Director of Records and Election Services (City Clerk)

Full Job Description

CITY CLERK

City of Santa Monica, California

Annual Salary: Up to $263,760

The Position

The City Clerk serves as Santa Monica’s chief steward of democratic processes and official records, operating at the center of governance, transparency, and public trust.

Reporting directly to the City Council and working closely with the City Manager and City Attorney, this civil service position plays a critical leadership role in ensuring that legislative actions, elections, public records, and civic engagement efforts are administered with integrity, accuracy, and professionalism.

This is a highly visible executive position requiring both technical mastery and political acumen.

The Clerk advises elected officials on complex procedural and compliance matters, prepares and manages legislative agendas, oversees municipal elections, including multiple concurrent elections, and ensures adherence to state and local laws governing open meetings, campaign reporting, and public transparency.

Beyond compliance, the Clerk is a strategic leader and organizational partner.

The role calls for someone who can confidently navigate governance issues, remain composed under pressure, and build strong working relationships across departments.

The Clerk must balance advocacy for their team with accountability and performance, champion modernization efforts, and help foster a cohesive “One Santa Monica” culture.

At its core, this position is about leadership in service of democracy, strengthening systems, supporting Council effectiveness, and ensuring the community has meaningful access to its government.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.

Candidates must also possess a minimum of seven years of increasingly responsible experience in performing complex administrative duties in a City Clerk’s department, or equivalent experience in a similar government agency, including five years of management or supervisory experience.

Experience in California is highly desirable.

Requires possession of the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) or the Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) certification issued by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for the City Clerk is currently under review and is anticipated to be up to $263,760 with an additional 5% PERSable incentive for employees who possess a master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

In addition, a 2% salary adjustment will take effect on July 1, 2026. Santa Monica offers a competitive benefits package outlined in the full posting here.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.com/opportunities. Applicants will complete a brief online form and will then be prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled, with a first review of applications beginning April 24, 2026.