DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES (At-Will)

The City of National City is looking for a new Director of Administrative Services!

First Review Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 - Make sure to submit your application early! 

National City is changing as we speak — and a new leadership team is building the management structure to match. Join as the executive who brings sharp administrative, HR, and finance strategy to an organization with a warm culture and 383 employees who genuinely care.

THE CITY:   

The City of National City is a full-service, general law city serving a vibrant and socioeconomically diverse community. Its diverse population, mild climate, and central location make National City a great place to live, work, play, and do business. The City takes great pride in its rich history, strong bi-national relationships, and deep commitment to its residents, schools, neighborhoods, and thriving business districts.

As San Diego County’s second-oldest city, National City is truly at the center of it all. Located within a dynamic bi-national region of more than five million consumers, the City’s competitive advantage lies in its central location, robust transportation network, and diverse business industry. National City is just minutes from downtown San Diego, local beaches, San Diego International Airport, the U.S.–Mexico border, San Diego State University, and other colleges and universities.

National City is served by Interstates 5 and 805, as well as State Route 54, providing convenient access for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the region and into Mexico. Public transit options are readily available through the San Diego Trolley and the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), which serve National City seven days a week.

For more information on the City please visit our website at: www.nationalcityca.gov.

Connect with us on social media: National City Facebook|National City Instagram

THE POSITION:

Under general direction, plans, organizes, manages and provides administration direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Administrative Services Department, including human resources, risk management, finance, purchasing and information technology; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, officials, outside agencies and the public; provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as required.

•  Assume full management responsibility for all department services and activities including human resources, risk management, finance, purchasing and information technology.

• Manages the development and implementation of goals, objectives, and priorities for each assigned services area; recommend and administer policies and procedures.

• Establish within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.

• Plans, directs and coordinates, through subordinate level staff of assigned functions, work plans; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.

• Oversees all human resources functions and transactions, including recruitment, selection, evaluation, salary and benefits and other terms and conditions of employment; plans and administers the City's benefits and insurance plans and contracts.

• Represents the City in labor relations matters, including the meet-and-confer process, grievances, and related matters.

• Oversees risk management; ensures compliance with applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, municipal and other codes and ordinances; provides for the training of staff in risk management practices and procedures.

• Oversees all activities related to the City's accounting function, including the annual budget, accounting system, payroll, accounts payable and purchasing.

• Oversees the information technology function, including the purchase and implementation of new computer hardware and software, management of all computer servers, and ensuring the security of the City's IT system.

• Contributes to the overall quality of the department's service by developing, reviewing and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and City needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.

• Provides staff assistance to the City Manager; attend City Council meetings and participates on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.

• Represent the Administrative Services Department to other departments, elected officials and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.

• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of administrative services and other services as they relate to the area of assignment.

• Prepares, reviews and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the City Manager.

• Responds to difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints, and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards and internal controls for the department and assigned program areas.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and other written materials.
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate the work of staff.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

To be considered, please submit your resume and cover letter electronically via the online portal (NEOGOV).   

For additional information or questions, please contact Hailey Luscher,  Human Resources Analyst II.

The City of National City is an equal opportunity employer, values workforce diversity and seeks to create an environment and culture that embraces employee differences. All qualified applicants are considered.