Job Details

City of Portland - City Clerk

Position Number: 6792268
Location: Portland, ME
Position Type: Other Administrative Positions

City of Portland - City Clerk

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. This includes 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, click here.

The ideal candidate for this role is not only efficient and technically skilled, but also deeply committed to transparent and efficient operations while building and leading a diverse, high-performing team. They excel in connecting with people at all levels and demonstrate public service in all of their actions. Their leadership style fosters an inclusive, positive, and growth-oriented environment, and understands the importance of nurturing talent within the team, providing mentorship and support while encouraging innovation and continuous improvement.

As a strategic thinker, the right candidate is adept at balancing multiple priorities while ensuring that the needs of the organization align with its broader goals. They value relationships, building strong partnerships both within the team and across departments to ensure collaboration and alignment.

Required Skills & Experience:

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 the following areas: 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 the 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. Must be proficient in web-based technical software applications, Microsoft Office software and Google G-Suite applications, and have the ability to learn the City's tools for agenda management, Boards and Commissions, and Elections.
Ability to work extended hours and to 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.

Salary & Benefits:

The City Clerk's salary is set annually by the City Council, and the salary range for this position starts at $130,000 and is dependent on experience. The City has a generous employee benefits package, and more information on our benefits can be found at www.portlandmaine.gov/Benefits.

City benefits include:

Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives
Thirteen paid holidays
Sick, vacation, and personal leave
Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances
Choice of retirement plans, including a pension plan
Use of City recreation facilities
Fitness Reimbursement
Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College
Relocation assistance available, if applicable

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, please email Human Resources at jobs@portlandmaine.gov or call 207-874-8624.

The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email hrinfo@portlandmaine.gov.

To apply, visit https://selfservice.portlandmaine.gov/ess/EmploymentOpportunities/JobDetail.aspx?req=358&sreq=10&form=5000&desc=CITY%20CLERK