HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity ManagerUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: City Manager
Department: City Manager’s Office
Division: City Manager ’s Office
Supervisor: City Council
FLSA: Exempt
Civil Service: No
Pay Grade: N/A
Job Number: 7002
Job Summary
This posi�on is the highest level of management within the municipal organiza�on; serves as
the City’s Chief Administra�ve Officer; manages the City’s affairs under broad policy direc�on
from the City Council.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Plans, directs, controls and evaluates City opera�ons and services.
• Manages and supervises all departments to achieve goals within available resources.
• Coordinates the budget development process for the city; reviews departmental budget
submissions and recommends the annual opera�ng budget and three-year financial plan
for City Council approval.
• Develops long-range fiscal management plans and strategies; implements the approved
budget and monitors revenue and expenditure trends; directs the debt and cash
management processes for the city; recommends a five-year capital improvements
program.
• Ini�ates policy recommenda�ons for City Council considera�on; prepares
comprehensive reports to assist City Council in policy making decisions.
• Responds to requests from the City Council and the public.
• Reviews and oversees significant projects and issues; works with Department Directors
and other management staff to determine the best course of ac�on and management
strategy.
• Assesses and monitors workloads, administra�ve and support systems and internal
repor�ng rela�onships; iden�fies opportuni�es for improvement; directs and
implements changes.
• Oversees administra�on of personnel management system; approves hires, promo�ons,
salary increases and related personnel ac�ons; determines disposi�on of employee
grievances.
• Directs the prepara�on of City Council agenda.
• Assesses the current and long-term needs in various program areas; assists the City
Council in developing strategic goals and implements said goals.
Updated: March 2024
• Advises the City Council concerning the status of current projects.
• Develops programs and strategies to enhance the effec�veness and efficiency of City
opera�ons.
• Oversees the City’s economic development efforts.
• Builds mutually beneficial partnerships with residents, outside agencies, developers,
local community groups and others.
• Atends City Council and other public mee�ngs; makes speeches and community
presenta�ons as required.
• Nego�ates contracts and other agreements; signs agreements and contracts for
purchase of goods and services; nego�ates and resolves sensi�ve and controversial
issues.
• Prepares correspondence necessary to direct or document City business decisions.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs other related du�es as required.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Master’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on and seven years of related
experience; and/or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience. Advanced
degree in Public Administra�on, Urban Planning, Business Administra�on, or related.
Experience in municipal government. Supervisory experience in municipal government.
• Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with sa�sfactory driving record required. Must be 18
years of age. Must pass criminal background check. Must reside in the municipal limits
of the City of Iowa City.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Master’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on and more than seven years
of related experience; and/or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to apply concepts such as frac�ons, percentages, ra�os, and propor�ons to
prac�cal situa�ons.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scien�fic thinking to a wide range of intellectual
and prac�cal problems.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions,
propor�ons, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to develop and present mathema�cal budget informa�on.
• Ability to effec�vely communicate, both orally and in wri�ng, to residents, the City
Council and employees.
Updated: March 2024
• Ability to make effec�ve and persuasive speeches and presenta�ons on controversial or
complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors,
commissions, or elected officials.
• Ability to read and understand technical materials, reports and journals and prepare
administra�ve documents.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to respond effec�vely to the most sensi�ve inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to work with mathema�cal concepts such as probability and sta�s�cal inference.
• Ability to write speeches and ar�cles using original or innova�ve techniques or style.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of public administra�on.
• Skill in management, decision making, writen and verbal communica�on, public
rela�ons, and interpersonal rela�ons.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Supervision
Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of a department. Carries out
supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
Responsibilities include supervising subordinate supervisors and direct reports include
interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising
performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving
problems.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus. Ability to transport self from building to building and to attend
various functions and meetings at other sites either within or outside of the City.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
Updated: March 2024
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Du�es are generally performed in
an office se�ng with a controlled environment. The job requires si�ng for extended periods of
�me and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situa�ons and significant
work pace pressure.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Geoff Fruin, City Manager (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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