PD_GENERIC_White-House-Liaison

Position Description

White House Liaison

Overview

Position Type
Varies¹ _{2016 plum book}

Position Overview

Each department and agency has a White House Liaison Office that exists to deal with political appointees and coordinate with the Office of Presidential Personnel.² _{http://foreignpolicy.com/2013/02/28/want-to-work-in-the-white-house/}

Compensation

Varies³ _{2016 plum book}

Position Reports to

The Chief of Staff typically

Responsibilities

Management Scope

The White House liaison typically has a small staff, if any. This appointee generally relies on the chief human capital office staff for support.

Primary Responsibilities

® Coordinates directly with the White House in the hiring, retention and transition of the department’s political appointees⁴ _{https://www.commerce.gov/directory/laurenleonard}
® Helps handle the logistics and paper process of appointments, once top candidates have been identified

Strategic Goals and Priorities

[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration]

Requirements and Competencies

Requirements

® Political or campaign experience, for a position typically held by someone early in his or her career

Competencies

® Strong communication and interpersonal skills
® Ability to handle sensitive matters
® Ability to work in a matrixed agency
® Smart, thoughtful, discreet and thorough

Past Appointees

Lauren Leonard (Department of Commerce) (2014 to 2017): Deputy Director, Office of Recovery for Automotive Communities and Workers, Department of Labor⁵ _{https://www.commerce.gov/directory/laurenleonard}
Miguel L’Heureux (SBA) (2015 to 2017): Economics Director, Office of Presidential Personnel; Compliance Attorney, Presidential Inaugural Committee; Western Regional Voter Protection Coordinator, Obama for America⁶ _{LinkedIn profile}
Esther Morales (EPA) (2014 to 2016): Associate Director of Policy, Office of the First Lady; Intergovernmental Affairs Advisor, Department of Energy; Special Assistant, Department of Health and Human Services⁷ _{LinkedIn profile}
The Partnership’s Center for Presidential Transition helps ensure the efficient transfer of power that our country deserves. The Center’s Ready to Govern· initiative assists candidates with the transition, works with Congress to reform the transition process, develops management recommendations to address our government’s operational challenges, and trains new political appointees.