Deputy City Manager/Administration

Description

The Deputy City Manager/Administration is a newly created assignment with the City with the primary function being a centralized point of coordination to enhance public safety, gang prevention and homelessness intervention.  The Deputy City Manager will be a critical and highly visible leader on the Executive Management team, supporting the City Manager in creating a desirable community that provides high quality of life services. The Deputy City Manager will provide leadership through collaboration, teamwork and active involvement in the management of the City government. The Deputy City Manager has primary responsibility for assisting the City Manager in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the City, providing expert advice and assistance to the City Manager, department heads and senior managers. The Deputy City Manager will be assigned supervision over specific departments and/or functions including, but not limited to managing the Sheriff's Department contract, Public Safety, Social Services, Code Compliance and Gang Prevention.  He/she will be a strong relationship builder with the ability to work with and command respect among the city leadership team and with the community. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned manager, collaborative leader, a team player and a self-directed problem solver, who can serve as a mentor/coach to city staff.

Example of Duties

Essential duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

For assigned functions, works closely with the City Manager, City Department management, a variety of public and private organizations, and citizen groups in developing programs and implementing projects to solve problems related to City services. 

Act as the City representative on major projects affecting City government and/or the citizens of Norwalk.

Participate in the evaluation, update, and finalization of the City Manager's agenda for the City Council; evaluate reports from operating departments for consistency, accuracy, fiscal feasibility, and political sensitivity; select appropriate recommendations for presentation to the City Council.

Develop recommendations on assigned department work methods, operating policies and procedures, programs services, and other administrative issues; observe program operations; analyze findings and implications; make recommendations to the City Manager.

Negotiate highly complex contracts and solutions on a variety of administrative, fiscal, and special projects; participate in the preparation and monitoring of program or special project budgets.

Schedule, coordinate, and assign personnel to projects; review staff work and provide training as appropriate.

Respond to and resolve difficult, complex, and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; interpret, analyze, defend, and explain City policies, procedures, programs, and activities;

Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the field of public administration; incorporate new developments as appropriate.

Provide leadership and direction in the development of short and long range plans; gather, interpret, and prepare data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinate department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.

Provide professional advice to Department Heads; review and recommend proposed legislation; make presentations to councils, boards, commissions, civic groups and the general public.  Prepare a variety of studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes.

Assure assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget; monitor revenues and expenditures in assigned areas to ensure sound fiscal control; prepare annual budget requests; ensure effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time. 

Maintain harmony among workers and resolve grievances; perform or assist subordinates in performing duties; resolve problems and respond to complaints from the public and employees.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:  the principles and practices utilized in munici­pal government operations, including the principles and practices of organization, administration, municipal finance, and personnel; legal, financial, and public relations issues common to local government; related laws, ordinances, and regulations; principles and practices of strategic planning; methods of analyzing, evaluating, and modifying administrative procedures; principles of effective public relations and interrelationships with community groups and agencies, private businesses and firms, and other levels of government; principles, practices, and techniques of planning; laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations regarding local government operations; principles and practices of supervision.  

Ability to:  Provide effective leadership and coordinate the activities of assigned municipal organizational units; develop and administer goals, objectives, and procedures for assigned areas; prepare and administer large and complex budgets; negotiate and administer contractual agreements; conduct and direct research; perform difficult analysis, and prepare and present reports; read and interpret laws; deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Education and/or Experience 

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in public administration or a closely related field, and seven (7) years increasingly responsible experience in municipal government, including at least two years experience at the department head or top management level.  A Master's degree in public administration or related field is desirable.

Supplemental Information

This position is open until filled with the first review of applications on December 7.  Please include a detailed cover letter and resume.