City Manager
Under general direction of the City Council, originates, leads, and oversees the development and implementation of City and departmental goals, programs, and services that are aligned with City Council initiatives and community needs; reviews and approves capital projects and annual City budget in concert with City Council; directs and evaluates the work of department directors as well as staff assigned to the City Manager’s Office; and performs related duties as required.
This is the City’s chief executive and highest-level administrative position, responsible for providing strategic leadership, organizational direction, and operational oversight for all municipal functions through department directors and city staff. The position operates with broad authority and discretion in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of City policies, programs, and services in alignment with City Council priorities and community objectives.
The incumbent is expected to bring extensive experience in senior municipal administration, preferably within comparable or similarly situated communities, and a comprehensive understanding of the operational, fiscal, and political complexities of local government. The role requires a proven ability to lead and develop executive and professional teams, guide long-range organizational and financial planning, and oversee complex, multi-year initiatives that advance the City’s strategic goals.
This position carries primary responsibility for the stewardship of public resources, including oversight of operating and capital budgets, fiscal forecasting, and the development of sustainable financial strategies that ensure the long-term stability of the organization. The City Manager serves as the principal advisor to the City Council and is responsible for fostering collaborative and effective working relationships with elected officials, employees, residents, community organizations, regional partners, and other public agencies, while acting as a visible, credible, and trusted representative of the City.
View the recruitment brochure by clicking on this link: City of Aliso Viejo – City Manager Opportunity
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.
- Directs, guides, and approves the development and implementation of Citywide and departmental goals, objectives, programs, and services.
- Plans, oversees, and approves the preparation and administration of the City’s long-term and annual budgets with the assistance of departmental management and management positions.
- Selects, trains, manages, and evaluates the work of department directors and approves the application of Personnel Rules and disciplinary standards throughout the City.
- Reviews and approves long-term plans for capital improvements and debt financing.
- Confers with department heads concerning administrative and operational issues and practices; conceives of strategic solutions to major administrative, political, and economic issues in concert with City Council and other parties.
- Oversees the preparation and submission of reports of City finances and administrative accomplishments to the City Council.
- Advises City Council as to the progress of various programs, as well as legislative, staffing, financial, and organizational developments.
- Guides the development of City ordinances, codes, and administrative policies.
- Interprets, analyzes, and explains policies, programs, and practices to the City Council, staff and the public, while leading or directing the investigation and resolution of major complaints.
- Communicates with residents, community groups, business representatives, and other individuals having an interest in the affairs of the City; represents the City at civic and professional meetings, as required.
- Represents City at major community events or in relations with other governmental entities, business and professional groups, and civic associations.
Knowledge of:
Theories and practices of organization, planning, financing, and management of local government; current social, political, and economic trends; applicable federal and State laws, rules and regulations regarding local government affairs; local codes and ordinances; principles of effective public relations; community outreach practices and intergovernmental management; principles of management, finance and supervision; marketing, economic development and redevelopment practices; principles of legislative analysis; budgeting principles and practices; principles of employee development, motivation, and supervision, performance appraisal, and discipline.
Ability to:
Serve effectively as the administrative agent of the City Council and to properly represent the City; provide effective leadership and coordinate the activities of a municipal organization; analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner; exercise effective leadership and judgment in policy, personnel and budgetary matters and adopt an effective course of action; make public presentations; establish and maintain effective relationships with City Council, department directors, officials, public and private representatives, community groups and business representatives, vendors, contractors, consultants, and the general public.
Education/Training/Experience:
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in public administration, finance or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy, Finance, or a related field is desirable. Candidates should possess extensive, progressively responsible experience in the administration of governmental organizations, preferably within a municipal environment in the State of California.
The ideal City Manager candidate will bring a minimum of five years of executive-level management experience, preferably within a public agency, and demonstrate a comprehensive and working knowledge in the following areas: municipal finance and budgeting, personnel administration, economic development, and land use planning. Prior service as a City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Deputy City Manager, or as a department head within a complex municipal organization is highly desirable.
Physical Demands
The position requires constant sitting and occasional walking and standing; the employee talks and hears, both in person and by telephone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
The employee uses hands to operate, finger, handle or feel office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. The employee bends, stoops, or squats to access, place and retrieve files, supplies and records, and reaches, lifts, and move records and documents weighing up to 20 pounds.
Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data; use math and mathematical reasoning; analyze and solve problems; learn and apply new information; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; meet intensive and changing deadlines and interact with City officials, City staff, customers and the public.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The employee typically works in office conditions; the noise level is frequently quiet or moderately quiet.