Boxes Concept Map

Organizational Chart

ANALYSIS

for a

CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

scheduler

Congress Member

cheif of staff

policy

adminstration

communications

Legistlative Director

Communciations Director

Office Manager

Legislative Assistant

press secretary

staff Assistants

Legislative Coorespondent

Systems Adminstrator

Press Assistant

Write a great headline

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REFLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Directions: After reviewing the organizational chart, answer the following questions. You may answer these questions individually, with a partner, in small groups, or as a whole class.

• What are the key responsibilities of a Chief of Staff? How do they impact the overall effectiveness of the office?

• What is the significance of the Legislative Director in shaping a Congress member's legislative priorities?

• What strategies might a Communications Director employ to convey the Congress member's message effectively?
• The Press Secretary acts as a bridge between the Congress member and the media. What skills and qualities are essential for a Press Secretary to excel in their role?

• In what ways do the different roles complement each other to ensure the office functions efficiently?

• How do the various roles within a Congress member's office collaborate to achieve common goals?

• What civic virtues would each staff member need to use to effectively build consensus within the team?

• What civic virtues would the team need to use to build consensus with other congressional team members?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

Directions: Use the information from the flowchart to research your own representative’s staff. Find the names and titles of the people who support the work of your Congress member. You may use the previous reflection and analysis questions to help you understand their roles and responsibilities.

Chief of Staff

• Advises Congress member on political matters
• Establishes office policies and procedures
• Makes staffing decisions
• Manages budget and day-to-day responsibilities

Scheduler/ Scheduling Director

• Responsible for scheduling engagements
• Organizes and books travel plans

• Assists with the office’s finances

Legislative Director

• Establishes legislative priorities and strategy
• Oversees vote recommendations and drives new legislation
• Manages legislative assistants and correspondents

Legislative Assistant

• Conducts research on legislation
• Manages office mail

Legislative Coorespondent

• Conducts research on legislation
• Drafts correspondence to constituents

Communications Director

• Implements Congress member communications strategy
• Manages press team
• Serves as Congress member’s official spokesperson

Press Secretary

• Fields media requests
• Executes media strategy
• Drafts Congress member’s speeches

Press Assistant

• Sends press releases and pitches media for coverage
• Compiles press clippings on the Congress member or issues that are important to the member’s legislative portfolio

Office Manager

• Oversees office needs
• Manages paperwork and compliance matters

Staff Assistants

• Answers phones and handles word processing, filing, and emails
• Greets visitors in the reception area
• Handles other general requests

Systems Adminstrator

• Oversees office technology, software, and cybersecurity
• Manages subscriptions and passwords
• Ensures that the office aligns with guidelines