialist, gaining exposure to equity-focused programs and initiatives.
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Performs other related duties as assigned.
City Council Administrative Duties — in close coordination with the Sr. Executive Assistant
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Assists in preparing materials for submission to City Council, gaining direct insight into the local legislative and policy-making process.
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Performs administrative duties for the Mayor and City Council as needed.
City Manager's Office Administrative Duties
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Serves as a first point of contact for the City Manager's Office — answering and routing calls, welcoming visitors, and directing inquiries to the appropriate individual or department.
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Provides administrative support to the City Manager, City Attorney, Deputy City Manager, Assistant to the City Manager, and Sr. Executive Assistant.
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Develops PowerPoint presentations and other materials and correspondence as needed.
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Responds to routine inquiries from residents and staff, interprets general City policies and procedures, and determines when matters should be escalated to senior staff.
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Coordinates, prepares, and distributes the monthly citywide department Activity Report — a firsthand view into how every department operates.
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Maintains filing systems for office correspondence and records; ensures proper organization, retention, and disposition of records in compliance with City policy.
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Prepares a variety of documents, technical and statistical reports, and materials requiring knowledge of format and presentation.
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Processes invoices, creates purchase orders, and purchases office and general supplies, equipment, and materials.
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Responds to customer service emails and/or directs them to the appropriate department.
QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree required; coursework or a degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field is preferred. This position is designed as an entry point into municipal government administration — recent graduates are encouraged to apply, and prior local government experience is not required. Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Excellent benefits include participation in the Virginia Retirement System, paid-time off, group life insurance, medical insurance, and conference expenses.
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Grade: 12
Hiring Range: $55,000-$60,000 DOE/DOQ
Start Date: On or around mid September 2026
Reports To: City Manager
The recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Interested applicants should complete an online application to include a resume and cover letter. For questions or to request a complete job description, please contact:
Jonathan Venn, Chief Human Resources Officer
City of Staunton/Staunton City Schools
116 West Beverley St (Human Resources, 2nd Floor City Hall)
Staunton, VA. 24401
504-332-3914
[email protected]
Closing Date: August 18, 2026
The City of Staunton is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and is fully committed to the principles and practices of equal employment.
