Deputy City Manager

Do you have a background in municipal leadership, strategic planning, or organizational management? Are you looking for a public service opportunity that will challenge and inspire you? Do you thrive in a collaborative, innovative, and solutions‑oriented environment? Are you passionate about delivering exceptional public services that enhance a community's quality of life? Deputy City Manager – Overview The City of Vista seeks a Deputy City Manager who will help lead key strategic initiatives, foster organizational excellence, and partner with departments across the organization to advance the City's vision and achieve new levels of excellence. Key Responsibilities Under administrative direction, performs highly responsible and complex professional administrative work while assisting the City Manager with the direction and coordination of the activities of assigned City departments and/or divisions; provides leadership in policy formation and implementation; promotes effective and efficient operations; provides responsible staff assistance to the Assistant City Manager, City Manager, and City Council; performs other duties as assigned. Class Characteristics: Supervision of staff of the designated departments and divisions. High degree of independence of action in the assigned area of responsibility. Participates in the development of City goals, objectives, policies, and priorities. Oversees and directs a variety of special projects, facilitates project activities, and resolves problems. Develops and submits project reports to the City Manager. Supervises the conduct of studies, surveys, and the collection of information on difficult operational and administrative problems; analyzes findings and prepares reports of practical solutions. Coordinates and participates in providing responsible staff assistance to the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Council, and other City boards and commissions. Provides direction to assigned staff on implementing City Council policy and ensures City Council and City goals are carried out. Recommends and administers policies and procedures. Plans, directs, and coordinates the work plan for assigned functions and assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility. Provides direction and supervision on key projects, and reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures. Oversees and participates in the development, coordination, analysis, and administration of the budget for assigned functional areas. Analyzes data, makes recommendations, prepares reports and makes presentations on the formulation of policy and procedure, staffing, and organizational requirements. Conducts difficult policy and fiscal related analytical studies and reports involving the evaluation of departmental operations. Assists in the negotiation, development and administration of contracts for service. Represents the City Manager at various community and official events and meetings. Performs intergovernmental relations and liaison to federal, state, county and other public agencies. Coordinated activities with other city departments and other public or private agencies. Assists in drafting and reviewing proposed resolutions and ordinances; analyzes and drafts legislation and recommends City action. Serves on assigned committees, community groups and task forces. Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; implements discipline and termination procedures. Attends and makes presentations at meetings of the City Council, and other boards, commissions, and committees, as required. Answers inquiries by telephone or in person to provide accurate information or refers people to the proper source. Operates City vehicles. Performs additional duties as assigned. Qualifications Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position. A typical combination includes a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field; and ten years progressively responsible experience in municipal government administration, including two years managing professional‑level staff. A master’s degree in public administration is highly desirable. Knowledge of Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations. Advanced principles and practices of public administration, including organization, functions, and problems of municipal government. Operations, services, and activities of a municipality. Government, council, and legislative processes. Principles and practices of municipal budget, preparation, and administration. Current social, political, and economic trends and operating problems of municipal government. Principles and practices of program development and administration. Advanced principles and practices of organization, management, and supervision. Principles and practices of strategic planning. Methods of analyzing, evaluating, and modifying administrative procedures. Advanced principles of business letter writing and report preparation. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Principles of effective public relations and interrelationships with community groups and agencies, private businesses and firms, and other levels of government. Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report presentations. Ability to Provide effective leadership and coordinate the activities of assigned municipal organization. Develop and administer City-wide goals, objectives, and procedures. Analyze and define problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations to support goals. Identify and respond to sensitive community, organizational, and City Council issues, concerns, and needs. Work with highly sensitive information while maintaining discretion and trustworthiness. Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques. Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff. Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff. Exercise sound judgment and professionalism when addressing sensitive personnel matters. Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports. Prepare and administer large and complex budgets. Handle multiple demands and priorities simultaneously. Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations. Negotiate and resolve complex issues. Make effective public presentations. Delegate authority and responsibility. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Compensation The salary range for this position is $174,000 to $211,500 annually, based on qualifications and experience. The position includes a comprehensive benefits package. Equal Opportunity The City of Vista is an Equal Opportunity and ADA compliant employer. All qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Vista, CA