Compensation: $135,295 - $168,965 DOQ

Deadline: June 30, 2023

Position Objectives:

Bethel is a general law, second-class city within the state’s unorganized borough and operates under the manager form of government as defined in Alaska Statutes 29.20.460 through 29.20.520. The city is governed by a City Council consisting of seven elected council members for two-year terms. 

The City Manager is appointed by the Bethel Council and serves at its pleasure. The City Manager’s powers and duties are set in state law and the municipal mode of the city. The Manager is the chief executive officer of the city. The Manager directs the day-to-day operations of the city. The manager’s office also oversees a variety of interdisciplinary programs and initiatives while communicating the City Council’s vision and values.

The City Manager’s Office is responsible for many of the City's centralized functions:

1. Implement public policies adopted by the City Council.

2. Actively manage the municipal organization to ensure efficient, cost-effective service delivery.

3. Support city departments and divisions in efforts to innovate and improve customer experience.

4. Provide public information through media requests and reports.

5. Develop and recommend policies that protect the city's fiscal foundation; and influence state and federal policies that impact Bethel's ability to thrive.

The following departments are managed by the city manager: Administration, Finance, Public Works, Planning, Police, IT, Fire, and Port. The City Clerk, and City Attorney are hired and serve at the pleasure of the City Council. 

Bethel is a fiscally conservative driven community placing value on keeping the financial stability of the community at the forefront of their capital planning and growth. They are a value-driven organization dedicated to responsive, respectful and courteous customer service. The total budget including all funds is about $31 million with a general fund budget of around $26 million. There are six enterprise funds which are comprised of the pool expenses, solid waste, municipal dock, water and sewer, leased property and transit. The city has approximately 100 FTE employees.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Develops, plans, and implements, with council participation, goals, and objectives for the City; recommends and administers policies and procedures necessary to provide municipal services; approves new or modified programs, systems, administrative and personnel policies and procedures.

Provides highly responsible administrative staff assistance to the City Council; directs specific and comprehensive analyses of a wide range of municipal policies; prepares and submits to City Council annual reports of financial and administrative activities.

Directs, oversees, and participates in the development of the City Manager's Office work plan; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.

Directs the development, presentation, and administration of the City budget; prepares and oversees the financial forecast of funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors revenues and expenditures; implements budget adjustments.

Appoints, trains, motivates, and evaluates City employees in the administrative service; establishes performance objectives; prepares and presents employee performance reviews; implements discipline procedures; hears and rules on employee appeals to disciplinary actions.

Directs and confers with executive staff concerning administrative and operational problems; makes appropriate decisions or recommendations for City Council adoption. Oversees the enforcement of all City ordinances; monitors all contractual agreements with contractors.

Represents the City in the community and at professional meetings; participates on a variety of boards and commissions; attends all City Council meetings.

Minimum Requirements:

The City of Bethel is seeking an experienced open-minded leader who instills trust and confidence through dynamic leadership. The successful candidate will demonstrate creative problem-solving through teamwork, partnerships, sound judgement, and decision-making. The City Manager oversees multiple projects and deadlines. The individual must be a strong communicator, detailed oriented, technologically savvy and outcome driven.

The candidate must appreciate Bethel's history and work on moving the organization forward while preserving the community's culture and identity. The candidate will present experience in community outreach and civic engagement and understand the importance of providing the public accurate and timely information.

Desirable Training and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy, business or related field and a Master’s in Public/Business Administration from an accredited college or university is preferred along with extensive progressively responsible experience (5 to 7 years) in local government management, including significant experience at a senior level interacting with elected officials and stakeholder groups. Experienced assistant and/or deputy managers/administrators are also encouraged to apply. Alaska experience is preferred.

Benefits:

The annual salary range is $135,000 - $168,965 with excellent benefits. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, training, and experience. The City offers an outstanding fringe benefit package that includes low cost health, dental and vision, and generous leave. The city will provide relocation assistance, temporary housing assistance, and temporary take-home vehicle use.

City of Bethel Benefit Details

City Manager Recruitment Brochure 

More Information:

Interested candidates should email the following to cityclerk@cityofbethel.net: 

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Contact information for five professional references 

Candidate information will be held confidentially until the council has narrowed the qualified candidates down for interviews.   

For more information, contact: 

Lori Strickler, City Clerk

cityclerk@cityofbethel.net

907-543-1384

The City of Bethel is an equal opportunity employer.