The Chief of Staff
Published: Mar 10, 2009
Read more excerpts or purchase the guideDiscuss government careers at the Government Career Message BoardDiscuss non-profit careers at the Non-profit Career Message BoardThe highest ranking staff member of a congressional is the chief of staff (or administrative assistant as the position is also known). As the principal advisor to the Member of Congress, the Chief of Staff plays a variety of roles in the Member's office, including managing operations of the office, monitoring political developments in Washington and the home district or state, consulting with local government officials, and leading special projects for the Member.
Advancement to the chief of staff position requires strong political instincts, effective management abilities, and an ability to foster a strong sense of trust with the Member of Congress. There is no one clear cut path to a chief of staff position. Many new Members bring a trusted advisor with them to lead their offices while others hire an experienced Washington hand, perhaps a high level staffer from a Member of their home state's Congressional delegation. Established Members will often promote from within to fill vacancies while others may bring back a trusted staffer who had joined the private sector.
Given the variety of sources that Members can tap to choose their top aides, there is a high level of variability in advancing on Capitol Hill to a chief of staff position. In fact, many of the top congressional staffers never assume chief of staff responsibilities because they either don't want the administrative duties or would have to reduce their focus on their areas of expertise. However, many more staffers to aspire to the chief of staff position as the capstone to their careers on Capitol Hill.
This article is excerpted from the Vault Guide to Capitol Hill Careers. Read more excerpts or purchase the guideDiscuss government careers at the Government Career Message BoardDiscuss non-profit careers at the Non-profit Career Message Board