Royal Oak, MI (pop. 59,006) – Royal Oak is a dynamic city full of opportunity and excitement!  “RO” is large enough to offer all the quality of life amenities one would expect from a big city but has a retained the comforts of a small town. 

The city is a vibrant community of people who care deeply about their neighbors and their neighborhoods.  Downtown includes a variety of restaurants, stores and entertainment options for the hip and the hungry.  With diversity, growth, award winning schools, flourishing neighborhoods and a thriving downtown, Royal Oak is truly a place everyone can call home.  Its location in Oakland County, near the intersection of I-75 and I-696, is just minutes north of Downtown Detroit.  With an Amtrak station in the heart of the city, its residents easily travel to anywhere in southeast Michigan and beyond. 

The city is in the process of building a new city hall and police facilities, both scheduled to open in 2020.  Next year, the city looks forward to developing a beautiful new downtown gathering park at the site for the former city buildings.  With a centennial celebration right around the corner in 2021, the city looks forward to its next city manager leading the community forward to an exciting future, while respecting the past of this lively city.

Royal Oak is dedicated to the council-manager form of government and has a history of long-tenured managers.  The city commission is comprised of six commissioners and a mayor elected at large on a non-partisan ballot.  Elections are held during odd years (most recently November 2019).  To ensure the presence of experienced policy makers, three commissioners are elected to four-year terms every two years.  The mayor is elected for a two-year term.  Commission meetings are held the second and fourth Monday evenings of the month.  The city manager, appointed by the commission, is the city's chief administrative officer and is responsible for planning, coordinating, directing and executing all the city's operations in a manner prescribed by law and conforming to the general policies and specific directives of the city commission.

The city has 330 full-time employees, represented by nine labor units, as well as 150-200 part-time employees. Royal Oak’s General Government Activities Budget is approximately $70 million, and a total all-fund budget of the city is approximately $210 million.  The city’s financial position is stable, including well-funded pension and OPEB funds.

• Candidates will have demonstrated leadership in the successful administration of municipal operations with a strong emphasis on customer service, teamwork and collaboration. 
• Candidates must possess well developed strategic planning skills (both organizational and community), be highly effective in evaluating opportunities and be accomplished in facilitating change as needed.
• The successful candidate will be trustworthy and exhibit a collaborative, welcoming approach with elected officials, residents, the business community, and employees.   
• Active listening skills, excellent communication abilities and proven community engagement expertise are highly desirable. 

The position requires seven to ten years of increasingly responsible senior management experience and a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration or related field.  An MPA or MBA is preferred.  Extensive experience in government administration and/or management may be substituted for educational requirements.  Residency is desirable. 

Starting salary is $140,000 - $150,000 +/- DOQE, with excellent benefits.

Apply at GovHRjobs.com with resume, cover letter, and contact information for 5 professional references by January 17, 2020.  Any questions or inquiries can be made to the attention of Jaymes Vettraino, Vice President, GovHR USA, 630 Dundee Road, Suite 130, Northbrook, IL 60062, jvettraino@govhrusa.com, Tel: (o) 847-380-3240, (c) 248-379-8923.  Royal Oak is an Equal Opportunity Employer.