Assistant to the City Manager/Innovation Coordinator

Summary

Performs senior-level professional support to the City Manager in the areas of program development & implementation, technical studies, management analysis, reports, special projects, intergovernmental relations, and legislative matters. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Duties & Required Qualifications

• Coordinates with departments throughout the organization to identify, develop, and implement strategies and programs to increase efficiency and effectiveness to achieve City goals and meet growing community demands for services.
• Assists the City Manager to develop strategies and direction for the organization and leads strategic initiatives as directed by the City Manager.
• Leads the entire organization to identify and implement innovative practices and innovative thinking to achieve operational and fiscal efficiencies and to meet the evolving needs of the community.
• Assists Department Directors to develop and implement new and innovative programs and services that emphasize creative problem solving and solicits departmental participation to continuously improve the organization.
• Executes, coordinates or assists with special projects on an analytical, strategic planning, and organization effectiveness nature for the City Manager.
• Assists the City Manager with management analysis including budget analysis, policy analysis, and procedural interpretation and analysis.
• Aids senior management on high priority projects by assisting in the development of action plans, business development plans, and public policies.
• Research trends, demographics, and assess community needs to project changes and resulting needs to develop strategic plans.
• Conducts presentations and meetings with the City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, and other boards and commissions as designated.
• Assists in investigating and resolving customer complaints and inquiries, ensuring that contact is made by appropriate City staff and issues are resolved or final communication has occurred.
• Manages multiple projects and special programs simultaneously.
• Provides technical support and assistance to City Council members in their roles and responsibilities as appointees to outside agencies and organizations.
• Provides ombudsman assistance to local businesses developing in the Old Town area and other prospects as identifies by the Economic Development Department.
• Assists the City Manager with the development and implementation of a legislative platform.
• Represents the organization before outside agencies and organizations as designated by the City Manager.
• Coordinates with the Finance Department for the administration of a grants program and helps departments identify, apply for, and administer grant applications and programs.
• Completes other related duties, as assigned by the City Manager.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public administration, business administration, political science, government, finance, economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible governmental administration work experience requiring advanced knowledge and similar work experience as listed in the duties and responsibilities.

OR

• High School degree or its equivalent.
• A combination of a minimum of nine years of experience and education in progressively responsible governmental administration requiring advanced knowledge and similar work experience as listed in the duties and responsibilities.

Required Certificates and Licenses

• Valid Driver's License from any U.S. State. Must be able to obtain a Texas driver’s license within 90 days of hire. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public administration, business administration, political science, finance, economics, or a related field.
• Graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public administration, business administration, political science, finance, economics, or a related field.
• Ten or more years of similar experience working for a city that is similar in size and demographics to the City of Leander (90,000+ population). 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of organizational development and management practices as applied to the analysis, evaluation, development, and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to analyze or evaluate problems, develop, recommend, and present alternative solutions.
• Conduct and coordinate studies and prepare concise reports,
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate with other employees and the public in a courteous and diplomatic manner.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Analyze situations and adopt quick, effect, and reasonable courses of action. 
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing with proper punctuation, spelling and grammar.
• Skill in directing the activities of a complex and diverse organization.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to plan strategically.
• Ability to plan and schedule operations.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, the public, elected officials, and boards and commissions. 

Physical Demands & Additional Information

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle and feel items, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.