Special Initiative Manager

Under the direct supervision of the Town Manager, serves as a catalyst to advance a variety of special projects and strategic initiatives, directly manages all aspects of special projects as assigned, assists the Town administration with implementation of the Council approved strategic plan. The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification,only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities.Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specificduties.

• Assists the Town Manager in planning, organizing, controlling, integrating, and evaluating a variety of complex special projects.
• Participates in the development of new techniques, programs, and Town’s short-and long-range strategic initiatives.
• Serves as lead staff person and project manager for a variety of special studies, strategic plans, community meetings, and other similar undertakings related to special projects and initiatives.
• Makes presentations on various projects or issues to the Town Council, Town employees or other internal or external agencies or organizations.
• Monitors the pending items list and keeps the Town Manager informed about projects and issues of importance to Council.   Provides the Town Manager with accurate and timely information to support decision-making and policy direction.
• Works with department directors to create annual objectives and develop timelines, benchmarks, and defined outcomes related to special projects and initiatives. 
• Ensures projects and initiatives are followed through to completion in a timely manner.
• Develops, manages, and monitors budgets, financing plans and strategies to finance and implement special projects and strategic initiatives.
• Identifies and pursues grant opportunities to support special projects and strategic initiatives, prepares grant applications and manages grant contracts, including reporting requirements therewith.
• Maintains effective relationships with a variety of community organizations, groups and individuals to promote positive public relations; coordinates assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Explains, justifies, and defends Town programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Maintains current knowledge of new trends and innovations in the field of municipal management and public administration; attends and participates in professional group meetings; participates in professional development activities; reads publications relevant to area of assignment.
• May serve as Acting Town Manager in Town Manager’s absence. 
• Performs related duties as required.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:  
NoneKnowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a municipality.
• Theory, principles, practices and techniques of public administration and local government administration including municipal budgeting, public agency financing, financial administration, program and policy formulation, purchasing, and maintenance of public records.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration including social, political and environmental issues influencing program development and administration.
• Town functions and associated public information, management, financial and public policy issues.
• Decision making techniques.
• Principles and practices of fiscal and strategic planning.
• Methods of analyzing, evaluating, and modifying administrative procedures.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Government, council, and legislative processes.
• Public information and public relations principles and practices required to work with public officials, industry representatives, civic groups, and private citizens.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the department and assigned program areas.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for assigned programs and projects.
• Work on major, high-level and sensitive Town issues, programs and projects with multiple stakeholders and high levels of public interest.
• Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensuring compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of Town programs and administrative activities.
• Conduct effective negotiations and represent the Town and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory and legislative organizations.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Communicate effectively with the public and employees, both orally and in writing, including in public settings
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business or Public Administration, or a closely related field; AND five year’s progressively responsible experience in government, including extensive administrative and management experience clearly demonstrating the ability to direct the activities of a municipal government.
Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess State of Arizona Driver's license.

Salary : $60,195 - $87,298