City of Evanston, Deputy City Manager

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/W/D

$186,412.65-$279,618.980/Annual  *Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications but, in most cases, is no higher than the midpoint for the range. 

NATURE OF WORK:

This position is one of two (2) Deputy City Manager positions within the City Manager’s Executive Leadership team. The City is embarking on many exciting initiatives throughout the community and within the organization and seeks new talent to help take our culture of innovation, leadership, and constant improvement into the future. The job description highlights some of the key components of the position but does not fully paint the dynamic skills and talent we want to add to our progressive team.  Under the direction of the City Manager, the Deputy City Manager is responsible for managing and overseeing the activities and operations of assigned City Departments. The Deputy provides leadership, guidance, and administrative support to the City Manager and may serve as Acting City Manager in the Manager’s absence.  This fast-paced position requires a working knowledge of City and departmental policies and procedures and the vision and foresight to help the City achieve its mission of being the Most Livable City in America and help the community sustain that distinction.  This position serves as a champion for equity and will work collaboratively with all staff to create and implement policies and procedures to facilitate equity and inclusion throughout the City.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):

• The Deputy City Manager reports directly to and assists the City Manager in overseeing and working with the ten City departments to achieve departmental and city-wide objectives; serves as Acting City Manager in the City Manager’s absence;

• Provides the City Manager with accurate and timely information to support decision-making and policy direction;

• Provides highly responsible administrative staff assistance to the City Manager and works on high-level special projects and/or other City initiatives as assigned.
• Consults, advises, and supervises several department directors on problems relating to overall City functions; consults with the City Manager on major department activities; reviews and plans budget estimates and proposed ordinances and regulations submitted by department directors.

• Works with Department directors to execute the Mayor’s and City Council’s policy initiatives and priorities; assists in developing, planning, and implementing goals and objectives for the City to improve operations, minimize operating costs, and effect greater utilization of resources.

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of several Divisions of the City Manager’s Office.

• Attends City Council meetings and other City-related meetings, professional gatherings, and activities as required and represents the City and City Manager to staff, elected officials, outside agencies, and community groups.

• Meets and confers with residents and business interests to remedy problems and discuss City policies and procedures; responds to and resolves sensitive inquiries and complaints from both internal and external sources.

• Assists with compiling preliminary and final drafts of the City budget; acts as the liaison between City and community agencies funded by the City; maintains a review of departmental expenditures to ensure budget adherence.
• Conducts and attends meetings, including evening meetings; makes presentations; prepares written reports; directs the keeping of records on departmental activities to align with performance management expectations; may be assigned to staff a Committee, Board, or Commission.

• Consult with Human Resources to advise and administer equitable solutions to personnel matters.
• In partnership with the City Manager, provides strategic direction to Department Directors.
• Performs additional duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a similar area from an accredited college or university is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Must possess eight (8) or more years of progressive managerial experience in municipal government, including five (5) or more years of work experience in an executive manager capacity (including hiring, firing, budgeting, and operations/staff management responsibilities at the division level or higher).
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
• Ability to coordinate and supervise the activities of others.
• Ability to provide guidance and direction to personnel, including management.
• Ability to communicate effectively with professionalism to diverse groups, including the public, staff, contractors, and elected officials.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Must be approachable by employees at all levels and from all backgrounds; must be able to develop effective working relationships with employees, managers, City officials, unions, community groups, and outside vendors.
• Experience as a team member in a diverse organization, including diversity in organization, ethnicity, culture, and social contexts.
• Experience with labor relations, including relevant experience in administering union contracts.
• Knowledge and demonstrated experience in cutting-edge and best practices in sustainability and related climate action areas.
• Possession of high emotional intelligence and self-awareness in stressful situations.
• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor the execution of legislative policy.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
• Ability to effectively execute the strategic direction provided by the City Manager.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Possession of strong managerial skills and ability to develop effective partnerships.
• Ability to create project plans and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Keen analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively respond to community and City Council issues, concerns, and needs.
• Deep understanding of City operations, services, and activities.
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple competing priorities.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of principles and practices of municipal budget preparation.
• Excellent organization, decision-making, and time-management
• Ability to adapt to changing goals and initiatives.
• Skilled and innovative leader and manager with a proven track record of motivating, leading, and developing staff.
• Advanced leadership and management skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

The ability to work in a primarily sedentary position and occasionally use force to exert up to 20 pounds. The ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move objects, books, materials, etc., using up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.  The employee is subject to inside environmental conditions: protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from indoor temperature changes.

There are no environmental hazards associated with this classification.

SUPERVISION:

Reporting to the City Manager, the individual has contact with staff at all levels and uses the necessary resources to meet and achieve goals and/or objectives.  Work is assigned through specific projects and customer requests.  The employee is responsible for prioritizing work tasks and identifying and utilizing the appropriate resources to resolve a problem or situation.  Work performance is reviewed through observation, completion of projects, status reports, conferences, and meetings.  Guidance is provided through the City Code, departmental policies, City operating practices and procedures, and other resources as applicable to specific projects assigned.  Work is evaluated at least annually concerning supervision of staff and programs, customer service, problem-solving ability, and performance per this classification standard.

PUBLIC CONTACT:
The employee has regular and frequent contact with the general public.

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To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date.

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position.  Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, The City will take steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Division at 847-448-8204(voice) or 847-866-5095(TTY).