Borough Manager

AKML; Ketchikan (AK); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough seeks a proven leader to serve as Borough Manager, the chief administrative officer appointed by the Assembly. The Manager implements Assembly policy and directs staff under KGBC 2.60.010.

The role oversees all administrative departments (except the Borough Clerk and Attorney), prepares the annual budget and capital improvement program, and reports to the Mayor and Assembly on finances and operations.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of local government laws and personnel.
• Expertise in financial management including capital improvement and revenue sources.
• Knowledge of labor law and personnel administration.
• Strong organizational, planning, analytical skills and written/oral communication; computer proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Attends Assembly meetings, prepares agendas, briefs, and serves as liaison.
• Provides financial updates and managerial analysis to the Assembly.
• Communicates with School District and reports fiscal impact of decisions.
• Ensures compliance with Borough Code and oversees code enforcement.
• Directs capital improvement planning, budgeting, and delivery.
• Engages with intergovernmental relations and represents the Borough.
• Participates in contracting and consultant evaluation.
• Participates in planning and legislation and oversees regulatory compliance.
• Meets with department heads and reviews interdepartmental processes.
• Travel to out-of-town meetings for events.

Skills

Local government knowledge

Budgeting expertise

Labor law knowledge

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Computer proficiency

Education

MPA or MBA preferred

Bachelor's degree in public or business administration

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Borough Manager is the chief administrative officer of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough, appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Assembly. Under KGBC 2.60.010 the administrative power of the Borough is vested in the Manager, with the powers and duties set out in AS 29.20.500 and the Borough Code. The Manager implements the policy adopted by the Assembly, and work may be performed by the incumbent or delegated to subordinate staff.

AUTHORITY AND SCOPE

Administrative head. Supervision and control of all administrative departments, officers, and employees, except the Borough Clerk, the Borough Attorney, and their staff, and except the School District; and implementation of all policy set by the Assembly.

PERSONAL AUTHORITY

Appoints, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines department heads and senior management, and oversees that process for all employees through subordinate managers. Establish administrative policies and procedures.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Prepares and submits the annual budget and the capital improvement program, and administers both as adopted by the Assembly; in accordance with the Borough Code of Ordinances.

REPORTING

Reports regularly to the Mayor and Assembly on Borough finances, operations, and administrative activities, and performs other duties the Assembly assigns.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assembly support. Attends all Assembly meetings, prepares agendas, briefs members on pending items, and provides analysis the Assembly needs to make informed policy decisions; and serves as liaison between borough staff and the assembly.
• Financial reporting. Provides regular financial updates and managerial analysis of Borough operations and programs, with reports and presentations to the Assembly.
• School District. Communicate regularly with School District administration and School Board members. Keeps the Assembly apprised of District activities, budget requests, funding, and facility matters, and reports the fiscal impact of District decisions on the Borough.
• Code Compliance. Ensures Borough operations are conducted in accordance with Borough Code and oversees enforcement of Code requirements.
• Capital improvement program. Directs the planning, design, budgeting, and delivery of capital improvement projects Borough-wide, including School District facilities. Defines scope, allocates resources, resolves problems, and reports progress to the Assembly.
• Intergovernmental and external relations. Works with the Borough lobbyist and with state and federal officials on Borough priorities, confers with the City of Ketchikan and other municipalities, and represents the Borough with boards, commissions, and civic organizations.
• Contracts and consultants. Participates in the evaluation and selection of contractors and consultants and monitors performance for timely and quality completion.
• Planning and legislation. Participates in local and regional planning, monitors pending state and federal legislation affecting the Borough, and oversees compliance with new legislation.
• Internal operations. Meets regularly with department heads and key management staff, coordinates review of interdepartmental processes, and resolves public inquiries unresolved at the department level.

Will attend breakfast, lunch, and evening meetings throughout the year, and travels by air and/or water to out-of-town meetings and functions.

EXPECTATIONS OF THE MANAGER

• Ethical. Promotes transparent and open government, sets the example through conduct and work habits, and is of unquestioned personal and professional integrity.
• Available. Accessible to the Assembly, staff, and the public, and willing to devote substantial time to meetings and activities occurring beyond normal business hours.
• Involved. Present in the community and engaged with the School District, the City of Ketchikan, and civic organizations.
• Communicative. Keeps the Assembly fully informed, follows through on inquiries, and communicates clearly in writing, in person, and in the public forum.
• Accountable. Delegates while accepting ultimate responsibility, makes timely decisions, and defends or explains the reasons for them.
• Nonpartisan. Politically astute and non-partisan. Works effectively with people holding diverse views, accepts the decisions of the majority and carries them forward, and deals fairly with represented and non-represented employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive knowledge of laws related to local government and personnel, and of modern budgetary principles and practices.
• Expertise in the financial management of local government, including capital improvement program planning, taxation, bonding alternatives and limits, and traditional and innovative revenue sources, within a framework of conservative fiscal values.
• Knowledge of labor law, with demonstrated experience in personnel administration and collective bargaining.
• Strong organizational, planning, and analytical skills; effective oral and written communication; and proficiency with computers and other electronic and digital devices.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Primarily office work with extended computer use and writing by hand. Requires hearing, close and distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Occasional standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and handling of objects, tools, or controls.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduate of an accredited four-year college or university with a major in public or business administration. An MPA or MBA is preferred.

Minimum of seven years of experience in supervisory, managerial, director, or lead capacity in municipal or general government is desired.

Any combination of related education and/or related experience will be considered if the candidate possesses the demonstrated municipal experience.