About the Community

Historic Ypsilanti is a community of 22,000 in southeast Michigan. Ypsilanti is the home of Eastern Michigan University, as well as the Michigan Automotive Heritage Museum, Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Festival, DIYpsi, Totally Awesome Fest, and Summerfest.

Ypsilanti is a progressive and welcoming city that has a unique vibe and eclectic arts scene and a vibrant nightlife. The city is made up of three main districts: Downtown, Depot Town, and West Cross. These well preserved historic areas present beautiful architecture and unique buildings filled with local retail and restaurant businesses.

Ypsilanti's business community is a mixture of traditional manufacturing firms with small arts- and tech-based companies. The city combines one of Michigan's largest local historic districts, centered on its older neighborhoods and downtown, with a Redevelopment Ready Certification.

Affectionately known as "Ypsi" by locals, Ypsilanti has an authentic ambiance worthy of a weekend getaway. You'll find passionate, diverse community members as unique as the area they live in.

To learn more about the City, please visit: http://www.cityofypsilanti.com
 

About the Opportunity

The City Manager shall be the administrative officer of the City and shall hold office at the pleasure of the City Council. Under the general supervision of the City Council, they perform a broad range of administrative and financial functions in support of the daily operations which serve the best interests of the community of Ypsilanti as a whole.

Key Responsibilities Include: 

• Direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices, and agencies of the City.
• Hires and manages all department heads and employees of the city.
• Prepares and administers the annual city budget.
• Prepares and administers the capital improvement plan.
• Provides for the enforcement of all laws of the city.
• Advises the city council on policy matters.
• Provide staff support services for the Mayor and Council Members.
• Submit to the City Council and make available to the public a complete report on the finances and administrative activities of the City as of the end of each fiscal year.
   

About You:

We seek a strong verbal and written communicator,  resource connector, servant leader, detail oriented, project manager who can work effectively with City Council members, a committed staff, and the unique community to create a strategic plan for this great community, and to put in place the strategies and tactics to achieve the community embraced vision.

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

• Infrastructure needs - including City Hall renovations and the removal of a dam on the Huron River that could provide transformative recreational opportunities the area
• Finding a long term solution for homelessness
• Housing development
• Supporting next steps for the Water Street development
• Modernizing the technology used by the city
• Supporting the local business community that has been challenged by COVID and construction
• Recruiting additional team members to fill vacant positions at City Hall
• Crime reduction and prevention 
• Working with partners in the area of public health

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

• Leadership - The ability to attract and retain top talent, inspire the team, embrace diversity within the team, manage performance, and be widely viewed as a strong leader who engages and supports others.
• Community Development & Urban Planning - You are passionate about urban planning and hungry for a challenging role that you can apply your experiences and creativity to help propel forward a unique and progressive city 
• Labor Relations - Experience with contract negotiations.
• Financial Acumen - Strong budgeting skills and ethical standards
• Relationship building - Resource connector with the community and regional partners

Education Requirements 

Bachelor’s degree in public administration or related field. Master’s degree (MPA or MBA) preferred.

Applications are requested by November 19th. Candidates seeking confidentiality under Michigan law should clearly state their intention.