Assistant Town Manager

$122,179.20-$141,689.60

Summary

Assists the Town Manager with the general administration of the Town's general government operations and serves as the Acting Town Manager in the Town Manager's absence. Implements Town projects, initiatives, and strategic objectives as established by the Town Manager and the Select Board.

Assists the Town Manager's office with respect to constituent services and enhancing the relationships between Town boards, committees, and residents. Oversees operations and budget of the Administrative and Public Services Departments. This position also fills the role of Ombudsman as defined by the Reading Home Rule Charter.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1.To act as an Ombudsman to all citizens in their day-to-day contacts and dealings with the Town, its officials, and boards:

a. to direct the citizens to the proper Town Officer, Board or Committee to deal with the issue or concern of the citizen;

b. to set up appointments for citizens to meet with directors, department heads and Boards as appropriate;

c. to provide citizens with access to public information within the Town and;

d. to otherwise serve the public in connection with their dealings with the Town.

2.Facilitates communication between the citizenry and staff; interfaces with appropriate departments and community leaders to foster relationships with the public and Town government.

3.Acts as liaison for public information requests, general inquiries, appointment requests and other requests from residential, commercial and media constituents on behalf of the Town Manager; prepares necessary written or verbal responses including press releases.

4.Assists the Town Manager in the oversight and coordination of the Town's legal functions in including dealing with Town Counsel, Labor Counsel and outside litigation counsel. Is included on most communications between Town departments and various attorneys. Helps to oversee the Town's legal budget.

5.Lead staff in the following functional areas: public policy and community planning and economic development, capital improvement projects, sustainability, visioning, public/private partnerships.

6.Establish departmental goals and objectives to ensure successful service delivery. Coach and mentor staff and create a culture of excellence to empower staff to meet or exceed stated goals.

7.Champion the development of community planning policies that are progressive, creative, and responsive to the needs of residents and the challenges faced by the community. Provide guidance to the Town Manager and the Select Board when needed regarding policy making efforts, providing clear, data-driven advice rooted in best practices related to zoning, planning, etc.

8.Leads major planning and development initiatives, such as the comprehensive update of zoning bylaw. Prepares background information, repairs, and research to develop zoning changes.

9.Pursue grant funds and other external resources to supplement existing budgets.

10. Manage budgets effectively and ensure access to the support, tools, technology, and training needed by staff to serve the community efficiently.

11. Oversee consulting contracts and ensure accountability for work performed. Collaborate with community partners to leverage more benefits for the community.

12. Actively engage community members and leaders to collaborate on desired outcomes.

13. Provide opportunities for public participation in planning and other initiatives.

14. Develop solid working relationships with volunteers especially those that serve on Town boards, committees, and commissions. Focus staff support of b/c/c's including Ad Hoc committees so that the work is accomplished in a thorough and efficient manner.

15. Collaborates with Police, Fire, Public Works, and Reading Municipal Light Department staff to coordinate Department operations and activities.

16. Assist in confidential personnel matters including collective bargaining.

Supervisory Responsibility

Oversee all staff in Administrative and Public Services Departments with all division heads as direct reports except Human Resources Director and Town Clerk.

Work Hours

This is a full time position with a typical 40 hours per week, plus additional hours as assigned. May work within Town Hall's 4-day workweek hours. Availability required for attendance at night meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

1.Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Planning, Law, or a closely related field; and

2.Minimum of seven (7) years of municipal management experience with a background in planning preferred; and

3.Any equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience, with additional work experience substituting for the required education on a year for year basis.

Special Requirements

1.Must possess a valid State of Massachusetts Driver's License or the ability to obtain one.

2.State purchasing certification (MPPO) or ability to obtain.

3.Certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners preferred.

Applicant should be able to meet the requirements of the position as outlined in the attached position description for Assistant Town Manager. Applicant should state education, training and experience which they feel has provided them with the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Applications will be accepted in the Human Resources Office, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 and online at www.readingma.gov until filled.

A full job description is available upon request

The Town of Reading is an Equal Opportunity Employer