Assistant City Manager

POSITION PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the City Manager, provides assistance and support to the City Manager including analyzing and implementing policies, programs and procedures; serves as staff liaison for a variety of boards and commissions. Leads assigned municipal functions, services and activities while working closely with the City Manager; responds to and resolves public inquiries and complaints; and provides responsible staff assistance to the City Manager, City Commission and department heads.

Reporting to the City Manager, work is performed under general direction according to City policies and ordinances. Acts on behalf of the City Manager to relieve the Manager of administrative and operational matters, and may represent the Manager in intergovernmental meetings and community activities. Duties are carried out with considerable independence and latitude with the Manager being consulted on unusual situations. Work is evaluated through review of reports and activity summaries, conferences, and assessment of City operations effectiveness and efficiency. Performs a variety of special projects assigned by the Manager

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(This list is not to be treated as all inclusive.)

• Assist the City Manager in directing the daily operations of municipal government, ensuring exceptional service delivery and organizational excellence.
• Serve as Acting City Manager in the City Manager's absence, providing executive leadership and continuity of operations.
• Oversee multiple municipal departments, providing strategic leadership, operational guidance, and performance management.
• Direct and coordinate the City management team in activities involving inter-departmental work processes and citizen services.
• Lead complex, cross-departmental projects, including capital improvements, infrastructure planning and organizational initiatives.
• Develop and implement policies, programs, and initiatives that enhance the quality of life and maintain the community's high standards.
• Serve as project manager for a variety of special projects; facilitate project activities and resolve problems; develop and submit project reports to the City Manager.
• Negotiate contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and partnerships to achieve strategic objectives.
• Assist in the preparation of operating and capital budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency and long-term financial sustainability.
• Champion strategic planning initiatives that align municipal services with the City's long-term vision and priorities.
• Evaluate organization performance using data-driven metrics and implement continuous process improvements.
• Assist with employee development, organizational culture initiatives and succession planning.
• Promote transparency, accountability, and ethical governance throughout the organization.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with residents, business, developers, regional agencies and community organizations.
• Respond to citizen concerns with professionalism, diplomacy and a commitment to customer service.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of an MPA, M.S., M.A., or MBA in Management, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively more responsible municipal management experience, with at least 5 years of responsible experience as a municipal Department Director.
• ICMA credentialed status preferred.
• Valid Michigan Driver's License or ability to obtain one.

DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to deal with difficult situations; analyze complex situations, factors and information, and devise logical and sufficient plans and strategies. Ability to demonstrate integrity, ingenuity, inventiveness and independent judgment in the performance of duties.
• Ability to manage and prioritize routine, specialized and complex assignments and problems utilizing knowledge acquired through prior education, training, and professional experience.
• Ability to work independently under general policy direction, and direct and coordinate the activities of staff. Ability to conduct and manage effective and productive meetings of diverse groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with diverse audiences. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of officials, staff, outside agency personnel, community members, the media and general public.
• Ability to keep management and designated staff fully and accurately informed via accurate records and reports.
• Ability to foster innovation through the implementation of technology, digital services, and best practices in municipal government.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, electronic mail and Adobe products. Ability to master other software as needed, and operate office equipment.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours as required

TOTAL REWARDS:

• Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(a) and Retirement Health Savings

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED:

• Office space including desk, computer, and phone
• City laptop
• City keys
• City cell phone