Assistant City Manager

Assistant City Manager of Organizational Development and Performance City of Olympia, WA 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. This role focuses on the city’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. Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager oversees Human Resources, Information Services, and Clerk Services, managing 32 employees and an operating budget of $13.1 million. The position acts as the City’s designated risk manager, providing direction on risk‑management practices and guiding the negotiation of claim settlements. In the City Manager’s absence, the Assistant City Manager may serve as Acting City Manager. In collaboration with the Assistant City Manager of Strategic Planning & Communication, this role ensures that city priorities are clearly aligned, communicated, and effectively integrated across departments. Key Responsibilities Lead organizational development initiatives across the city to improve performance, culture, and employee engagement. Generate and analyze data and metrics to inform decisions, drive learning, and adapt strategies. Manage human resources, information services, and clerk services, including staffing, budgeting, and policy development. Serve as the City’s risk manager, directing risk‑management practices and claim settlement negotiations. Collaborate with elected officials, Councilmembers, community leaders, and regional partners to promote cross‑agency initiatives. Advocate for diversity, equity, and belonging, ensuring policies and workplace culture support all employees and the community. Ideal Candidate A visionary, innovative, and strategic leader with a systems‑thinking approach to organizational development and continuous improvement. Experienced in using data and metrics to inform decisions, drive learning, and adapt strategies to improve outcomes and service delivery standards. Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and belonging in the workplace. Strong collaborator who works with employees at all levels to design and implement programs that foster a healthy, innovative, and engaging workplace. Exceptional communicator who builds trusting and authentic relationships. Ability to stay courageous, grounded, and calm under complex organizational challenges, demonstrating sound judgment and integrity. Experience working effectively with elected officials and navigating a public‑sector environment; ability to develop positive relationships with Councilmembers, community leaders, and stakeholders. Experience supporting or leading regional partnerships, ensuring alignment and effective cross‑agency collaboration. Builds strong, trusting relationships through genuine kindness and respect; fosters a positive, inclusive workplace. Does this sound like you? We’d love to hear from experienced leaders who value transparent communication and are passionate about making a meaningful impact in local government. #J-18808-Ljbffr