Assistant to the City Administrator

Posting Date: March 14, 2017

Closing Date: April 4, 2017

Position: Assistant to the City Administrator

Department: City Administration/Executive Department

Recruiting Range: $71,540- $79,950 annually DOQ

FSLA Status: FLSA Exempt (flexible schedule, includes regular evenings obligations, some weekends/holidays)

Benefits: Health, Life & Dental Insurance, Paid Vacation & Sick Leave, ICMA-RC Retirement

THE MANITOU SPRINGS COMMUNITY:

Just minutes from Colorado Springs and hidden between Garden of the Gods and America’s most famous mountain, Pikes Peak, lies the magical town of Manitou Springs. “Manitou,” a Native American word for “great spirit” describes this beautiful community of approximately 5,000 which epitomizes the Colorado urban/mountain interface environment. Eight naturally carbonated mineral spring fountains located throughout this historic town run free for all who wish to enjoy their healing benefits. In part due to these curative springs, the Ute, Cheyenne and other Native Americans considered the to be sacred and enjoyed frequent visits. Today, health and wellness continue to be a draw for residents and visitors alike, who come to Manitou Springs to bask in its unparalleled quality of life and artistic, spiritually uplifting personality.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Given the ever-increasing popularity of the area coupled with recent disaster (in the form of fire in 2012 and flood in 2013 and 2015), both the demands upon and available resources within the municipal budget have grown in recent years. In so meeting these demands, the City is served by eight distinct municipal departments and a handful of other positions/functions that necessarily report directly to the Office of the City Administrator. The Assistant to the City Administrator (“ACA”) position is being created to assist in managing both the day-to-day and special functions of these departments while meeting the demands associated with a regularly ambitious community spirit and corresponding City Council agenda.

With a wealth of activity and organizational improvements occurring on many fronts in simultaneous fashion, the ACA will serve in a busy environment, acting as an essential conduit, filter and general source of productivity in service of the City’s varied objectives. Regularly positioned between the City Administrator’s office and the City’s multiple departments, the 7-member City Council, various key advisory boards and non-profits, and the proudly engaged citizenry of Manitou Springs, the ACA coordinates staff support programs, relieves the City Administrator of some administrative and managerial details associated with the operation of City departments, and acts in the place of the City Administrator in the event of his/her absence. It is the City’s expectation that the successful candidate will grow into a position that will be afforded greater responsibility and autonomy over time.

The ACA should come to the position with a solid working understanding of local governance as he/she will be expected to perform a wide variety of highly responsible, complex and diverse advanced level professional duties. Such duties promise to be wide-ranging in nature, but are likely to include administrative, analytical, and technical support to the City Administrator’s office and City Council. The position will be tasked with maintaining expert level internal and external communications. In addition, the position will coordinate and participate in various program and administrative operations and activities including those having City-wide impact; oversee assigned service areas; coordinate assigned activities within and across City departments, outside agencies and the general public; and provide information and assistance to internal and external customers regarding the municipality’s many programs and services. The ACA should be expected to work regularly and independently with members of the public and community groups to improve community relations, enhance citizen involvement, knowledge and information.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

(The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or auxiliary duties that may be required. The City of Manitou Springs retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.)

• Regularly attends City Council meetings and appointed Board and Commission meetings as assigned. Prepares presentations and/or responds to inquiries on a wide variety of topics at such meetings and plays a lead role in serving as a liaison between various stakeholders.
• In concert with the City Administrator, advances the implementation of City Council goals, objectives and priorities for each assigned service area. Participates in the development and implementation of additional goals, objectives, and priorities for assigned functions and programs and recommends procedures to meet those goals.
• Briefs the City Administrator on matters of concern, presents suggestions on how to address such concerns, and when appropriate/directed, plays an active role in their ultimate resolution.
• Works with and assists the City Administrator, the City Clerk, and the Mayor in the preparation of City Council regular meeting and work session topics and advises department heads on the direction to be taken in relation to any decisions made in the context of such meetings or otherwise.
• Assists the City Administrator with a variety of special projects as assigned. Researches, prepares, implements and evaluates a variety of new or special administrative programs, gathers information and recommends solutions to potential or existing issues.
• Reviews, develops and modifies internal control methods to improve existing procedures. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures and advises on/assists in the implementation of new methods and procedures as needed.
• Represents the City at various community meetings and attends meetings and conferences of related local, regional and national organizations, as Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, local/state/federal agencies, and the public.
• Provides business assistance functions by serving as a point of contact for questions regarding business resources; develops a positive working relationship with economic development resource providers.
• Receives and investigates citizen complaints, comments and suggestions. Researches issues involved, consults with department heads, analyzes information, shares findings, and coordinates/facilitates action taken, when necessary. Communicates directly with the general public for identification of service needs and addresses concerns with appropriate written, verbal or in-person follow-up.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal/human relations skills and the ability to support controversial positions, as well as the negotiation of sensitive issues with City Council, department directors and the public.
• Participates in the development and administration of the annual municipal budget; may conduct special program reviews and financial analysis to support budgetary decisions and discussions.
• Participates in the selection of new staff; assists the City Administrator in appraising employee performance and with the completion of regular employee performance reviews
• Develops and/or researches programs, policies and plans related to all facets of city government.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists department heads and other staff members in furtherance of various departmental goals and operational needs as they arise and may be allowably prioritized.
• In the absence of the City Administrator, represents him/her on various boards and commissions on which the Administrator serves on behalf of the City.
• Coordinates on logistical matters such as multi-party outreach and scheduling.
• Participates in various trainings and other advanced learning opportunities geared toward municipal leaders/managers

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal management; the principles of public administration; principles and practices of local government; principles and practices of program development, administration, and evaluation; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations; standard office procedures, practices and equipment.
• Ability to plan, organize, assign, manage, review and evaluate the activities of program areas within City Departments; provide effective leadership and coordinate the activities of professional, technical and clerical staff; assist in the implementation of a comprehensive financial program; help prepare and administer municipal budgets; analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and financial information in an effective and accurate manner; prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports; develop, implement, and interpret goals, objectives, policies procedures, and work standards; gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion; coordinate division activities with other City departments as required; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to manage stressful situations and to de-escalate anger when necessary.
• Ability to develop effective teams and working relationships with employees, other department supervisors, elected officials, and the general public.
• Ability to work successfully with professional consultants, staff, citizens, developers, contractors, and governmental officials and agencies.
• Ability to constantly provide excellent customer service and represent the City in a positive way before of a wide array of stakeholders/audiences
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when faced with information of a sensitive nature
• Ability to work through the challenging dynamics of public interactions
• General knowledge of office procedures, records management, and office correspondence.
• Knowledge of business English and spelling; ability to produce quality written documents that deploy a professional appearance and ability to present oral communications in a formalized public setting in a clear, concise, effective manner.
• Extremely strong attention to detail and well-polished organizational skills.
• Outstanding communication skills.
• Ability to understand and follow both written and verbal instructions and to work under both close, general or no supervision, depending upon the nature of the assignment.
• Ability to establish effective relationships with other departments as well as with community associations, business contacts, civic organizations, event organizers, and various other groups and individuals.

Education and Experience

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Planning, Public Policy, Finance or related field. Masters Degree in one of these study areas preferred.

Two or more year’s professional local government experience in a jurisdiction of similar size and complexity to the City of Manitou Springs preferred.

A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform as a successful Assistant to the City Administrator in a medium-sized community with a highly engaged citizen population and served by a professional staff.

License/Certifications

Possession of a valid Colorado drivers license (or ability to obtain such license within 30 days) and a satisfactory driving record required.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. This position also requires grasping, repetitive hand and finger movement, and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision, and the ability to focus in reading written reports and work related documents, the ability to work under stressful conditions and in inclement weather. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply, please visit the City website at www.manitouspringsgov.com/employment and complete a City of Manitou Springs employment application. Submit your application to the City of Manitou Springs via Mail, fax, email, or in person. Please note that you MUST submit City of Manitou Springs employment application to be considered.

The City of Manitou Springs is an EOE/M-F/AA/ADA employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $71,540.00 to $79,950.00 /year