1. CEO, Choose New Jersey - You answer directly to the Lt. Governor and the CEOs of more than a dozen of New Jersey's most important firms, including Verizon, South Jersey Gas, Novartis, Bank of America, United Water, American Water, PSEG and Prudential. Oh, and by the way, they have already given $7 million toward the effort so your six-figure salary is secure. You better hurry on this one. The search is underway and may be nearing a selection.
2. President, Healthcare Institute of New Jersey - Great job, huge shoes to fill. The Presidency of HINJ, which was left vacant by the tragic death of former Congressman Bob Franks is still vacant. You report directly to the CEO's of the state's pharmaceutical and medical device companies and you inherit one of the most professional staffs in New Jersey. See note above regarding hurrying.
3. President, New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce - Looking for instant prestige? This is your job. The President of the State Chamber automatically qualifies for a large stage and huge microphone. People listen when you speak. Just be careful what you say. Good pay, great board.
4. First Vice President, New Jersey Business and Industry Association - This is the position vacated when longtime NJBIA senior executive Art Maurice left to take a position at a lobbying firm. Answerable only to the President and the Board, this key New Jersey player has traditionally played a key role in deciding where the very healthy NJBIA "New Jobs" Political Action Committee plays. Legislators care about this particular position.
5. Chief of Staff, Bergen County Executive - Kathe Donovan's "right hand." Largest county in the state; most important politically. This is a job that matters. The transition team was just announced. Take a look at who is on it and see who you know. If you have questions about what the job entails, give Jerry Binney a call up at the DeCotiis firm. He did it longer than anyone else.
6. Commissioner of Education, State of New Jersey - It is still a good job with good benefits even if it does come with a whole host of built-in problems: Predecessor was a ticking time bomb; There is no money; The teachers are angry; Legislators call you ALL the time. But if you love policy and truly want to make a difference, this is the job for you. Credentials are key here. Political hacks need not apply.
7. Administrative Assistant, Congressman-elect Jon Runyan - Ready for a change of scenery, but with PAID trips back home to New Jersey? This is your job. Working for a Congressman on Capitol Hill is cool. Working for a "celebrity" Congressman on Capitol Hill is double-cool. Remember this fact of life: Politicians and the people who associate with them are sports and entertainment "groupies." And many sports and entertainment people are political junkies. (Can you say Sean Penn?) The Runyan office (probably on the fifth floor of the Cannon building) will be the epicenter of much of that commingling.
8. Director, Central Staff, Office of Legislative Services - This vacancy was recently created when longtime Director Glenn Moore retired. You answer to Albert Porroni and a Legislative Commission that meets every second or third Blue Moon. You inherit the single most professional expert staff in the nation.
Many thanks to Haskell Berman at HINJ for helping me compile this list.
We are down to seven. I was just informed that the Director, Central Staff, position at the Office of Legislative Services has been filled by Marvin Jiggets. Congrats Marvin!
ReplyDeleteDon
Still holding at seven, but the NJBIA position is being reconfigured and will have a different look. And the position reports to the Senior VP, NOT the President. That is better. She is nicer.
ReplyDeleteDon
How about Events Coordinator at the prestigious New Jersey Restaurant Association where 4-star events attract major politicos,dignitaries and celebrity chefs, and you become best friends with the most prominent restaurant owners around the Garden State. Your office is located directly across from the gold dome of the State House in the beautiful historic "Hospitality House"!
ReplyDelete