Deputy Borough Manager (RFT-Exempt)

Matanuska-Susitna Borough•Palmer, AK

21h

About The Position

The Deputy Borough Manager assists the Borough Manager in the overall administration and operation of Borough government. As a member of the Borough’s executive leadership team, the Deputy Borough Manager helps coordinate Borough services, operations, and strategic initiatives in alignment with organizational goals. The role works closely with department directors, elected officials, employees, the bargaining unit, community partners, and residents to address organizational priorities and support effective service delivery. The Deputy Borough Manager serves as acting Borough Manager when designated or when the Borough Manager is absent. This is a non-bargaining-unit management position, and work is performed according to established policies, procedures, and Borough core values: Accountability, Customer Focus, Dedication, Integrity, Responsiveness, and Teamwork. The Borough anticipates a three-stage selection process involving a management panel, an employee panel, and Assembly interviews for up to five finalists. The anticipated start date is January 4, 2027. Compensation is at Pay Grade W1–W5, depending on experience.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a course of study related to the occupational field; relevant experience, advanced training, certifications, or other demonstrated qualifications may be considered in lieu of all or part of the educational requirement.
Fifteen years of progressively responsible experience leading programs, operations, organizations, major initiatives, public services, business functions, or other complex areas of responsibility.
Five years of supervisory or leadership experience, including directing employee work, developing staff, managing performance, and leading teams.
Five years of senior leadership experience involving organizational strategy, operations, budgeting, policy implementation, resource allocation, or enterprise-wide decision-making.
Experience working in complex organizations with multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and significant organizational, public, or customer impact.
Experience leading organizational change, performance improvement, strategic initiatives, or operational improvements.
Experience building productive relationships and working effectively with elected officials, governing bodies, executive leadership teams, employees, labor organizations, community stakeholders, regulatory agencies, or similar groups.
Demonstrated ability to build consensus, solve complex problems, use data to inform decisions, and achieve organizational results through collaboration and influence.
Possession of, or ability to readily obtain, a valid Alaska driver’s license for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
Completion of required Incident Command System (ICS) courses in accordance with Borough policy.
Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Residing in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough or committing to relocate within six months of hire; strong preference will be given to candidates who meet this criterion.

Responsibilities

Assist the Borough Manager in directing and coordinating the overall operations of Borough government.
Serve on the Borough’s executive leadership team and recommend organizational priorities, operational approaches, policies, and strategic initiatives.
Serve as acting Borough Manager when delegated or when the Borough Manager is absent.
Lead performance improvement efforts related to service delivery, operational effectiveness, accountability, and organizational outcomes.
Develop and improve systems, processes, metrics, and reporting tools to support data-informed decisions.
Assist in developing and implementing Borough goals, priorities, strategic plans, and organizational initiatives.
Lead or support special projects, policy development, and cross-functional initiatives.
Coordinate and facilitate stakeholder engagement sessions concerning Borough operations, service delivery, strategic initiatives, and community priorities.
Assist in developing and administering Borough operating and capital budgets.
Evaluate organizational and resource needs and recommend staffing, technology, facilities, equipment, and capital investments.
Foster effective working relationships among departments, employees, the labor group or bargaining unit, community organizations, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders.
Represent the Borough before community groups, business organizations, governmental agencies, and partner organizations.
Attend Assembly meetings, work sessions, public meetings, and other events as assigned.
Help respond to citizen concerns and resolve complex operational issues.
Maintain productive relationships with elected officials, community leaders, and external partners.
Serve in leadership roles during emergency response and recovery operations as assigned.
Perform other related duties as assigned.