Deputy City Manager

City of Alexandria•Alexandria, VA

4d•Remote

About The Position

The City of Alexandria is a racially and ethnically diverse community with a rich history and a dynamic environment. It operates under a Council-Manager form of government, with a Mayor and six Council Members who formulate policies, and a City Manager who serves as the City's CEO. The City provides a comprehensive range of municipal services. This Deputy City Manager position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant difference in the community by planning, directing, and coordinating major areas of service, overseeing complex programs, and maintaining positive relationships with elected officials and stakeholders.

Requirements

Four Year College Degree
Five years of experience at a Department Head or Office Director level in a local or state government
Substantial knowledge of multiple areas of local governmental programs, policies and procedures
Experience in engaging multiple stakeholders in problem solving and negotiating solutions to issues
Considerable supervisory experience
Solid understanding of technology
Proven track record of success
Highest integrity
Genuinely committed to respecting employees
Responsive to organizational needs
Open and honest in all internal and external relationships
Curiosity and enthusiasm
Capable of operating with independence and initiative while remaining aligned with the policy direction of the City Manager
Great deal of political savvy and sensitivity

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree
Seven years of experience at a Deputy City or Deputy County Manager level, or in a similar local government position that required a high level of knowledge and management of various local government programs
Substantial experience in project management or in leading policy or program development
Extensive experience in engaging multiple stakeholders including the general public in problem-solving and negotiating solutions to issues
Substantial knowledge of the theories and practices of local government management, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
Experienced leader and teambuilder capable of innovation, problem-solving, and directing the services of this organization
Ability to build relationships, be flexible, and work in a team-oriented matrix organization
Exceptional public speaking and written communication skills
Ability to recognize and adapt to the audience to ensure concepts are easily understood and visualized
Knows when to take an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving
Hands-on approach and willingness to lead by example
Well-established track record for using proactive, forward-thinking, and creative methods in local government leadership
Capable of managing a team responsible for highly complex issues
Curious and action-oriented
Ensures inclusiveness and tactfulness when presenting opinions

Responsibilities

Plan, direct, coordinate, and facilitate the success of major areas of service, including prioritizing and assigning work, performance development, and talent management of direct reports and various teams.
Provide oversight of complex programs, initiatives, and high-level special projects that are large-scale, multi-year, and have a significant impact on the community.
Maintain positive relationships and effectively communicate with elected officials, the City Manager, other Deputy City Managers, and the Executive Team regarding complex municipal and community issues.
Confer with the Executive Team and staff to review, plan, and discuss policies, programs, and strategies.
Meet and correspond with various citizens, professional, business, and other groups to answer questions and secure their support in carrying out programs.
Research, analyze, and develop recommendations on City-wide issues, public policy issues, pending legislation, and other administrative issues.
Review results of major studies and coordinate the preparation of reports and recommendations.
Maintain close contact with residents and community leaders, as well as other regional stakeholders.
Serve as Acting City Manager in the City Manager’s absence, capable of executing the City Manager’s duties.
Serve as Deputy Chief Executive for the City government, supplementing and acting for the City Manager as required, and directly supervise a grouping of departments and offices designated by the City Manager.
Assist the City Manager in directing the day-to-day operation of the City government.
Participate in long-range operational plans.
Exercise general supervision over all functions and activities of the City government when acting for the City Manager.