Clerk to the Council, Grade 15

The City Council of Glenarden is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Clerk to the Council to provide administrative, legislative, and records management support to the City Council. The Clerk is responsible for maintaining accurate and complete records of all City Council. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining accurate and complete records of all Council proceedings, including Regular and Special Meetings, Public Hearings, and Work Sessions, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

This position ensures the proper preparation, execution, recording, codification, and distribution of official documents, including ordinances, resolutions, proclamations, municipal codes, and the City Charter. The Clerk serves as a key liaison between the City Council, City departments, external agencies, and the public, and plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, compliance, and the efficient operation of Council business. This position reports directly to the City Council.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

Council Work Sessions

• Assists the Council in preparing agendas and related materials for work session discussions.
• Prepares meeting notes identifying follow-up actions and responsible individuals.
• Distributes meeting materials to the Council, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Treasurer by the Wednesday following each session.

Council Meetings

• Assists Council in preparing the agenda, resolutions, and ordinances.
• Prepares ordinances and resolutions for codification.
• Prepares meeting packets for Council, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Treasurer, residents and guest of the City.
• Records and transcribes meeting minutes for Council approval at the next scheduled meeting.
• Ensures that all Council actions are legally advertised and that public notice requirements are met.

Meeting Minutes Requirements (per the Open Meetings Act)

• Processes and makes meeting minutes available as soon as practicable after a public body meets, and no later than the next meeting, in compliance with Section 3-306(b)(1) of the Open Meetings Act.
• Retains copies of approved minutes and any related audio or video recordings for a minimum of five (5) years, as required by the Open Meetings Act.
• Ensures that minutes from one meeting are presented for approval at the next regular meeting,* following the call to order and opening ceremonies, in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.*

General Responsibilities

• Maintains custody of all official Council documents, reports, papers, and files.
• Ensures proper legislative procedures are followed for the enactment of ordinances and resolutions.
• Drafts and responds to official correspondence as directed by the City Council.
• Maintains and coordinates the City Council calendar.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for logistical coordination and participate in City-sponsored events, including but not limited to Glenarden Day, Shred Day, Heal City events, holiday events, community distribution programs and all other City-Council events.
• Serves as a liaison between the City Council, City departments, and external governmental agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, or a close related field.
• Specialized training our coursework in municipal government, records management, or legislative processes is highly desirable.

Certificates and Licenses

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Notary Public certification required within six (6) months of appointment.
• Maryland Clerk Certification is strongly preferred.
• Membership in the Maryland Municipal Clerks Association preferred.
• Membership in the International Institute of Municipal Clerks preferred.

Experience:

• More than five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a City/Council Clerk’s Office or a governmental organization; comparable experience in the private sector may be considered, mandatory.
• One (1) year of direct experience in municipal records management, comparable to the private sector experience maybe considered.
• Extensive experience supporting legislative processes, including the preparation, tracking, and codification of ordinances, resolutions, and official Council actions.
• Experience administering records management systems, including retention schedules, archiving, and ensuring legal compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to remain neutral and impartial when interacting with elected officials, staff, candidates, and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team in support of Council operations.
• Ability to learn, implement, and apply new software and technology to enhance operational efficiency.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, employees, external organizations, and the public.
• Ability to interact effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
• Thorough knowledge of municipal legislative processes, including the development, tracking, codification, and archival of ordinances and resolutions.
• Advanced knowledge of records management systems, including legal requirements for retention, archiving, and public access to records.
• Comprehensive knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws governing public meetings, public records, and transparency requirements.
• Knowledge of municipal codes, City Charter provisions, franchise agreements, and administrative policies related to Council operations.
• Knowledge of Section 11-E of the Annotated Code of Maryland as it relates to City Council responsibilities.
• Familiarity with virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, or similar technologies.

Desirable:

• Bilingual (Spanish) proficiency.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. EACH APPLICANT MUST INCLUDE INFORMATION THAT CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THE ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION.

This is a full-time permanent position. Days and hours of operations are Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 5:00p.m. The incumbent is expected to attend council meetings and expected to work evenings/weekends during City sponsored events. Compensatory time will be granted in accordance with City policy for any approved hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a workweek. Starting salary: $56,188 - $66,790 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience. If selected, the candidate must possess a driving record which provides responsible and lawful driving habits, must be able to successfully pass a fingerprint screening, background investigation, and a drug/alcohol screening Please submit your resume to Karen Shoultz by the closing date of June 5, 2026.

The City of Glenarden is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering and inclusive and professional work environment. Qualified candidates ae encouraged to apply.

Pay: $56,188.00 - $66,790.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person