Deputy City Manager
Position Summary:
View our recruitment flyer here - Deputy City Manager Recruitment Flyer
Under general direction of the City Manager, provides support and coordination in the management of the operation aspects of City government. Performs highly responsible and complex professional work while assisting the City Manager with the direction and coordination of the activities of assigned City Departments and/or divisions. Provides leadership in policy formation and implementation of policies and procedures; promotes effective and efficient operations throughout the organization by facilitating interdepartmental cooperation and sharing of resources; provides responsible staff assistance to the City Manager and City Council.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide support directly to the City Manager by serving as a liaison on major projects; managing oversight of the Executive Department, Legal Department, Parks and Recreation and other departments as assigned; supervising and directing staff; expediting resolution of certain matters in the City Manager’s Office and providing special research and support to the City Manager.
- Represent the City and the City Manager to management staff, elected officials, and outside agencies; create, present and explain City programs, policies, and activities; and negotiate and resolve sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.
- Serve as Acting City Manager in the absence of the City Manager.
- Develop and implement strategies designed to continue interdepartmental communication and cooperation and to encourage and improve the existing high level of customer service.
- Assist the City Manager with the coordination and preparation of the City–wide annual operating budget for Council approval and financial management plans; assist with monitoring of the budget on an ongoing basis and assure fiscal responsibility and cost consciousness.
- Proactively monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; and direct the implementation of changes.
- Attend regular and special City Council meetings; participate in meetings and conferences with other City boards, commissions, committees, and staff as needed.
- Interpret and ensure City Manager and City Council policies are understood and achieved; resolve or participate in resolving citizen complaints.
- Reviews and analyzes legislation for impact on the city; works with legislators to develop or influence legislation; recommends revisions to proposed legislation.
- Develops and sustains relationship with community leaders, businesses/industries and government partners
- Represent the City Manager’s Office in various meetings, assisting with input and guidance to achieve an outcome that is beneficial to the greater good of the organization, community and citizenry.
- Provide support and serve as backup for Human Resources in the areas of employee relations, labor negotiations, and other duties as necessary.
- Oversee the city-wide risk management program, including administration and coordination of damage claims for the City’s insurance authority.
- Oversee the planning, direction, and implementation of the Title VI program.
- Oversee the indigent defense contracts including directing the request for proposal and bid proposal process.
- Actively take part in the advancement and promotion of an organization that is here to support and meet the needs of the customer, both internally and externally.
- Select, supervise, train, and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.
- Timely and regular attendance.
- Follow/adhere to all city policies and procedures, and safety program regulations and requirements.
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Council-Manager form of government and the role of communication in support of City Manager and Council.
- Open Public Meetings Act and the Public Records Act.
- The organization, powers, and limitations of municipalities.
- Municipal budgeting principles and practices.
- Broad knowledge of city policies, procedures, priorities, and department operations.
- Mastery of written, verbal, and visual communications skills.
- Skill in communication planning and implementation.
- Modern office methods, procedures and equipment.
- Principles and practices of professional business communication methods; proper use of the English language, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- City government functions, policies, rules, and regulations; federal, state, and local laws, and codes and regulations.
Ability to:
- Understand the political environment and sensitivities and ability to function within that environment.
- Deal with the public, city staff, and elected officials in a tactful and professional manner.
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Make oral presentations at meetings. Develop and utilize effective negotiation skills.
- Prioritize tasks and coordinate efforts.
- Manage multiple tasks and complete projects on a deadline.
- Maintain professionalism and effectiveness while working under pressure.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Work independently, cope with interruptions and changes, prioritize tasks and coordinate efforts to meet required timelines.
- Maintain, disclose, and destroy public records in accordance with the requirements of the WA Public Records Act and WA State Archives records retention guidelines.
- Perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Work is primarily performed inside in an office setting with extended periods at a computer, sitting or standing. Basic communications skills such as talking, seeing, and hearing are needed for frequent person-to-person contacts, computer, and telephone usage. Attendance at evening City Council and other trainings and meetings is required.
Education and Experience:
Note: Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required
to perform the job.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in business administration, public administration, or other closely related field
- Five years of progressively responsible professional management and administration experience in municipal government, including at least three years in a supervisory capacity
- Leadership experience covering a broad range of municipal functions in areas such as public safety, community and economic development, budget and finance, public works and engineering services, legal and human resources, information technology, etc.
Licenses, Certificates and Other Requirements:
- Possession of a valid driver’s license
- Must successfully pass all phases of the pre-employment hiring process, including but not limited to, reference checks and a criminal background check