Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy, or related field. MPA is preferred but not required. Minimum five years of progressively responsible management and supervisory experience as a city or county manager in the public sector for a similar size city or county, or as an Assistant or Deputy in a community of equal complexity, or equivalent experience in the private sector for an organization of similar size and complexity.
- Encourages teamwork and is comfortable getting out amongst the departments.
- Comfortable with mentorship and professional growth as part of one’s leadership ethos.
- Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written, and able to make clear and concise presentations to the City Commission and public. Able to lead and guide the Commission without taking sides or playing politics.
- Strong financial and budgeting background, and well-versed in municipal planning.
- Experience and understanding of city-owned public utilities and is an advocate for modern technology.
- Outstanding leadership skills, with a management style focused on collaboration and relationship building.
- Track record of excellence in economic development and leveraging partnerships.
- Visionary and transformational leader with competence born from expertise and experience.
- Calm and approachable demeanor.
- Views oneself as responsible to the residents.
- Comfortable with risk-taking as part of the decision-making process.
- Trustworthy and dependable, leads by example, and always demonstrates honesty, integrity, fairness, and diplomacy.
- Friendly, calm, collected, with the ability to make clear and concise decisions.
- Desire to immerse oneself in and be a part of the community.
- Motivator who works collaboratively with and empowers staff.
- Positive and proven track record of supervising department heads and supporting the efforts in all departments.
- Supportive of the arts and other quality of life initiatives, including parks and recreation.
Salina, Kansas is a progressive city with a growing population of just under 50,000. The City offers a safe, accessible, and connected community with a comfortable lifestyle for families and young professionals alike. The downtown area is the heart of Salina and is changing fast in support of its vibrant and growing community. Residents enjoy a low cost of living and access to quality healthcare. Kiplinger recently names Salina as the 9th cheapest place to live in America with populations under 50,000. Located in the middle of the state, Salina is a community with historic roots. Residents of Salina enjoy a big city lifestyle with all the perks and hometown feeling of a small community.
The Office of the City Manager is the office of the chief executive of the city government. The City Manager is appointed by the City Commission for an indefinite term and serves as the City’s Chief Executive and Administrative Officer. The departments that report directly to the City Manager are Arts & Humanities, Finance, Computer Technology, Community & Development Services, Fire, Human Resources, Municipal Court, Parks & Recreation, Police, Public Works, and Utilities. This position oversees more than 500 full-time employees, 350 seasonal positions and an annual budget of $151M. The community has a history of stable and long-serving city managers and a governing body with a culture that fully supports the Commission-Manager form of government. This position also works closely with community partners and is highly visible at community events.