City Manager

Raftelis•Dayton, OH

77d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Centerville is seeking a visionary, community-oriented executive ready to lead one of the Miami Valley’s most respected and financially stable communities. The City Manager of Centerville inherits a remarkable foundation: an organization that has maintained the second-lowest municipal property tax rate in Montgomery County for 46 years, a General Fund balance exceeding 90% of annual expenditures, a Moody's "Aa2" bond rating, and a community that has consistently invested in its future through strategic capital programs and deliberate, resident-focused planning. This is an opportunity to build on genuine momentum in a City that is deeply connected to the people it serves. The City Manager serves as the chief executive officer of the City of Centerville and is responsible for the full administration and management of City affairs. Appointed by and accountable to the Mayor and City Council, the City Manager carries out Council policies, directs day-to-day operations across all City departments, and serves as the primary advisor to the elected body on organizational, financial, and strategic matters. The City Manager prepares and submits the annual budget and capital program, oversees execution of those plans, and delivers annual reports covering the City's finances, administration, and inventory. The position requires attentiveness to fiscal performance across the City's 26 separate funds — including the General Fund, Golf Course Operations Fund, and Waste Collection Fund — and ongoing accountability to Council on outcomes. The City Manager works with a high-performing Leadership Team. The City Manager’s direct reports include the Assistant City Manager, Finance Director, Development Director, Police Chief, and Public Works Director. The City Manager also oversees the Law Director, who is a contract employee. The Assistant City Manager oversees other key department heads including Communications/General Manager of Yankee Trace and Benham’s Grove, Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology. The City has a highly engaged staff of approximately 180 full- and part-time staff members. The City Manager works closely with the City's Law Director on preparing contracts, franchises, and agreements and partners with department directors to appoint and develop staff at all levels. The role requires sustained engagement with regional, state, and federal partners on planning, grant programs, and infrastructure investment. The City Manager is also a visible public presence, responsible for maintaining productive relationships with the business community, residents, peer governments in the Montgomery County region, and professional organizations such as ICMA and OCMA. Internally, the City Manager fosters alignment across departments on the City's 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, translating four broad goals — Service Delivery and Stewardship, Quality of Life, Development, and Workforce — into operational priorities, measurable outcomes, and accountable work plans. A key ongoing expectation is ensuring the City's financial sustainability through disciplined budget management, continued capital program delivery, and proactive long-range planning for population growth and service expansion.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
Ten years of local government experience
Five years of management/supervision experience
Experience in a complex local government serving as manager, assistant, or in another key leadership role

Nice To Haves

Master's degree
ICMA-CM designation
Union experience
Proven track record in economic development and redevelopment
Proven track record in financial stewardship
Proven track record in strategic planning and implementation
Proven track record in high-performing team leadership
Proven track record in civic and business engagement
Proven track record in strong intergovernmental relationships
Proven track record in community partnerships
Membership and active engagement with ICMA, OCMA and other state or professional associations

Responsibilities

Serve as the chief executive officer of the City of Centerville and be responsible for the full administration and management of City affairs.
Carry out Council policies, direct day-to-day operations across all City departments, and serve as the primary advisor to the elected body on organizational, financial, and strategic matters.
Prepare and submit the annual budget and capital program, oversee execution of those plans, and deliver annual reports covering the City's finances, administration, and inventory.
Maintain attentiveness to fiscal performance across the City's 26 separate funds.
Work with a high-performing Leadership Team, including direct reports such as the Assistant City Manager, Finance Director, Development Director, Police Chief, and Public Works Director.
Oversee the Law Director, who is a contract employee.
Work closely with the City's Law Director on preparing contracts, franchises, and agreements.
Partner with department directors to appoint and develop staff at all levels.
Engage with regional, state, and federal partners on planning, grant programs, and infrastructure investment.
Maintain productive relationships with the business community, residents, peer governments in the Montgomery County region, and professional organizations such as ICMA and OCMA.
Foster alignment across departments on the City's 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, translating four broad goals into operational priorities, measurable outcomes, and accountable work plans.
Ensure the City's financial sustainability through disciplined budget management, continued capital program delivery, and proactive long-range planning for population growth and service expansion.
Build relationships with the Mayor and City Council, meeting individually and establishing regular ongoing communication.
Establish relationships with each department head and develop an understanding of the organization.
Visit each City worksite to meet with staff at all levels to learn about City operations and key projects.
Continue implementation of the City’s strategic plan, provide semi-annual updates, and identify any tweaks to the plan.
Align budget priorities and organizational and departmental goals to the adopted plan.
Be active and engaged in the community, learning what is important to key stakeholders and residents.
Foster strong relationships with the community and intergovernmental partners.