Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff

Job Description

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff

Department: Executive

Job Title: Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff

Department: Executive

Reports To: Chief of Staff

FLSA Status: Exempt

Grade: G

Drafted Date: August 21, 2026

 
Summary

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority is seeking a Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff to support strategic priorities and cross-departmental initiatives within the Executive office. This position requires strong judgment and written comprehension, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable formats. The role moves quickly, and priorities can shift on short notice, so the ideal candidate is resourceful and flexible. The Special Assistant will be an important thought partner in the Executive office.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. This job description does not restrict management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time for any reason.

• Support special projects and strategic initiatives assigned by the Chief of Staff.
• Coordinate cross-departmental projects for the Executive office, tracking deliverable completion.
• Review and summarize materials — including memos, planning documents, RFPs, and correspondence — flagging issues that require the Chief of Staff's attention.

• Coordinate preparation for briefings, community forums, and internal strategy sessions, collaborating with internal teams and resources as needed.
• Prepare agendas, talking points, and briefing memos for internal and external meetings.
• Serve as a liaison between the Chief of Staff's office, other departments, and outside stakeholders.
• Manage confidential and sensitive information with sound judgment.

 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Supervision is provided by the Chief of Staff and includes training, inspecting, assigning work, coaching, and performance evaluation. Expected to work independently, with moderate day-to-day supervision. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Although this position does not have any direct reports and does not have input into performance, wages, disciplinary actions, or working conditions, it does require oversight of others' work, including training, guiding, mentoring, and coordinating work.

 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

MINIMUN ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, communications, the humanities, urban planning, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of experience in executive support, chief of staff work, project management, or a comparable senior-level role.
• Strong reading comprehension and analytical skills, with the ability to process and summarize complex documents.
• Experience with a public authority, municipal government, or other government agency.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Demonstrated discretion in handling confidential information.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Background or academic training in urban planning, city development, community engagement, communications, or public policy.
• Some familiarity with public board governance, open meetings requirements, or public procurement processes.
• Experience supporting C-suite or executive-level leadership.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Sound judgment and discretion.
• Strong prioritization and time management
• Clear, professional written and oral communication
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage shifting priorities.
• Collaborative, low-ego approach to supporting leadership.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 
All positions within the MCCA are designated as on-site roles. As such, this position requires in-person attendance five days per week. Remote or hybrid work arrangements are not part of MCCA's operational model. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.