JOB
About the Position
The Assistant City Manager of Organizational Development and Performance serves as one of two principal deputies to the City Manager in a council-manager form of municipal government. The focus of the Assistant City Manager of Organizational Development and Performance is on the organization’s people, systems and services through the advancement of citywide organizational development, cross-departmental initiatives, leadership development, enterprise-wide project and change management, workforce planning, and employee engagement. For more information see the detailed recruitment flyer.
Ideal Candidate Profile
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A visionary, innovative, and strategic leader who brings a systems-thinking approach to organizational development and continuous improvement.
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Experience using data and metrics to inform decisions, drive learning, and adapt strategies to improve outcomes and service delivery standards.
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Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and belonging while ensuring that policies, practices, and workplace culture serve both employees and the community.
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Prioritize collaboration with employees at all levels to imagine, design, and implement programs that foster a healthy, innovative, and engaging workplace—one where employees feel a strong sense of belonging and have the resources needed to perform their work safely and effectively.
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Exceptional communicator with an ability to build trusting and authentic relationships. They bring a genuine interest in people and think beyond traditional approaches to attract, develop and retain a talented and engaged workforce.
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An ability to stay courageous, grounded and calm while navigating complex organizational challenges, demonstrating sound judgement and integrity.
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Experience working effectively with elected officials and navigating a public-sector environment. Demonstrated ability to develop positive working relationships with Councilmembers, community leaders and stakeholders.
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Experience supporting or leading regional partnerships, ensuring alignment, shared problem-solving, and effective cross-agency collaboration, including with tribes, neighboring cities and counties, state agencies, local businesses, and non-profit organizations.
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Build strong, trusting relationships through genuine kindness and respect. They listen well and create a supportive environment where people feel valued and understood. Their collaborative, people-centered approach helps bring teams together and fosters a positive, inclusive workplace.
Essential Functions
The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:
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Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems.
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Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes.
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Selects, motivates and evaluates personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline procedures per established policies, procedures, and executive guidance.
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Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the departmental budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
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Facilitates and monitors implementation of the City Council’s goals and City’s mission and major initiatives; coordinates the City’s performance measurement function.
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Advances the policy work of the City Council and the City Manager’s special projects and City-wide organizational development and performance.
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Advises and administers risk management, policy development and a variety of essential and regulated programs and related work plans; resolves complex operational matters and issues.
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Assesses, plans and implements best practice standards ensuring compliance with all regulatory and funding agencies; compiles and submits data for trend analysis and regulatory reporting.
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Serves as City liaison to the Municipal Court Judge and staff and to a variety of external agencies; acts as City Manager in their absence and as requested.
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Conducts research and feasibility studies, evaluates quantitative and qualitative data; makes recommendations and presents findings.
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Administers personnel related matters and participates in bargaining with municipal employees; leads and directs staff within the limits established by appropriation and any ordinance or collective bargaining agreement.
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Confers with managers and leaders on work plans, organizational structure, budgetary concerns, staffing, and issues impacting the effectiveness of operations and service delivery.
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Participates in public emergency or danger situations and assumes responsibility for the maintenance of public safety, public order and enforcement of laws.
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Provides transparency, accountability and the opportunity to communicate expectations and results to the public; addresses and converses with individuals, local business and citizen groups, media, and government officials regarding the City’s needs, future vision, and local, regional, state and federal issues.
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Performs other functions for the Office of the City Manager by ordinance or other vote of the City Council or otherwise, as assigned.
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Follows City and public safety guidelines and protocols and performs job functions in a safe manner; reports all safety hazards per established policies and procedures.
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Responds to inquiries and comments from the public and resolves complex and sensitive issues and complaints per established standards and protocols.
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Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays current on new trends and best practices.
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Attends evening and weekend meetings and events based on organizational responsibilities and requirements.
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Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.
Typical Qualifications
Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:
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Knowledge of municipal management practices and principles and current research, developments and trends in the fields of public administration and public programs.
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Knowledge of governmental budgeting principles, practices and regulations.
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Knowledge of the principles, practices, methodologies and techniques regarding public personnel administration and labor laws.
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Knowledge of the principles, practices, methodologies and techniques utilized to effectively manage and motivate a diverse workforce.
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Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and applicable department and organization specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required.
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Skill in developing, administering, interpreting and evaluating operational budgets, contracts and fiscal reports.
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Skill in adapting to a changing work environment and competing demands and the ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
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Skill in handling complex and sensitive issues and maintaining confidentiality.
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Ability to lead and motivate others to achieve goals.
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Ability to formulate, initiate and administer policies and procedures for effective fiscal control.
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Ability to effectively present information, technical advice and fiscal information to City and agency officials, employees, the public, and private and public entities.
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Ability to read, analyze and interpret program related laws and regulations and establish necessary work processes and procedures.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure that deadlines are met and to set priorities that move projects through efficiently to achieve customer and quality objectives.
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Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations and action plans in support of goals.
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Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Experience/Education
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Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration or a related field and five (5) years of increasingly responsible municipal management and administration experience including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience;
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OR master’s degree in public administration or a related field and three (3) years of experience as listed above;
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OR a combination of experience, certification, education, and training that demonstrates expertise in the related areas.
Special Requirements
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A valid Washington State driver’s license may be required.
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Certification as an ICMA Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM) preferred.
Supplemental Information
Contacts:
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The Assistant City Manager has contact with citizens, personnel of all departments and divisions, the business community, neighborhood organizations, and City Council members.
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Occasionally involved in highly sensitive and emotional interactions requiring skill in gaining the trust and confidence of others.
Supervision:
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Supervises, trains, assigns and monitors the work of assigned staff.
Accountability:
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Accountable to the City Manager for efficient coordination of the operational activity of the City, for effective communication between departments, between the Council and the Executive Management Team, and for the effectiveness of the Executive Management Team in policy making and implementing the priorities of the City Council.
Working Conditions:
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Works from an office in City Hall with potential remote options available
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Flexibility is required for attendance at meetings which are often scheduled at other locations and outside regular working hours.
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Position is subject to the stress of managing competing demands and meeting program of project deadlines
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Sufficient mobility to visit various City offices and worksites is required. “Management by Walking Around” is encouraged.
Olympia is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
