City Manager

Please Visit our website below to view the Brochure

www.gardencitymi.org/HR/CityManagerBrochure

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will be achievement oriented and have a demonstrated command of the fundamentals and best practices of city management. Advanced knowledge of public administration regarding financial management, staff management, and economic development techniques and practices will be of utmost importance.

Internally, the ideal candidate will create a positive working environment and serve as a mentor who works diligently to help staff members reach their full potential. In addition, candidates must possess demonstrated leadership and management skills with the ability to establish strong working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization.

The next City Manager must have the ability to develop an effective, collaborative working relationship with the City Council, the citizen appointed boards, and the city department heads. An approachable, team-oriented style will be key to the success of the next City Manager.

The next City Manager must also have strong customer service skills with the ability to instill their customer service philosophy throughout the organization, ensuring the residents feel welcome and are treated with respect.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CITY MANAGER

• Confers with the City Council regarding budgetary issues and monitors the financial condition and long-range fiscal management needs

• Appoints and supervises department directors and team members

• Oversees all municipal service functions and city departments, including personnel management, collective bargaining, and employee/labor relations

• Performs grant, contract, and project administration and management services

• Implementation and management of policies established by the City Council

• Works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to promote new business development and growth within the City

• Communicates with residents, the general public, businesses, and other governmental entities and represents the City in regional, state, and national organizations at meetings or conferences to ensure awareness of programs and opportunities

• Assesses the need for new and/or revised policies, procedures, and organizational structures to ensure the continued effective and efficient provision of quality services

• Provides recommendations to the City Council on all phases of municipal operations.

Typical Qualifications

Competitive candidates will have a bachelor's degree in public administration, business management, or a related field, and seven (7) years' experience in municipal community development, with extensive program management, ordinance management, marketing, special event management, supervisory, and budgetary experience in local government, or a combination of any or all the above. ICMA Credentialed Manager Certification or other advanced training is preferred.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE NEW CITY MANAGER

Since the City chooses to manage a lean organization by way of staff, it will be very important that the new City Manager understand that they must be personally involved in many aspects of the City. The position is definitely not a retirement job, but in fact is designed for someone with unlimited passion and drive to "hit the ground" running on day one, and not stop until the job is done. The job is not a 9-5 job.

There are four Council seats up for re-election in November, with only one incumbent running. On the other hand, a great opportunity exists in the fact that the Mayor and City Council are supportive of the City.

It appears that the City also has a great opportunity to engage in economic development with the possibility of new investment in to the downtown.

Infrastructure is always a challenge, as the City is aging. On the positive side, the City has a roads replacement program in place and has already replaced miles of water lines.

Another opportunity exists in a "parks bond", which is on the August ballot for $9 million to reconstruct all the City's parks.

DESIRED MANAGEMENT STYLE AND PERSONAL TRAITS

• Be self-motivated! Someone who has the vitality and energy to motivate and lead others; be someone who seeks and enjoys a challenge.

• Have a background of professional and personal integrity and honesty, and of leading/motivating personnel by example.

• Be dynamic and have a great sense of humor.

• Be politically savvy, yet politically neutral.

• MUST be willing to be a hands-on leader.

• Have the maturity, self-confidence, and strength of professional convictions to provide administrative insights and administrative counsel to the Mayor and City Council.

• Not be insecure, but revel when a staff member or resident suggests a better way to complete a task.

• Be able to successfully identify opportunities for economic development.

• Possess well-developed organizational skills with the ability to balance numerous projects and issues.

• Outstanding computer skills are a must, including the creativity to compose well written and designed reports.

• To be successful in working with current and future businesses, must be a "people person," sincerely personable, patient, calm and accessible.

• Be one who can establish trust quickly with others and one who can relate with all persons in the community.

• Have a genuine passion for public service; be an energetic "can-do" person with a genuine enthusiasm for municipal government.

• Promote a strong, service-oriented, "customer relations" approach.

• Be proactive, anticipatory, and innovative; be someone who can make difficult decisions and stand behind those decisions.

COMPENSATION

The hiring range for this position is between $120,000 to $127,000, dependent on experience and qualifications. Contractual benefits will be defined pending negotiations, but will include:

• Holidays

• Floating Holidays

• Vacation Days

• Sick Days

• Coverage for single, couple, or family Health, Dental and Vision at no cost to the employee, starting on the first day of the following month hired

• Car Allowance

• Conference and Seminar Attendance

RESIDENCY

Residency within the city limits is not required but must be within 45 miles of the City boundary.

HOW TO APPLY

Go to the following website:

http://www.gardencitymi.org, and click the link: "Employment Opportunities". Be sure to include a detailed resume and intriguing cover letter. While the first review of applications will take place on Monday, June 24, 2024, the position will be open until filled. A short list may be developed, with chosen candidates asked to answer additional questions. Questions should be directed to Ms. Lauren Minch, Human Resources Director at 734-793-1660, LaurenCM@gardencitymi.org.