City Clerk and Clerk of Council

An Overview

The City Clerk and Clerk of Council is responsible for attending all City Council meetings, records and transcribes the official actions of Council, maintains official records, and notifies others of action taken. The incumbent in this position operates the Office of the City Clerk in an efficient manner, and provides guidance and supervision to a small support staff. Tasks are performed under the general supervision of the City Mayor and Members of City Council.

The Opportunity

Assists in the preparation of the Council docket, notifies persons when they are to appear at meetings, and assures that required documents are assembled and disseminated to Council members, City staff the City Manager, departments, the press, and to citizens, and reviews agenda (docket) items submitted by departments;

Attends City Council meetings and records proceedings, drafts minutes, and secures Council approval;

Responds to citizens’ inquiries and complaints, or refers to appropriate department;

Advertises, keeps rosters for and facilitates appointments to the City’s 55 boards, commissions, and committees; and responds to inquiries from the public and staff on public meeting requirements;

Provides certified copies of Council meeting minutes, City Codes, supplements, and ordinances and resolutions for purpose by the public;

Advertises legal notices pertaining to appeals of actions taken by the Planning Commission and Board of Architectural Review

Performs research for Council, City Manager, departments, and citizens, as well as prepares and publishes final copies of reports, ordinances, and resolutions;

Occasionally prepares verbatim transcripts for Council members and City Manager;

Performs related work as required.

The Ideal Candidate

To qualify for this position, all candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in public or business administration or a related field; at least five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative experience at a level equivalent to Deputy City Clerk; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Additionally, all candidates must possess or obtain a certification as a Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) within three years of employment. Preference is given to a CMC or Master Municipal Clerk (MMC).

To be considered as an ideal candidate, one’s application should demonstrate they possess knowledge of the regulations and procedures which concern the preparation of official documents and reports; thorough knowledge of State and local ordinances pertaining to Council proceedings; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Mayor, Members of Council, department heads and staff members, and with the general public; thorough knowledge of the organization and functions of local government; the ability to take and transcribe dictation; and the ability to provide supervision to subordinate staff.

Note: This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to a criminal background check.

About the Department

The Office of the City Clerk is responsible for the production and distribution of dockets and supporting materials for Council meetings, as well as receiving applications for Council consideration for appointments to City boards and commissions. The City Clerk keeps a record of the proceedings of meetings of Council and keeps a record of all approved ordinances and resolutions and reports presented to Council for consideration. If you are curious for a broader view, click the City of Alexandria to learn more about our great City.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

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