Town Manager

The Town Manager reports to the Town Council for the proper administration of all Town affairs as outlined in the Town Charter. The Town Manager is the Chief Executive Officer who oversees and manages all municipal service functions and day-to-day operations of the Town. The Town Manager serves as the Personnel Director who has the overall responsibility for personnel administration of classified employees, which may include collective bargaining, grievance mediations and arbitrations. The Manager works closely with Town Council, Department Heads and the Board of Education to present a proposed annual Town of Newington budget, and directs the implementation of the Town Council's adopted budget. The Manager administers all laws and ordinances through the various departments. The Town Manager researches issues of concern for the Council and makes recommendations for their review. The Town Manager serves as a member of the Economic Development team, working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to promote economic development and growth of the Town's Grand List. They represent the Town in regional and state meetings to ensure awareness of programs and opportunities that may affect the community and serve as a voice and advocate for Newington's interest. The Manager works with representatives on state and federal funding, reimbursement, grants and other opportunities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Manages the overall administration of all municipal operations; plans, supervises and evaluates the operations of the Town, takes appropriate remedial action to achieve optimum performance levels.

• Serves as the Personnel Director for the Town Newington; supervises employee recruitment, training, evaluations and discipline of subordinate department heads and other employees under their jurisdiction.

• Oversees labor relations and collective bargaining; contract negotiations, grievance processes, promotions, and discipline in a unionized environment.

• Provides leadership and direction in the development of short- and long-range financial plans and presents its findings to the Newington Town Council; develops and recommends objectives, goals, and policies and implements policies approved by Newington Town Council; monitors, evaluates, and reports progress towards goals and objectives of the administration.

• Prepares and presents a proposed annual Town of Newington budget and Long-Range Capital Improvement budget; directs the implementation of the adopted Town Council budget.

• Department heads report directly to the Town Manager, who prepares regular reports for Town Council to keep them apprised on departmental activities.

• Plans and implements multi-faceted projects that include numerous municipal partners, as well as state, federal and regional organizations.

• Assists in economic development activities to leverage state and federal funds for development and redevelopment options.

• Coordinates special projects for the Town, including planning, design, and implementation and evaluation of construction/renovations projects, management studies, new programs and various professional services.

• Collaborates and maintains working relationships with municipal and school officials, community groups and the public regarding Town operations and coordination of services; promptly responds to inquiries and complaints from the public.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Required Bachelor's Degree in public or business administration or a closely related field. With 5+ years of responsible executive and/or management experience which provides a demonstrated ability to perform the duties of the position; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master's degree and ICMA Credentialed Manager status or other executive level certification programs preferred.

• Preference for experience with labor relations and human resources, infrastructure projects, budgets, working with regional agencies and solutions, economic development and redevelopment and managing emergencies.

• Experience with New England communities helpful.

• Munis or similar financial accounting system software experience preferred.

For more information regarding the job description, please visit our Town website (www.newingtonct.gov) and select employment opportunities. Applicants should send a cover letter, résumé and official Town of Newington application by email to hshonty@newingtonct.gov (Heather Shonty) to be considered. No residency requirement.

The Town of Newington is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, marital status, sexual preference, national origin, or disability.