Branford
Job Description Position Purpose: The Town Clerk is responsible for planning, organizing, and administering the statutory and charter-mandated duties of the Office of the Town Clerk and Registrar of Vital Statistics. The position requires a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, organization, and the exercise of independent judgment in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes, the Town Charter, and applicable regulations. The Town Clerk serves as a key public-facing official and custodian of the Town’s permanent records. Essential Job Functions: The duties listed below are illustrative of the principal responsibilities of the position and are not intended to be all-inclusive: • Plans, organizes, and administers the daily operations of the Town Clerk’s Office., • Coordinates and prepares narrative and statistical reports upon request., • Provides exceptional customer service to the public, including assisting with locating records, issuing permits and certificates, and conducting research in municipal archives., • Maintains and provides public access to official Town records in compliance with state laws and regulations., • Records, indexes, preserves, and safeguards municipal land records, surveys, and maps., • Supervises the recording and indexing of land records using electronic records management systems., • Oversee the calculation and collection of conveyance taxes and notify the Assessor’s Office and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services of property transfers., • Issues certified copies of public records., • Acts as custodian of the Town Seal and the Registrar of Vital Statistics seal., • Posts legal meeting notices in-house and on the Town website., • Supervises the filing of calendars, agendas, and minutes for all Town boards and commissions in compliance with Freedom of Information Act requirements., • Maintains official records including ordinances, oaths, appointments, petitions, minutes, agendas, notices, trade names, liquor permits, and military discharges., • Maintains accurate and current records of all board and commission memberships, including term tracking, eligibility verification, and reappointment processing., • Manages all duties related to Justices of the Peace and Notaries Public, including maintaining current lists, overseeing the selection process for unaffiliated Justices of the Peace, issuing certificates of authority, recording notary public signatures, and administering oaths of office to elected and appointed officials., • Maintains official copies of Town budgets, audits, and annual reports., • Prepares and administers the department operating budget, including planning for capital expenditures, and submits the budget to the Director of Finance., • Applies annually for the Connecticut State Library targeted grant, administers approved projects, and submits required final reports., • Receives writes, summonses, and complaints as the designated agent for the Town., • Serves as Registrar of Vital Statistics, registering, recording, and maintaining vital records including births, deaths, marriages, burials, removals, and adoptions; corrects and amends records as authorized; and issues certified copies., • Coordinates the publication of public legal notices., • Oversee the financial recording and issuance of canine licenses, and shellfish permits; prepares required monthly and annual reports for Town and State agencies., • Serve as an election official, including voter registration; preparation of ballots and legal notices; issuance of absentee ballots; filing of campaign finance statements for local elections; compilation and certification of election results; and submission of results to the Secretary of the State., • Attends annual and special Town Meetings; prepares meeting materials and ballots; files and posts official minutes and provides procedural advise as needed., • Performs all duties required of the Town Clerk under Connecticut General Statutes., • Performs related work as required. Supervision Scope: Performs responsible duties requiring independent judgment and initiative in planning, organizing and directing the work of the office. Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of the First Selectperson. Performance is reviewed through conferences, meetings, reports, and evaluation of overall effectiveness. Supervision Given: Provides direct supervision and direction to Town Clerk Office staff. Minimum Required Qualifications: Education, Training and Experience: • Associate’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, or a related field preferred., • Minimum of four (4) years of experience working in a Town or City Clerk’s Office preferred., • Certification by the Connecticut Town Clerks Association (CTCA), or ability to obtain certification within a specified timeframe., • Comprehensive knowledge of municipal land records, local, state, and federal election laws, practices, and procedures, with an emphasis on compliance and transparency., • Working knowledge of Connecticut licensing requirements and fee schedules administered by municipalities, including electronic payment and reporting systems., • Ability to plan, initiate, organize, and complete municipal programs and projects, leveraging technology for efficiency and public accessibility., • Proficiency in digital office tools and platforms, including advanced word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software; experience with electronic records management systems, cloud-based collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft 365, Teams), and familiarity with cybersecurity best practices., • Ability to maintain accurate financial records and administer an operating budget, including use of financial management software., • Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to coach and develop staff., • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines., • Advanced decision-making and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess situations quickly and accurately using data-driven insights., • Mathematical proficiency, including accurate calculations and prorations, supported by spreadsheet and financial tools., • Ability to maintain complex records and process specialized forms and applications., • Commitment to confidentiality and data security, particularly in handling sensitive Town records and personal information., • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including virtual meeting facilitation and professional email etiquette; ability to work cooperatively and courteously with officials, employees, and the public, and remain calm and professional in stressful or emergency situations. Special Requirements: Managerial, administrative and other work is performed in moderately noisy office conditions. Coordination, reporting and presentations are conducted in- conference and in large meeting rooms. Attend various meetings when assigned. Requires the operation of vehicles, telephones, computers, copiers, facsimile machines, and other standard office equipment. Errors in judgment or omissions could result in delays of services or rework, monetary loss, and legal ramifications. Has access to confidential information such as personnel records, litigation, and collective bargaining issues. 40 hours per week Monday to Friday Some night meetings required