EXECUTIVE SECRETARY BOARD OF REVIEW
Executive Secretary Board of Review sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
It lists a bachelor's degree as the baseline, with an experience-based path open to those who do not hold the degree. Pay on the FY2026 schedule runs $101,708 to $150,105.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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 an Assistant Commissioner within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, assists the Board of Review operations by supervising the activities of both professional and clerical support staff in investigating evidence of appeals of decisions rendered by the Appeal Tribunal, making recommendations to the Board of Review, and preparing the scheduling appeals for formal hearing; does related work as required.
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. Approves employee leave time and timesheets. Organizes assigned supervisory, administrative, technical, and other related work, and develops effective work procedures. On a temporary basis, acts as Board Member should there not be a quorum of Board Members to conduct hearings. Discusses appropriate assignments and instructions with the Board of Review Members. Prepares appeals for hearing by the Board of Review, including summarization of the facts and issues concerned, noting the questions involved, obtaining precedents, and preparing clear and concise recommendations for the Board Members to consider. Oversees the scheduling of appeals to be placed on the agenda for hearings by the Board. Makes arrangements with employers, attorneys, and the representatives of labor unions for the special handling of mass appeals. Makes periodic analysis of the backlog of appeals, and prepares recommendations concerning any revision, expansion, and modification of procedures when necessary. Reviews system data to determine possible workload trends and other factors which may affect the number and priority of appeals to be scheduled. Assists the Department in preparing statements of policy or procedures. Reviews pertinent court and state agency decisions relating to Unemployment Compensation, Temporary Disability, and Family Leave benefits. Oversees the preparations of requisitions and budget requests for needed personnel, equipment, materials, and supplies. Drafts detailed and technical correspondence. Prepares operational and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Supervises the establishment and maintenance of the essential Board of Review records and files. 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.
License
Appointees 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 the procedures used in planning for the scheduling of mass appeals of disputes. Knowledge of the statistical and other procedures and methods used in preparing studies and reviews. Ability to understand, comprehend, analyze, interpret, and apply the rules, regulations, and quasi-judicial and other procedures of the Board of Review and of pertinent court and state agency decisions in the field of unemployment compensation, temporary disability and family leave benefits and apply them in accordance with established Division and Board regulations. Ability to understand and follow proper procedures involved in the handling of benefit appeals and in preparing appeals for hearing by the Board, and in preparing concise and informative summaries for the use of the Board of Review. Ability to understand and follow proper procedures involved in the handling of benefit appeals and in preparing appeals for hearings by the Board, and in preparing concise and informative summaries for the use of the Board of Review. Ability to give appropriate assignments and instructions to individuals and groups and supervise the performance of their work. Ability to locate and review pertinent court and state agency decisions in the field of unemployment compensation and disability benefits. Ability to supervise the handling of benefit claims appeals, to prepare and schedule cases for hearing, and to make suitable arrangements with employers, union officers, and employees for mass appeals when labor disputes arise. Ability to prepare analyses of caseloads and work procedures and recommendations for needed revision, expansion, and/or modification of existing Board of Review policies and procedures. Ability to plan, make, and direct the making of special studies of varied types, including labor markets, labor trends, labor disputes, labor problems, and the incidence of seasonal, female, veteran, and other employment trends as they may affect future Board of Review decisions. Ability to prepare statements of policy for the use of the Appeals Examiners and other studies and summaries as may be required. Ability to draft extensive technical correspondence. Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of the essential Board of Review records and files. 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
Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Eight (8) years of professional supervisory experience in appeals work, or in similar work involving planning and directing the collection and analysis of extensive and complex factual data and its interpretation in view of established policies and procedures. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.