Description

Job Summary

The City Administrator serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Blair and is responsible for the effective leadership, management, and administration of all municipal operations. The Administrator provides strategic advice to the Mayor and City Council, oversees implementation of policy directives, manages City finances and personnel, and promotes economic development, infrastructure investment, and organizational excellence while ensuring high-quality public services for residents.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Serving under the policy direction of the Mayor and City Council and in compliance with State Statute and City Municipal Code, the City Administrator’s job responsibilities are as follows: 

• Facilitates problem solving at all levels of the organization; works with department heads and senior management to ensure effective coordination and cooperation among employees and departments.
• Collaborates with business leaders, developers, economic development organizations, Washington County, and regional partners to promote business investment, workforce development, housing growth, and long-term economic vitality.
• Attends City Council meetings as well as any other additional Committee meetings as deemed necessary, including Planning Commission, Airport Authority, Park Board, etc.
• Carries out the directives and recommendations of the Mayor and City Council.
• Manages and leads all departments, agencies, and offices of the City to achieve their goals by training, coaching, motivating and evaluating assigned staff.
• Leads organizational strategic planning efforts, establishes measurable goals and performance metrics, and ensures alignment of departmental activities with the City's long-term vision and priorities. 
• Develops and utilizes organizational performance measures to evaluate service delivery, operational effectiveness, and fiscal stewardship.
• Facilitates effective internal and external communication throughout all levels of the organization through meetings with department heads and key management staff.
• Carries out and ensures compliance with policies established by the City Council.
• Provides professional advice to the Mayor, City Council and department heads and makes presentations to boards, commissions, civic groups, and the general public.
• Prepares and administers annual City budget and keeps the Mayor/City Council fully informed of the financial condition and needs of the City. Approves departmental and city-wide expenditures. Oversees the responsible investment and use of City funds.
• Oversees planning, financing, and implementation of major capital improvement projects and infrastructure investments.
• Must uphold the City’s Personnel Manual in all personnel and administrative issues.
• Makes recommendations on appointments and removals of all department heads, officers, and employees of the City, except Mayor and members of the Council.
• Recommends for adoption by the Council such measures as City Administrator may deem necessary or expedient.
• Plans and/or directs public relations activities on the City’s behalf, including but not limited to press releases, public appearances, and addressing the concerns of citizens, community groups and representatives of organizations.
• Develops and maintains productive working relationships with local, regional, state, and federal agencies and actively advocates for City interests through legislative and governmental affairs activities.
• Pursues, secures, and administers federal, state, and private grant funding opportunities that advance City priorities.
• Performs other duties as may be required by statute, or by the Municipal Code or resolution of the Council.

Organizational Leadership Responsibilities 

• Builds and maintains a high-performing organizational culture. 
• Develop future leaders within the organization. 
• Promote employee engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement. 
• Establish performance expectations and organizational priorities.

 Core Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Financial Management
• Organizational Development
• Communication and Public Engagement
• Political Acumen
• Collaboration and Relationship Building
• Economic Development
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Integrity and Ethical Leadership

Requirements

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of modern and complex principles and practices of municipal administration, departments, organization and economic development functions and services.
• Knowledge of organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of program, policy, and operation needs.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal government, budget preparation and administration strategic planning, organizational design, and management theory.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of organization, administration, and personnel management.
• Ability and desire to promote the City by traveling to attend meetings, conferences, and seminars in and outside of the state.
• Ability to work with citizens, rate payers, elected officials, employees, community organizations, State, County, and local agencies in a positive, professional, and supportive manner at all times.
• Ability to work outside of normal office hours, attending required meetings with punctuality.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs, with the ability to operate necessary office equipment.
• Ability to provide effective leadership and coordinate the activities of the municipal organization.
• Ability to identify and respond to public and City Council issues and concerns.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to negotiate appropriate solutions and contracts effectively and fairly.
• Skill to gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Skill to select, supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Skill to prepare and administer a large municipal budget.

Education 

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Political Science, Planning, or related field. 
• Master's degree (MPA, MBA, or related field) preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience as a City Administrator, Assistant/Deputy City Administrator, County Administrator, City Manager, County Manager, or Department Director required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience with municipal budgeting, economic development, labor relations, utility operations, capital project management, stakeholder relations, and community engagement required.
• Must live within a maximum distance of 30 miles as measured by a straight line from Blair City Hall.
• A combination of education and experience equivalent to those mentioned above will also be considered.

Certifications and Licenses

• ICMA or ASPA membership preferred.

Work Environment 

• Work is performed in a casual, open office environment geared towards collaboration. Business attire may be required for some meetings. All necessary office equipment is provided.