Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY The city manager serves as the chief administrative officer for the city and is responsible for the operations and management of all city operating departments. The city manager is responsible for implementing the adopted policies of the city council by coordinating city services to meet the needs of all who live, play and conduct business in the city of Fife. Under the leadership of the city council, the city manager proposes policies and programs, carries out directives voted by the city council, and develops a long-range view of the city problems, needs, goals, and objectives for consideration by the city council. The city manager also prepares general rules and regulations necessary for the conduct of the administrative offices and departments of the city and supervises the preparation of the city’s budget and financial reports each fiscal year. In addition to the overall administration of city government, the city manager oversees the executive department, which includes city clerk’s office, information technology and communications divisions. THE PRIORITIES

• Build strong, positive relationships with city staff and city council.
• Work to understand the current organization, operations, culture and structure of the city.
• Establish trust, open communication and encourage collaboration to prioritize and execute on achievable goals.
• In partnership with the city council, staff and key stakeholders, prioritize and implement a wide variety of transportation-related projects. Consider the proper timing, planning, long-term impacts, community connectivity and funding to ensure the transportation system brings people together, encourages people-oriented development and ensures the smooth flow of commerce.
• Continue to drive financial stability, develop sustainable budgets, maintain fiscal accountability and build city reserves.
• Identify new revenue streams and work to understand financial impacts of council goals, projects, government mandates and staffing to balance the fiscal reality with the city’s needs.
• Proactively collaborate with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Develop relationships, ensure open and transparent communication and maintain effective partnerships with the Tribal Council, Tribal leadership and key stakeholders that encourage and support a mutually-beneficial relationship.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships regionally with the Port of Tacoma, Pierce County, Sound Transit, WSDOT and surrounding cities. Effectively partner and look for opportunities to collaborate while protecting Fife’s interests as the city continues to grow and evolve.
• Be a proponent of diversity, equity and inclusion (“DEI”) and endeavor to recognize the importance of DEI in the workplace and the community.
• Implement programs to reduce homelessness in the city.
• Continue to effectively navigate the city through the Covid-19 pandemic.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The City of Fife seeks a city manager that is creative and innovative and brings a fresh, experienced voice and perspective to municipal leadership. With a proven ability to move projects and initiatives forwards, the ideal candidate will successfully guide the city through this time of growth and change encouraging diversity of thought and valuing the opinions of others. A successful city manager will be able to build and develop an effective relationship with elected officials and partner with city council to provide sound advice and guidance. In addition, the city manager should demonstrate an ability to build consensus and guide others to a decision. The ideal candidate is confident, humble and diplomatic with a willingness to push back as needed. Considered a calculated risk taker, the ideal candidate does proper due diligence and monitors best practices in order to drive efficiency and inform decision making. The preferred candidate is an active listener who values honesty and integrity and believes in fostering mutual respect on all levels. A strategic thinker, the city manager easily sees the big picture and long-term vision for the city. The successful candidate should have a strong background in strategic planning and execution and is considered fiscally responsible. With a mindful eye, the city manager monitors best practices and innovative trends to keep Fife moving forward. The ideal candidate has a proven track record with large-scale capital projects, including transportation projects. In addition, the preferred candidate brings prior experience successfully partnering and collaborating with tribal governments. The ideal candidate is a visible leader who enjoys being part of the community and participating in multiple activities and events. Considered to be approachable, a city manager recognizes the importance of relationships and partnerships at all levels and has a history of engaging in effective, meaningful communication with business and community leaders, key stakeholders and regional partners. The preferred candidate maintains an understanding of issues affecting the community, monitors regional initiatives and leverages their knowledge to drive decisions. A proactive leader, the city manager creates a forward thinking culture that encourages and supports collaboration among staff. The city manager should be a dynamic leader who promotes a culture where creativity, communication and customer service are highly valued. The ideal candidate is fair, establishes clear expectations and holds others accountable. Additionally, the successful candidate embraces technology and innovation and utilizes both to drive efficiency. A good sense of humor with the ability to laugh is essential.

Qualifications

THE QUALIFICATIONS At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government or similar government agencies, including five years of administrative or leadership responsibility. Strong managerial experience and the ability to work closely with the city council is essential. An exceptional ability to develop effective partnerships is required. A bachelor’s degree in public or business administration or related field is required.

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY Please apply on our city website at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityoffife/jobs/3256210/city-manager by 5 pm on November 15, 2021.   The City of Fife prohibits discrimination against any individual in regard to hiring, promotion, discipline or other employment practices. Everyone is treated equally regardless of age, gender, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, or the presence of any physical, mental or sensory disability, marital or veteran status, or any other basis that is protected by local, state, or federal law. It is also the desire of the city to reflect the diverse community that we serve. Fife is committed to seeking a diverse applicant pool for this position. The city is equally committed to creating a culture that promotes mutual respect, acceptance, cooperation and productivity among diverse people. Toward this end, racial, ethnic, religious, or sexual slurs or comments demeaning national origin or individuals with disability by any employee to or about any employee, applicant or the public, will not be tolerated.

Additional Information

TO APPLY:

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS JOB OPPORTUNITY YOU MUST COMPLETE AN ONLINE APPLICATION ON OUR WEBSITE AT HTTP://CITYOFFIFE.ORG/JOBLINE.

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE OPPORTUNITY PLEASE INCLUDE:

1. A DETAILED CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME; AND
2. COVER LETTER DETAILING HOW YOUR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE HAS PREPARED YOU FOR THIS POSITION.

For more information and a full job description, please visit our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

THE CITY HAS A TOBACCO AND DRUG-FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT