Assistant City Administrator

Starting Salary Range: $140,000 – $175,000

Benefits offered with this position include:
Defined benefit pension plan 401a with City match Optional 457 Deferred Compensation plan Reciprocal Pension Credit, available for pension-qualified applicants Retiree health reimbursement account Very generous medical/dental/vision/pharmacy plans Paid vacation, personal time, floating holiday, plus sick days. Unused vacation and sick time rolls over Short-term and long-term disability, life, and AD&D insurance Flexible spending accounts You can earn up to $500 annually by participating in our Wellness Incentive Programs. These dollars will be deposited into a health reimbursement account (HRA), which can be used toward eligible health care expenses Tuition reimbursement $5000, must be employed 1 year to be eligible Employee assistance program Voluntary benefits like accident coverage, critical illness, LegalShield, and Identify Theft

Role Summary

The Assistant City Administrator (ACA) is an executive-level position reporting directly to the City Administrator, and is a principal figure in the City’s leadership structure. The ACA serves both as the “second in command” and as Chief of Staff for the City Administrator’s office. While the focus is primarily on the coordination of internal functions, the ACA is responsible for government relations, serves in an ombudsperson role to address individual and business concerns, and works with resident groups. As Chief of Staff, the ACA oversees the “C-suite” operations (e.g. human resources, communications, safety, information technology, City Clerk, et al) and is responsible for the interface with Mayor and Council on routine agenda items and requests for information. As the “second in command,” the ACA serves as City Administrator when called upon, provides oversight of the operations of the Office of the City Administrator, and serves as the leader for staff functions under the Emergency Management Plan. The ACA will lead special projects as required.

The work environment for the Assistant City Administrator will be primarily in an office setting, however the job requirements will require participation in field operations, community meetings, public appearances (including speaking as a representative of the City), and emergency management. Recurring evening and occasional weekend obligations will be required, as well as the willingness to serve in an on-call basis. Local/regional travel may be frequent. Isolated travel outside of the region will also be necessary.

Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is the sixth-largest Municipality in Michigan and has 114,000 residents, spans 28.6 square miles, and is frequently recognized as a foremost place to live, learn, work, thrive and visit. Visit the link below to see some of the awards and recognitions the City has received:

http://www.annarborusa.org/live-here/facts-rankings

The city’s mission statement : The city of Ann Arbor is committed to providing excellent municipal services that enhance the quality of life for all through the intelligent use of resources while valuing an open environment that fosters, fair, sensitive and respectful treatment of all employees and the community we serve.

The City of Ann Arbor is also home to the University of Michigan, follow the link below to see how the University and the City work together:

Facts + Figures

Duties

Duties are performed under the direct supervision of the City Administrator or designee and may include the following:

Essential Duties

Assume management responsibility for assigned agencies, including supervision of Directors and Officers, oversight of organizational planning, resource allocation, evaluation of objectives, and coordination of interdepartmental operations. Facilitate and support policy development with the support of the City Administrator and communications with the policy body and community engagement. Direct the development and implementation of City goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area. Advise the City Administrator in the determination of program needs, the preparation and presentation of programs for City Administrator and/or Council approval, and the coordination of the implementation of approved programs. Lead organizational strategic planning initiatives and accountability measures. Establish, within city policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend allocation of resources accordingly. Plan, direct, and coordinate through senior City leadership the work plan for all assigned City agencies; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with senior staff to identify and resolve problems. Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems and internal working relationships; identify opportunities for improvement. Explain and describe City programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues. Represent the City to outside agencies, coordinate City activities with those of cities, counties, and outside agencies and organizations. Provide staff assistance to the City Manager and City Council; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence. Responsibly exercise signature authority as specifically delegated by the City Administrator. Attend and participate in professional group meetings, stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of city management and administration. Negotiate contracts and agreement with representatives of other governmental agencies and businesses. Respond to media inquiries, City Administrator and City Council concerns and issues, and community needs. Meet and correspond with various citizens, professional, business, educational, non-profit, and other groups to answer questions and secure their assistance in carrying out various programs; address areas of community concern and minimize or maximize City government’s impact on the community at large. Respond to and resolve difficult citizen inquiries and complaints. Assume the responsibilities of City Administrator in the Administrator’s absence. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required and assigned.

Knowledge of: (position requirements at entry)

Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive management program Management principles, practices, and techniques to analyze programs, policies, and operational needs Principles and practices of program development and administration Principles and practices of strategic planning Policy research and analysis tools and practices Public policy development principles, practices, and methodologies Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation Functions of City Council and City government and associated Boards and Commissions Multi-cultural environments where issues are openly debated Principles and best practices of municipal organizations and public administration Principles and techniques of public relations Outstanding customer service principles and practices Pertinent City, County, State and Federal laws, regulations and ordinances

Training and Experience (position requirements at entry)

Required:
Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, business administration or a related field At least 5 years of executive/senior managerial experience in a governmental setting, with a total of 10 years of generally-related experience Demonstrated the ability to work and thrive in a data-driven, fully automated work environment. Possess extraordinary written and verbal communications skills.

Preferred:
Master’s Degree in public administration, business administration or a related field.

Related Titles: City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Village Administrator.