Assistant City Manager

(Ames, IA – 66,424) The City of Ames, Iowa is seeking a talented, energetic, and resourceful professional, with a passion for local government and customer service, to join its dedicated and high functioning municipal team as Assistant City Manager. This position is one of two Assistant City Managers that report directly to the City Manager. Located in the heart of Iowa, just 35 miles north of the capitol city, Des Moines, Ames is home to over 66,000 people and spans 28 square miles amidst the richest, most productive agricultural land in the world.

Over the past several years, Ames has been routinely recognized in various national rankings for overall quality of life, business climate, educated citizenry, cost of living, and many other indices designed to identify cities in the United States that are among the most livable. As the home of Iowa State University, residents of Ames enjoy access to sporting events, cultural offerings, distinguished speakers, educational opportunities, and entertainment options that are often only found in much larger communities.

The local economy of Ames is clearly underpinned by the enormous economic impact of Iowa State University with a student enrollment of approximately 30,000 students and nearly 16,000 employees. However, beyond higher education, Ames hosts a diverse and robust collection of large and medium-sized employers in the following sectors: healthcare, agriculture, government, manufacturing, finance, and retail.

The City of Ames operates under the Council – Manager form of government. The governing body consists of the Mayor, who is elected at-large to a four-year time, along with six (6) City Council Members, four of which are elected by wards while the remaining two members are elected at-large. Each of the Council Members serve four-year overlapping terms. In addition, there is one ex-officio student member who represents the interests of Iowa State University students on the Council.

The annual operating and capital budget for the City of Ames totals $284 million and the City has 1,200 employees. Ames is a full-service municipal government providing the complete range of traditional local government services along with some less traditional services including an electric utility, operation of a waste to energy facility, a public transit system with Iowa State University and the ISU student government, an ice arena with Iowa State, to name just a handful.

The Assistant City Manager is a highly responsible leadership position within the organization that works under the direction of the City Manager. Major duties and responsibilities of the position include:

• Coordinates activities of various departments including the supervision of department heads.
• Participates on the City’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT).
• Provides staff support to various boards and commissions.
• Develops and administers policies, programs, and projects.
• Attends all City Council meetings and makes presentations to the Council.
• Reviews departmental budget requests.
• Leads assigned collective bargaining efforts.
• Plays a key role in achieving the City Council’s vision and goals for the community.
• May serve as the Acting City Manager in the City Manager’s absence.

In addition to the duties listed above, the Assistant City Manager is also responsible for promoting Excellence Through People (ETP) which is the City’s employee-developed, values-based organizational philosophy. In developing ETP, employees identified 14 core values for the organization. When City of Ames employees live these values every day, the following two goals will be realized: 1.) Citizens will receive exceptional customer service at the best price, and 2.) Employees will experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment from which personal and professional growth can occur.

The following academic achievements and professional experience are required of all applicants:

• Master’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field and at least three years of progressively responsible experience in local government, including three years working in a City Manager’s office, or.
• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, finance, accounting, or a related field and at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in local government, including three years working in a City Manager’s office.
• Some supervisory experience is preferred.

The Ideal candidate for this position will possess many of the following characteristics and attributes:

• Personal integrity and a high sense of personal and professional ethics.
• Practices and advocates for exceptional customer service.
• Strong leadership qualities and administrative abilities.
• Approaches challenges and opportunities with innovation and creativity.
• Thinks and acts strategically.
• High level of motivation; self-starter with exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Is committed to professional development for self and staff.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public sector collective bargaining.
• Significant knowledge of and experience in public sector budgeting.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills. Is a great listener.
• Experience working with and presenting to the governing body.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Sense of humor.
• A true passion for public service.

The salary range for this position is $111,832 to $173,578 with annual performance-based merit increases. Please note that the starting salary will be determined by the candidate’s experience and qualifications. However, the starting salary will not exceed $135,000. In addition to the salary, the City of Ames provides a comprehensive and generous package of fringe benefits. As a member of the City’s Executive Leadership Team, the Assistant City Manager is required to reside within the Ames corporate limits within six months of the start of employment. The City will provide relocation assistance up to 10% of salary.

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five (5) work-related references to www.GovHRjobs.com to the attention of Mark R. Peterson, Vice President, GovHR USA. Please apply by September 15, 2023, at 5:00 pm. Please direct all questions to Mr. Peterson at (309) 825-5091.

The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

City of Ames, Iowa