NJ Civil Service Navigator

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

Code: 59869 State Unclassified Range: S98 (FY2026)

Executive Secretary falls in New Jersey's unclassified service: an appointing authority hires for it directly, without a civil service exam.

You can qualify with a bachelor's degree or, if you do not have one, by piling up more experience instead. State payroll currently lists about 21 people in the title, most of them at Law and Public Safety.

How to apply

  • No exam
    This title is not filled by examination

    Non-competitive, unclassified, and Senior Executive Service titles are appointed directly by the hiring agency rather than through a civil service exam. Apply directly to the agency below.

  • Agency posting

    Department of Law & Public Safety posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.

  • Agency posting

    Department of Health posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.

Who employs this title

State payroll records show 21 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $105,328. The agencies employing the most are:

  • Law and Public Safety (17)
  • Health and Senior Services (4)

Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.

Definition

Under the direction of the Director, Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Law and Public Safety, and of the members of a Board, as provided for in the statutes and the Administrative Code governing a particular Board, the Executive Secretary administers the operation of the Office of the Board. Supervises staff and work activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff.

Examples of work

Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Performs liaison functions between the Board and higher authorities, related agencies of government, professional organizations, institutions of professional education, registrants, applicants for license, and the public. Prepares the agenda for meetings of the Board, including collating and preparing summaries of matters for consideration. Prepares records and authenticates official minutes of all meetings. Implements directives and rulings of the Board through correspondence, conferences, research, and reports. Assists various Board committees in the accomplishment of assumed tasks. Instructs and supervises staff in the performance of their duties while developing knowledge of the profession, including education, experience, and examination requirements, parameters of legal responsibilities, elements of professional conduct, variety of illegal practices, etc. Conducts official performance evaluations. Supervises staff in the collection and maintenance of data files on architectural education in institutions of higher learning throughout the U.S. and in foreign countries, together with information on accreditation or regional approval. Reviews course and curriculum content; recommends evaluations for Board action to establish credits toward the educational requirements for admission to the licensing examinations. Supervises staff in the processing of applications and related documents on education and experience for admission to the licensing examinations. Reviews and evaluates applications; prepares summaries of qualifications of individuals with recommendations for Board approval or denial. Implements Board rulings. Contributes to the formulation of licensing examinations; reviews and evaluates the content of all tests with recommendations for Board acceptance or modification. Supervises staff in the administration licensing examinations, which includes scheduling dates, times, and locations; collecting fees; issuing admission documents such as notices and instructions; assigning proctors; and maintaining strict security of examination material. Develops procedures for scoring by the Board, ensuring objectivity through anonymity of examination submissions. Initiates review sessions for failing candidates, providing records and summaries for the Board's guidance. Supervises final administrative procedures for licensing of successful candidates, including collecting fees and issuing licenses and professional seals. Authenticates certificates of license and prepares press releases for use by higher authorities. Supervises staff in processing applications and related documents from licensees in other states who are seeking certification to practice in New Jersey. Analyzes and evaluates education, experience, and quality of examination to ensure equivalence to requirements in New Jersey. Prepares recommendations for Board action and implements rulings. Supervises staff in establishment and maintenance of essential files on each license and applicant for license. Authenticates cancellation or suspension of registration due to demise, forfeiture of license, retirement, voluntary withdrawal, or revocation. Supervises financial transactions of the Board and assumes responsibility for budgetary restraints. Authenticates receipt and deposit of fees for Board services. Authenticates vouchers for disbursements for all purposes: supplies, printing, equipment, examination materials, certificates, professional seals, travel expense reimbursement, board member compensation, etc. Reviews monthly cash reports and submits to the Board. Assists in the development of the budget, providing data and projecting future requirements. Initiates new or changes in forms, records, and procedures for improvement of operations. Supervises the preparation and publication of a Roster of Licensed Professionals. Supervises the preparation of periodic and special reports to higher authorities and legislative commissions; responds to surveys initiated by other states and national organizations. Reviews new and proposed legislation concerned with the profession or with activities which relate to the profession. Studies the potential impact and makes recommendations. Supervises staff in procedures and controls related to complaints, alleged illegal practices, or violations of law or rules. Initiates investigations through the Enforcement Bureau. Receives, reviews, and summarizes evidence collected, providing reports to the Board for consideration and action. Schedules and participates in informal hearings on violations and formal hearings on revocation or suspension of license. Maintains minutes of such proceedings and implements determinations of the Board. Issues letters charging violations and imposing penalties as provided for in the statute. Maintains continuous liaison with a Deputy Attorney General for advice, guidance, and for enforcement of Board rulings where court action is indicated. Represents the Board in court proceedings as required. Represents the Board at conferences on matters pertaining to licensing examinations including qualifications of education and experience, content of tests, grading procedures, reciprocity between states, continuing education, qualifications for license, rules for professional conduct, etc. Reports summaries and recommendations to the Board for consideration and determination. Prepares extensive correspondence and reports in the course of official duties. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.

Experience

Five years of comprehensive experience involving governmental or business administration, two years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques. Knowledge of the Board's function, authority, and purpose. Knowledge of the laws governing the practice of the discipline or occupation in New Jersey, what constitutes a violation of such laws, and illegal practices. Knowledge of the procedures used to process applications and related documents from licensees in other states who are seeking certification to practice in New Jersey. Knowledge of the process and procedures for administering licensing examinations. Knowledge of the rules as promulgated in the Administrative Code. Ability to supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the unit. Ability to organize and administer a professional Board. Ability to provide direction and motivation to subordinate staff. Ability to prepare extensive correspondence. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with supervisory officials, subordinates, members of the profession, members of other public agencies, and the public. Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute additional experience as indicated on a year-for-year basis, for the non-supervisory experience.