Chief of Staff

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Chief of Staff to serve as her chief advisor and to oversee all operations for the Second District Board Office.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Chief of Staff plans and directs the day-to-day strategic and operational functions of the Supervisor’s entire office. The Chief of Staff is responsible for the management of the Supervisor’s staff located at 6 offices including the downtown Los Angeles office and five community offices. This position reports to the Supervisor any personnel, budget or operational concerns.

The Chief of Staff also has responsibility for developing County policy issues, managing Second District Board office staff (including policy, constituent engagement, and administrative staff), and leading policy discussions that incorporate community and stakeholder input. This position is engaged with local policy issues through various County departments and commissions, other local governments, the state and federal government, and statewide and national associations including the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), the National Association of Counties (NACo), and National Association of Black County Officials (NABCO).

Specific duties include:

• Oversee operations by directing workload distribution, conducting evaluations, and managing performance issues.
• Supervise the delivery of constituent services, development of capital projects, public outreach, online and social media communications, and liaison with community organizations.
• Direct and manage day-to-day operations of 60 Second District staff members and offices.
• Develop and implement strategic priorities to enhance the services to constituents.
• Develop priorities for the Board office and communicate them with CEO and County departments.
• Coordinate and host community meetings and annual events.
• Ensure proper training for all Second District staff.
• Serve as liaison between the Board of Supervisors and County departments, other Board offices, community groups and other stakeholders.
• Prepare, review, and approve correspondence on behalf of the Supervisor.
• Develop, review, and approve policy recommendations to the Supervisor.
• Represent the Supervisor at events giving public speeches on policy issues.
• Manage the Supervisor’s discretionary funds to benefit the Second District.

EXPERIENCE

Qualified candidates for this position should have all of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher, in Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy, Communications or a related field. A graduate degree in a related field or law degree is preferred.
• Five years of management experience in a public or non-profit organization with responsibility over general operations which should include any of the following areas: budget, personnel, communications, policy development, legislative processes and relationship building with private, public and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in communicating, in writing or orally, in public meetings to testify or share information on matters relevant to elected officials and the public.
• Demonstrated experience developing strategic plans and advising elected officials on government affairs and public outreach on policy issues such as human services, public health, economic development, homelessness and housing, justice reform, arts, transportation, environmental, and any other issue impacting local government.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Qualified candidates should possess these core competencies to be successful in this role:

Equity-Centered Leadership

• Integrates high ethical standards, racial justice and equity principles into strategy, programs, and culture.
• Champions and advances inclusive practices and co-governance approaches.
• Demonstrates cultural humility and a commitment to learning and inclusive leadership.

Strategic Leadership

• Shapes visionary long-term direction aligned with the elected official’s equity and community co-governance vision.
• Anticipates political, organizational, and community impacts when setting priorities.
• Provides thought partnership to high performing senior leadership and policy teams.

Political & Organizational Acumen

• Navigates complex governmental systems with sound judgment focused on equity.
• Understands timing, stakeholder dynamics, and the broader political landscape.

Executive Decision-Making

• Makes high-stakes decisions quickly and responsibly.
• Balances competing demands while maintaining fairness and transparency.

Relationship & Stakeholder Management

• Builds trust with senior leaders, County departments, community partners, and constituents.
• Communicates effectively across diverse audiences and sensitive contexts with diplomacy and professionalism.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Models the values, expectations, and culture of the office.
• Coaches senior staff, manages conflict, and fosters a high-performance culture.
• Leads with emotional intelligence, clarity, and accountability.
• Fosters a culture of growth, collaboration across teams and political awareness.

Operational Excellence & Fiscal Stewardship

• Ensures smooth, compliant, and efficient internal operations.
• Brings discipline to processes, approvals, and administrative systems.
• Oversees budgets and special funds with integrity and strategic intent.
• Makes resource decisions that reflect priorities, equity, and public responsibility.

Crisis & Issue Management

• Responds effectively to urgent, controversial, or politically sensitive situations.
• Maintains composure and alignment across teams during high-pressure moments.

Public Representation & Communication

• Represents the elected official with professionalism and alignment to their values.
• Communicates complex issues clearly in public, internal, and cross-departmental settings.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Annual Salary Range: $177,711.95 - $292,158.53

The appointee will receive an annual salary, commensurate with their qualifications as well as an excellent program of benefits that allow employees to choose the benefits that meet their specific needs.

The package includes:

• Retirement Plan - New appointees will participate in a contributory defined benefit plan.
• Cafeteria Benefit Plan - The County funds its cafeteria plan using tax-free contribution of an additional 14.5% to 17% of the employee’s monthly salary.
• Non-Elective Days - Ten (10) paid days per year with the option to buy an additional 1 to 20 elective annual leave days.
• Flexible Spending Accounts - In addition to tax-free medical and dependent care spending accounts, the County contributes $75 per month to an employee’s dependent care spending account.
• Savings Plan (401k) - Optional tax-deferred income plan that may include a County matching contribution up to 4% of employee’s salary.
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457b) - Optional tax-deferred income plan that may include a County matching contribution up to 4% of employee’s salary.
• Holidays - Thirteen (13) paid days per year.

HOW TO APPLY

The Supervisor is currently accepting submissions from qualified and interested individuals from February 20, 2026 through March 9, 2026.

Please provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references in one pdf document that can be submitted via email. Please save file with the following file name: [First Name] [Last Name] – Chief of Staff. Send the pdf to Kirk Shelton at kshelton@bos.lacounty.gov with the subject line: “Chief of Staff Recruitment”

Please provide a writing sample of your choice that demonstrates your writing skills.

Only the most qualified candidates, as determined by the screening process, will be invited to participate in the interview process.

An Equal Opportunity/ADA Employer

The appointee will receive an annual salary, commensurate with their qualifications as well as an excellent program of benefits that allow employees to choose the benefits that meet their specific needs.

The package includes:

• Retirement Plan - New appointees will participate in a contributory defined benefit plan.
• Cafeteria Benefit Plan - The County funds its cafeteria plan using tax-free contribution of an additional 14.5% to 17% of the employee’s monthly salary.
• Non-Elective Days - Ten (10) paid days per year with the option to buy an additional 1 to 20 elective annual leave days.
• Flexible Spending Accounts - In addition to tax-free medical and dependent care spending accounts, the County contributes $75 per month to an employee’s dependent care spending account.
• Savings Plan (401k) - Optional tax-deferred income plan that may include a County matching contribution up to 4% of employee’s salary.
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457b) - Optional tax-deferred income plan that may include a County matching contribution up to 4% of employee’s salary.
• Holidays - Thirteen (13) paid days per year.