Introduction

The Mayor and City Council seek to recruit a new City Manager for the City of St. Clair Shores due to the upcoming retirement of their current City Manager who has been an employee of the City for 14 years. This individual must have the skills and experience to guide St. Clair Shores with an appropriate combination of community orientation, leadership and operational skills.

St. Clair Shores is a quaint city nestled along the banks of Lake St. Clair in Macomb County, Michigan. It is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Great Lakes” with its 14 miles of shoreline (including canals) and a destination Nautical Mile District. Many resident families have lived in the community for generations, and are heavily vested in the success of the City. The Council is highly engaged, and well supported by a strong volunteer force comprising of 35+ Boards and Commissions.

The population of St. Clair Shores is approximately 60,000 individuals and covers 14.2 square miles. The City expanded rapidly in the 1950s and 1960s and infill housing sells quickly. The City is over 90% residential by taxable value, and there is a desire to increase economic and infrastructural development and to attract young professionals and growing families. St. Clair Shores is not a pass-through community, which makes it very pleasant for residents, but can be a challenge when it comes to growth.

The City provides its residents with an abundance of recreational activities for all ages, including boating and water related sports, golf, and ice skating. St. Clair Shores also hosts one of the largest, and longest running  Memorial Day parades in the Midwest, with attendance often approaching 100,000 spectators. The Nautical Mile business district features iconic nautical-themed streetscapes and variety of restaurants, retailers, clubs, and boat dealers, that attract residents and visitors for a unique experience.

This position is the chief administrative officer of the city and serves at the pleasure of the City Council. Department leadership is highly competent and passionate about delivering excellent services to City residents. A link to the specific job duties outlined in the City Charter can be found here.

The City Manager is responsible for the implementation of the policies and direction set by the City Council. The powers and duties granted to the City Manager include:

• Supervising and directing all administrative departments of the City government except the functions of the city attorney.
• Enforcing City laws, ordinances, contracts and franchises.
• Acting as the purchasing agent of the City.
• Reporting to the Council periodically on the financial condition of the City and other matters.
• Attending all meetings of the Council.
• Assuring positive relationships with the public.
• Coordinating public information.
• Investigating and adopting new technologies.
• Working with outside governmental and non-governmental agencies.

Relevant Experience

We are seeking a facilitator, team builder and problem solver with the appropriate experiences including four years of administrative experience in municipal management and a track record of success. We seek a collaborator and consensus builder that supports the City Council, City Staff and residents, and will help implement new initiatives and continue the tradition of delivering excellent City services and fiscal restraint.  

This role has many facets, and the successful candidate will be an excellent people developer, project manager, strategic thinker, and community engager. Candidates should demonstrate a sense of passion for public service and empathy for a wide range of perspectives and needs.

The City Manager will have a key role in helping to address key issues that are facing the City, including:

• Community and economic development
• Preservation of natural resources (Lake St. Clair)
• Attrition of key staff due to upcoming retirements and succession planning
• Preservation of institutional knowledge
• Limited revenue growth
• Infrastructure needs
• Population shift from older to younger residents

Experience with the following areas of subject matter is helpful:

• Budgeting and strong fiscal management
• Economic development
• Collective bargaining  
• Understanding of municipal and community development national trends  
• Municipal infrastructure, roads, traffic
• Municipal laws, regulations, rules

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, government, economics, social science, planning, or a related field is required.

Key Competencies

The next City Manager must be a leader who embodies the spirit of public service and displays deep compassion for the community. This individual must foster a culture of open communication while collaborating with council, neighborhood communities, local organizations, labor associations, businesses, and residents from across the City to achieve excellence.

They must have demonstrated expertise of leading and supporting initiatives in a highly complex environment.  

In terms of the performance and competencies required for the position, we would highlight the following:

Creativity and passion regarding community development. Would identify partnership and grant opportunities to attract new businesses, such as breweries, to the City. Would seek out and build relationships with regional and state organizations to take advantage of economic development programs and opportunities that could help attract new businesses and residents to the City.

Successful track record of managing an entity similar to St. Clair Shores in terms of size, complexity, and culture, with clear strategic results; has strong financial skills; executes policies efficiently and effectively by championing best-in-class operational practices and a culture of operational excellence.

The ability to attract and recruit top talent, motivate the team, delegate effectively, manage performance, and be widely viewed as a strong leader who engages and supports others.

A leader who leads by example, and holds self and others accountable for achieving results; demonstrates strong organization and negotiation skills; stays calm and composed in difficult situations.

The ability to advise the Mayor and City Council regarding both positive and negative policy implications by having the aptitude to seek, analyze, and present data from a variety of sources to support multiple viewpoints and to align residents with the City’s overall strategy.

Naturally connects with and builds strong relationships with others; demonstrates strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly and persuasively. Seeks to engage broadly.

Come make St. Clair Shores your home port!

To Apply

• Interested applicants may send an email with a current resume and cover letter to Kylie@AmyCellTalent.com.
• Applications are requested by May 12th, 2019.
• Candidates seeking confidentiality under Michigan law should clearly state their intentions.