City Clerk

Overview

The City of Portland is seeking its next City Clerk to help serve its diverse community. As a key member of the City’s leadership team, the Clerk reports directly to the nine-member City Council, including the Mayor. The City Clerk is responsible for managing the operations of the City Clerk’s Office, attending and facilitating all City Council meetings, managing membership of boards and commissions, and creating and maintaining all records of official acts of the Council.

The City of Portland has more than 54,000 registered voters, and it is the Clerk’s responsibility to manage voter registration and elections, including ranked-choice elections. The Clerk also administers the City’s Clean Elections Fund.

The Clerk’s office issues state and local licenses and permits, including marriage certificates, dog licenses, and others. They also keep and maintain all other vital records of City residents, including birth and death records. To learn more about the department, .

• Attend, facilitate, and summarize City Council meetings and related proceedings.
• Manage the operations of the City Clerk’s Office and governance processes for boards and commissions.
• Create and maintain all records of official acts of the Council.
• Oversee voter registration and elections, including ranked-choice voting.
• Administer the City’s Clean Elections Fund.
• Issue state and local licenses and permits (e.g., marriage certificates, dog licenses) and maintain vital records for City residents (birth/death records).

The ideal candidate for this role is efficient, technically skilled, and committed to transparent and efficient operations while building and leading a diverse, high-performing team. They excel in connecting with people at all levels, demonstrate public service, and foster an inclusive, positive, and growth-oriented environment. They nurture talent within the team, provide mentorship, support, and encourage innovation and continuous improvement.

As a strategic thinker, the right candidate balances multiple priorities and ensures the organization’s needs align with broader goals. They value relationships and build strong partnerships within the team and across departments to ensure collaboration and alignment.

• Ten years of professional experience in the municipal field with at least five years in a leadership role with significant supervisory and administrative responsibilities.
• Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred.
• Certified Clerk of Maine and Certified Municipal Clerk under the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, or the ability to obtain both certifications within two years of employment.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in:
  Parliamentary Procedures; state statutes relating to the duties and responsibilities of City Clerks, including voting regulations; recordkeeping and best practices; budgeting; personnel management; and strategic planning and management.
• Excellent ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City Councilors, Mayor, other City officials and employees, and the general public.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively speak with the public and the media.
• Excellent technology skills, including a demonstrated commitment to using digital tools and services to increase civic engagement. Proficiency in web-based software, Microsoft Office, Google G-Suite, and the ability to learn the City’s tools for agenda management, Boards and Commissions, and Elections.
• Ability to work extended hours and travel within the City during elections.
• Must be a United States citizen and resident of Maine.
• Experience in ranked-choice voting is highly desirable.

Please review our Recruitment Brochure for additional information on the City of Portland, the City Clerk role, and expectations.

This position is open until filled; however, a first review of resumes will occur on January 2, 2026. Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.

TO APPLY
, please visit our website to complete our online application and upload cover letter & resume by clicking…