City Adminstrator

Gfoat; West Tawakoni (TX); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

City of West Tawakoni is seeking a City Administrator to manage city operations under Texas law for Type A General Law cities. This role coordinates city departments and external agencies, providing administrative and policy support to the City Council.

The Administrator must uphold integrity, diplomacy, and teamwork, and oversee budgeting, audits, purchasing, and emergency planning while collaborating with the mayor, council, staff, and residents to deliver high-quality services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Political Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum two (2) years as a City Manager/Administrator or Assistant City Manager/Administrator; otherwise, four (4) years of progressively responsible supervisory or management experience.
• Valid Texas Class C driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Prior experience with bookkeeping software is required.
• Knowledge of Texas Local Government Code, Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, elections, records management, and related regulations.
• Ability to use a computer for extended periods and Microsoft Office programs.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Communicates and works well with the public, employees, and City Council.
• Ability to work overtime as required.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public, boards/commissions, outside agencies, and City staff.

Responsibilities

• Attend City Council meetings and provide recommendations as needed.
• Provide regular briefings to Council on financial condition, operations, and priorities.
• Prepare and post agendas for City Council meetings.
• Coordinate and supervise all departments, offices, and agencies.
• Lead department heads to maximize efficiency within resources.
• Direct cross-departmental initiatives to improve service delivery.
• Enforce state laws and city ordinances; develop policies and internal controls.
• Appoint, direct, evaluate, promote, and discipline staff per policy.
• Lead organization‑wide performance management and customer-focused culture.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Public speaking

Strategic thinking

Policy development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration/Business/Finance/Political Science

Tools

Bookkeeping software

Job description

Department: Administration

Reports To: Mayor and or City Council

Job Summary:

The City Administrator of West Tawakoni manages city operations under Texas law for Type A General Law cities. This role coordinates city departments and external agencies, providing administrative and policy support to the City Council. The Administrator values integrity, diplomacy, and teamwork, and is committed to serving the public and colleagues with honesty while ensuring efficient collaboration for high-quality services.

Authorization:

The position of City Administrator was established by motion during a Special Session of the City Council of West Tawakoni on February 15, 1994. Appointment to the role shall be made by a majority vote of the City Council, and the City Administrator will serve at the discretion of the mayor and/or the Council.

Selection:

The Mayor and City Council of West Tawakoni will select the candidate they determine to be best qualified for the City Administrator position, based on the skills and attributes that align with the needs of the city and its residents. Employment is at-will and subject to successful completion of all preemployment requirements, which may include background check, reference check, and drug/alcohol screening, consistent with law and City policy.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Political Science, or a closely related field required.

Minimum two (2) years as a City Manager/Administrator or Assistant City Manager/Administrator; otherwise, four (4) years of progressively responsible supervisory or management experience (municipal or public sector experience preferred).

Valid Texas Class C driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Prior experience with bookkeeping software is required.

Knowledge of Texas Local Government Code, Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, elections, records management, and related federal/state regulations.

Ability to use a computer for extended periods of time for correspondence well as software applications in Microsoft Office programs.

Effective written and oral communication skills

Communicates and works well with the public, employees, and City Council.

Ability to work overtime as required.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public, boards/commissions, outside agencies, and City staff; exercise tact, discretion, and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.

Roles & Responsibilities

Essential and additional responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Financial:

• Prepare and submit the proposed annual budget and multiyear capital plans; administer the adopted budget; monitor revenues/expenditures; recommend adjustments as needed.
• Oversee accounting, purchasing, investments, and financial reporting; ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable state statutes.
• Supervise and control city expenses per budget and policy.
• Oversee billing and payroll transactions.
• Prepare yearend reports on finances and administrative activities; support annual audit processes; pursue grants and external funding where appropriate.
• Achieve a clean audit each year and be current on the financial audits.

Administrative:

• Attends City Council meetings, participates in discussions, and offers recommendations as needed.
• Provide regular briefings to Council on the City’s financial condition, operations, and strategic priorities; prepare written reports and presentations as requested.
• Prepares and posts agendas for City Council meetings, ensuring all required items are included under the Mayor's or Council's direction.
• Provides supplemental agenda materials to the Council promptly.
• Represents the Mayor or Council in public and private forums to explain city government functions.
• Direct, supervise, and coordinate the activities of all departments, offices, and agencies of the city.
• Leads department heads to maximize efficiency within available resources.
• Lead cross-departmental initiatives and process improvements to enhance service delivery, technology, and organizational effectiveness.
• Enforce state laws and City ordinances; develop and administer policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls.
• Appoint, direct, evaluate, promote, discipline, and remove employees and department heads in accordance with City policy and applicable law.
• Lead organization wide performance management; set measurable goals and service standards; champion a customer focused culture.
• Evaluates city operations to ensure alignment with plans and budgets.
• Represent the City with residents, businesses, community groups, regional partners, and other governmental agencies.
• Works with the city attorney and legal representatives on current or potential city legal issues.

Purchasing, Contracts, & Risk

• Serve as the City’s purchasing agent; develop bid specifications; oversee procurement in accordance with law and policy.
• Negotiate, execute, and administer contracts and interlocal agreements within delegated authority; manage insurance and risk management programs.
• Enforces all requirements in public utility franchises benefiting the city, addressing violations accordingly.
• Maintain asset management and replacement schedules.

Emergency Management & Continuity of Operations

• Direct or coordinate City response to emergencies (e.g., severe weather, fire, infrastructure failure); authorize emergency expenditures and contracts for immediate repairs and protection of life and property within delegated authority.
• Maintain continuity of operations plans and participate in regional emergency preparedness.

Working Conditions:

Work is primarily performed in an indoor office environment, with occasional visits to other departments or outdoor city facilities as required.

Physical Requirements:

Candidates must have vision and hearing that are correctable to normal ranges, be capable of lifting up to 20 pounds, and possess the ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, fax machines, copiers, and telephones. The position also requires the ability to sit for prolonged periods.