Politics & Government

Shelby to Demand 'Larger Duties, Higher Qualifications' of New Deputy Supervisor

The new role of Shelby Township deputy supervisor will replace that of administrative assistant in the supervisor's office, taking on greater responsibilities in township communication and grant work.

Despite the role’s impressive-sounding name, the individual hired to serve as Shelby Township’s new “deputy supervisor” is expected to make approximately $7,000 less per year than the administrative assistant he or she replaces.

At the request of Supervisor Rick Stathakis, the township board voted 6-1 Tuesday to approve a $52,000 compensation package for the position of deputy supervisor.

Since January 2009, the supervisor’s office has consisted of two employees – the supervisor and a full-time administrative assistant. When that assistant retired in July 2012, a temporary employee was hired to perform basic office duties.

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Now looking to hire a permanent employee once again, Stathakis asked the board to approve a new position that would replace the role of administrative assistant with one bearing greater responsibility and demanding higher qualifications.

Stathakis said these new duties would include:

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  • Developing, implementing and managing a communications plan to increase communication with Shelby Township residents and promote “awareness and transparency”;
  • Working independently with township department directors to identify opportunities for township business and develop specific content to convey their message;
  • Assisting township departments to research, explore and cultivate grant-funding opportunities.

Candidates will be required to have a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business management or a related field plus four years experience in communication management. (The role of administrative assistant required only a high school diploma or equivalent and three years experience in a secretarial capacity.)

And whereas Stathakis’ previous administrative assistant earned $59,000 a year with benefits, the deputy supervisor will be capped at $52,000 a year for the remainder of the supervisor’s term in office.

The position will also be non-union, although it will receive benefits accorded general Shelby Township employees such as two weeks vacation, health care coverage, life insurance, long-term disability and a 401(a) defined contribution retirement plan.

Stathakis added that although the deputy supervisor would be an at-will employee, he does plan to bring a potential hire before the board for approval.

In response to resident concerns regarding the impact this new position would have on the supervisor’s own responsibilities, Stathakis said, "My duties will not change. My responsibilities will not change" and regardless of the "deputy" moniker, the position cannot have voting power on the board.

“Whatever you want to call it, I need an assistant,” Stathakis added.

While a timeline to fill the role has not been set, the supervisor said he will start accepting letters of interest and resumes immediately.

The supervisor's office is located at 52700 Van Dyke in Shelby Township.


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