ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER

Note: This position will remain open until filled. First review of applications is scheduled to occur for applications received before 5:00 PM on April 30, 2025. This recruitment may close at any time after that date, once a sufficiently strong candidate pool has been established. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible!

The City of Huntington Beach is located in northwestern Orange County 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 90 miles northwest of San Diego. The City encompasses 28 square miles of land and 26 square miles of water, making it the 24th largest city in California. With a population of about 202,265 residents, Huntington Beach is the fourth largest populous city in Orange County. Known as “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach features nearly 8.5 miles of spacious beaches and hosts an annual visitor population of over 11 million people, especially during the summer, and features numerous large-scale special events, surf competitions and festivals. Huntington Beach was incorporated as a Charter City in 1909 and operates under the Council/Manager form of government.

In Huntington Beach, we believe passionately that the key to becoming the best beach City in the world starts and ends with finding the right people to join our team. At this time, we have an outstanding career opportunity available, as we're looking for the "right person" to serve as Assistant to the City Manager in our City Manager's Office.

The ideal candidate is a proactive individual who places an emphasis on critical thinking and attention to detail. The candidate should be comfortable working both independently and in a group as this position may be responsible for leading a variety of task forces and committees. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment where priorities may continue to change or evolve.

JOB SUMMARY

Under general direction, provides professional-level managerial support to the City Manager and Assistant City Manager on a variety of difficult, complex and sensitive administrative matters; provides high-level research and analysis; reviews, reports, and monitors legislative and other intergovernmental activities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Reports to: City Manager and/or Assistant City Manager

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Assistant to the City Manager is an advanced journey-level job class with responsibility for coordinating and overseeing a variety of complex and confidential matters, including but not limited to budget development and oversight, high-profile analytical and research assignments, and the development of policy documents. This classification is distinguished from the Assistant City Manager in that the Assistant City Manager exercises general direction over managerial, administrative, professional, and clerical staff and serves as the City Manager in his or her absence.

Examples of Essential Duties

• Supports the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and department directors on matters pertaining to assigned functions, programs and projects, prepares the City Manager’s Office budget and oversees the expenditure of funds
• Conducts major analytical and research assignments, and develops recommendations on administrative and operational issues and problems with citywide impact
• Develops and assists in the development of strategies to accomplish City goals and objectives
• Provides guidance to City departments according to the directives of the City Manager; coordinates activities with those of other departments and outside agencies
• Directs and participates in the preparation of various documents, including but not limited to correspondence, reports, resolutions, ordinances, contracts, and presentation materials
• Researches, prepares and presents oral and written reports, responds to citizen inquiries
• Maintains effective and extensive professional relationships with representatives of other local, state and federal agencies
• Attends a variety of meetings and civic functions; serves as the City Manager’s representative/staff liaison at meetings of City management and staff, commissions, committees and other organizations as needed
• Represents the city in multi-jurisdictional meetings and with community groups, advisory boards and other governmental agencies
• Attends professional training to stay abreast of industry best practices
• Reports to work as scheduled and works a variety of schedules including evenings, weekends and holidays as required
• Maintains a regular and consistent attendance record
• Travels to offsite locations within and outside the City
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:

• Principles and practices of municipal government administration, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation
• Municipal governance structure, practices and policies
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Organizational and management practices applicable to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs
• Public agency budgetary, contract administration, and City-wide administrative practices
• State and federal constitutional and statutory provisions relating to municipalities
• Methods and techniques of research, analysis, and statistical and analytical report preparation
• Methods and techniques of contract negotiation and administration
• Customer service and public relations
• English usage, spelling and grammar; principles of public speaking

• Develop alternative resolutions to problems and recommend a balanced use of strategic and administrative approaches in resolving issues.
• Analyze, appraise, and organize facts, data, and information and present findings and recommendations in oral and written reports
• Manage a variety of complex and challenging projects simultaneously to completion
• Exercise judgment, initiative, decisiveness, and creativity necessary in situations involving the direction, control and planning of multiple programs, and in critical or unexpected situations involving considerable risk or loss to the City
• Review, discuss, and advise regarding legislative and policy issues
• Interact with public officials; work cooperatively with employees, customers, clients, and the public
• Produce documents written in the English language using proper sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, and spelling
• Communicate orally in group, face-to-face, and one-on-one settings
• Maintain accurate records; operate personal computer and standard software applications
• Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relations with those contacted in the course of work
• Complete work assignments in a thorough and detail focused manner

Licenses/Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and an acceptable driving record are required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

• Application Review - Please attach to your online application 1. cover letter; 2. resume; 3. a copy of TWO work product samples (ex: staff report, executive summary, presentation, and policy and/or procedure document.)
• Examination(s) - Applicants who BEST meet the City's needs will be invited to a virtual oral exam (weighted 100%) - the date of the exam will be determined when a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
• Selection Interview
• Background Investigation
• Appointment