The Job Description
Now that you have a sense of the vast array of appointed positions available in almost every subject matter, you can appreciate how the type and demands of the work vary from position to position.
The Work
There are some commonalities in the job description for appointed leaders. Appointed officials generally focus on a single area and advise on policies for the legislative and executive bodies they serve. Appointed leaders also often adjudicate disputes, perform many of the same research and coalition-building tasks as elected officials and implement policy from city hall, the state legislature or other governing bodies.
Public service requires a commitment of time and talent. Your position may require infrequent meetings only a few times a year or you may be appointed to a full-time position.
*Adapted from Women's Campaign Forum's Companion Notebook
Sample Job Descriptions:
| Role: | The Commission advises the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs on arts and cultural policy, advocates for arts initiatives and approves funding awards to artists and organizations. |
| Office holders: | Includes leaders in the business and educational community, artists, arts professionals and residents with diverse backgrounds and strong links to Seattle’s cultural sector |
| Commitment: | Part-time, 1.5 hr/month |
| Renumeration: | Unpaid |
| Apponted by: | The Mayor |
| Term | 2 years, able to be appointed for 3 terms in total |
New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission
| Role: | The Landmarks Preservation Commission is responsible for protecting and preserving New York City’s architecturally, historically and culturally significant buildings and sites. |
| Office holders: | 11 Commissioners, which must include at least three architects, a historian, a realtor, a planner or landscape architect, as well as a representative of each borough. |
| Commitment: | Part-time, meetings several time/month |
| Renumeration: | Unpaid |
| Apponted by: | The Mayor |
| Term | 3 years |
Gaithersburg, Maryland City Manager
| Role: | The City Manager manages Gaithersburg’s administrative operations in accordance with policies and procedures set forth by the City Council, with a professional staff of 258 full time employees and City budget of $52.3 million. |
| Office holders: | Background in community development and collaboration. |
| Commitment: | Full-time |
| Renumeration: | Starting salary: $165,000 |
| Apponted by: | The City Council |
| Term | Indefinite |
