Assistant City Manager

The City of Battle Creek is looking for an Assistant City Manager to serve as a senior executive leader within the City's administrative team and assists the City Manager in directing and coordinating the operations of the city while managing community and economic development initiatives. The position supports the development and implementation of long-range plans and organizational priorities; and acts on behalf of the City Manager as necessary, serving as key liaison with elected officials, department directors, employees, residents and external partners.Essential FunctionsProvides supervision of direct reports. Acts as a liaison to Department Heads to include direction and coordination of activities and functions; prioritizing and/or planning of projects and work assignments. Provides analysis and recommendations, serving as strategic advisor to the City Manager in such areas as community and economic development strategies and programs.Manages major economic development-based City initiatives to include planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating major public policy and community-based City projects and programs; prioritizing activities based on goals; deciding on most effective strategies; and determining consultants on projects. Provides leadership, direction, and guidance in economic development programs and issues, coordinates the economic development programs with local, state, federal and regional agencies, evaluates and analyzes economic development issues.Manages the development of community-based projects to meet goals identified by City Manager and City Commission, including project budgets which include approving major project related actions. Assists in preparing/submitting the annual budget to the City Commission.Manages land use planning and implementation of comprehensive plan by coordinating activities with the community and within the organization; determining if decisions are being made appropriately at lower levels; and serving as liaison to the Planning Commission.Develops and presents project plans, reports, policies, and priorities as requested. Aids in identifying grants/programs that would be useful to the city and assists in preparing any appropriate grants and strategies.Represents City Manager in the community and serves as City representative to various committees and boards which includes developing projects, goals, and directions for community related services. Resolves problems within the City and with citizens by identifying issues and determining appropriate solutions. Research issues and writes reports for City Manager and City Commission to include drafting correspondence, writing speeches, and analyzing and preparing various reports of interest for City Manager and City Commission.Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree with course work in business or public administration, or related field. Master's degree in public administration preferred.3-5 years public administration experience with community services and economic development programs.5 years' experience in departmental or divisional management capacity.Special Requirements:Valid driver's license in the State of Michigan.Physical Requirements/Working ConditionsThis work is sedentary and requires little to no exertion of force; work regularly requires sitting, bending, reaching, hand dexterity (grasping, holding, keyboarding, repetitive movements), reading, writing, eye-hand coordination, seeing (near and/or far, color, depth, field of vision), hearing, using the telephone, contact with government officials and the general public, working overtime, and working inside and alone.