Job Overview

The Office of the Senate Chief Clerk (SCC) provides nonpartisan advice and support to the Wisconsin State Senate and Senate Leadership on a variety of matters, including but not limited to: parliamentary procedure and processing of legislation, Senate budget and finances, facilities management, legal issues affecting the Senate, and Senate records. In addition to a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, the SCC offers an enjoyable work environment. 

We are located in the State Capitol building in beautiful downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Our office is walking distance away from the Monona Terrace, the Dane County Farmer’s Market, and historic State Street. 

The Legislative Human Resources Office is currently accepting applications for a Chief Clerk to join the Wisconsin State Senate. The annual salary range for this position is $101,652 - $155,016, dependent on skills, experience, and qualifications.

Responsibilities

• The ideal candidate should possess excellent interpersonal skills, as well as demonstrate outstanding communication ability (both written and verbal).
• They should possess excellent management/leadership skills and be willing and able to lead, direct, and supervise staff in the Chief Clerk’s office.
• The candidate must be willing and able to work in a nonpartisan environment, and he/she should be able to operate in a professional and confidential manner while working with Senators and senate staff in the performance of assigned duties.
• The candidate must also be familiar with parliamentary procedure and legislation in the Senate.

Qualifications

Knowledge/Experience Desired

• Ability to learn the rules and precedents of the Senate chamber;
• Ability to learn the legislative process;
• Knowledge of administrative principles and practices;
• Ability to manage and administer the Senate Chief Clerk’s Office in an impartial and nonpartisan manner;
• Knowledge of applicable computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs;
• Knowledge of state government;
• Ability to manage the Senate budget, which includes forty (40) individual office and salary budgets;
• Ability to act as the records custodian for the Senate, to manage public records requests for the Senate Chief Clerk’s office, and advise/be a resource to Senate offices on how to respond to records requests;
• Ability to work collaboratively with non-partisan service agencies, including creating the Senate’s biennial budget request with the Legislative Fiscal Bureau;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in the performance of assigned duties;
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the expectations of Legislators and the general public;
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with others;
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment;
• Ability to understand and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;
• Ability to prepare correspondence and administrative reports;
• Ability to be resourceful and act independently; and,
• Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or concerns.

Work Environment

Under the supervision of the Committee on Senate Organization, this position serves as Parliamentarian for the Senate, the Clerk for the Committee on Senate Organization, and provides nonpartisan advice to Senate leadership on behalf of the Senate. This position also directs and supervises the Senate Chief Clerk staff, as well as oversees the purchasing, accounting, and general business functions of the Senate.

Benefits

This position receives the same fringe benefits available to other State of Wisconsin employees. For more information related to benefits, please visit website.

About the Organization

The Office of the Senate Chief Clerk (SCC) provides nonpartisan advice and support to the Wisconsin State Senate and Senate Leadership on a variety of matters, including but not limited to: parliamentary procedure and processing of legislation, Senate budget and finances, facilities management, legal issues affecting the Senate, and Senate records.

How to Apply

Special Note The candidate hired for this position will also need to go through the process of being elected by the full Senate prior to assuming the position. We are seeking candidates who are legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require employer visa sponsorship now or in the future. A background check will be conducted on all finalists prior to an offer of employment. Please send your current resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in this position to [email protected] by Wednesday January 22, 2025.