City Manager

City of Coweta; Coweta (OK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Coweta is seeking a City Manager to oversee municipal programs, direct the budget process, and implement the City Council’s policies. The role requires strategic leadership across departments, capital improvements, and economic development initiatives.

Ideal candidates will have a Master’s in Public Administration or related field, with ten years in city management and proven experience in labor negotiations, governance, and staff development.

Qualifications

• Minimum ten years of progressively responsible experience in city management or executive office of municipal government.
• Experience in labor relations and contract negotiations.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct municipal programs for City Coweta.
• Oversee preparation and execution of the annual budget.
• Develop capital improvement plans and budgets for Council approval.
• Coordinate City Council meetings and staff reports.
• Lead labor relations and negotiations with city unions.
• Represent the City with boards, committees, and external partners.

Education

Master’s degree in Public Administration or Organizational Leadership preferred

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science or closely related field

Job description

Description

Job Summary: Under general policy guidance from the City Council, the City Manager plans, organizes, directs, integrates, fiscally controls, administers, reviews, and evaluates municipal programs for activities and operations of the City of Coweta; serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the City; responsible for carrying out the policies and programs determined by the City Council; ensures development and execution of the municipality’s strategic plan and supervising the preparation of the annual budget that reflects projected revenue and expenses. Supervises Directors of essential municipal departments such as Public Works, Police Department, Fire Department, Attorney’s Office/Municipal Court, Community Development, Human Resources and the Assistant City Manager, ensuring City government operations and functions are effectively serving the needs of Coweta residents; and performs related duties as assigned by the City Council. Provides guidance in labor relations and contract negotiations with the city’s unionized workers. Meets with community stakeholders, and business and development groups to discuss city policies and listen to residents’ concerns.

Examples of Duties

Essential Job Functions

1. Plans, organizes, controls, integrates, synchronizes, and evaluates the work of all City departments to ensure that operations and services comply with the policies and direction set forth by the City Council pursuant to applicable laws and regulations.
2. Achieves financial objectives, with the City’s management team, by developing and recommending an adoption of the annual budget; scheduling and approving expenditures; analyzing variances, initiating corrective actions, and anticipating long term issues.
3. Directs the development of the capital improvement plan and budget for approval by the Council.
4. Develops Council meeting agenda with Mayor; attends and participates in all City Council meetings.
5. Plans and evaluates management staff performance; establishes performance metrics and personal development targets; regularly monitors leadership performance and provides coaching, counseling and disciplining employees; planning, monitoring, and appraising performance improvement and development.
6. Takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with the City’s personnel code, rules and policies.
7. Interprets City Council instructions and requests; working in conjunction with the City Attorney interprets City ordinances, codes, and applicable laws.
8. Directs and oversees the preparation of a wide variety of reports and presentations for the City Council, citizen committees and external agencies; oversees the preparation of press releases and materials for dissemination to the media and the public; maintains effective and professional relationships with the local media.
9. Directs and oversees the creation and maintenance of comprehensive, effective human resource management programs, policies, and systems consistent with the City Council’s guidance; directs and monitors the City’s labor negotiations and labor relations programs and initiatives; directs the improvement of management systems, processes, and measurement techniques to improve City operations and effectiveness.
10. Participates in regional, state, and national meetings and conferences to stay abreast of the latest trends and technology related to municipal programs and operations.
11. Assesses community and citizen needs and ensures objectives and priorities are focused on meeting those needs effectively, efficiently, and with high quality municipal services; directs development and implementation of initiatives for service quality improvement.
12. Provides day-to-day leadership and works with the City’s management team to ensure a high-performance, service-oriented work environment consistent with sound management principles.
13. Works closely with the City Council, a variety of public, private and community service organizations and citizen groups in developing and implementing programs to achieve City priorities and solve community problems; directs and coordinates preparation of analysis and recommendations on public policy issues and on long-range plans to sustain and build City services; develops and coordinates proposals for action on current and future City needs.
14. Represents the City and works closely with appointed boards, committees, and public and private officials to achieve planned action and results.
15. Participates in professional and community organizations on behalf of the city and as part of the City’s public affairs program; maintains good working relationships with key community stakeholders.
16. Provides personal and professional leadership.
17. Working in conjunction with city staff and council, analyzes and communicates the City’s position on state and federal legislation to appropriate individuals and committees at the state and federal level.
18. Oversees and provides guidance to all aspects of labor union negotiations, including contract development, mediation and arbitration hearings, personnel policy and state legislation.
19. Promotes and supports economic development, business recruitment, retention, redevelopment initiatives, and strategic growth opportunities consistent with City’s comprehensive plan.
20. Overseeing the pursuant of grant opportunities and other external funding sources to support City projects and infrastructure improvements.
21. Leads the development, implementation, and measurement of the City’s strategic goals and operational objectives.
22. Maintains a productive and transparent working relationship with the Mayor and City Council while respecting the Council's policy-making role and the Manager’s administrative responsibilities.
23. Promotes transparency and public trust through open communication, community outreach, citizen engagement, and responsive customer service.

Typical Qualifications

Experience Required: Must have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the City Manager’s/Executive’s/Assistant City Manager’s office in the management and administration of a municipal government; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum Education Requirements: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Public Administration or Organizational Leadership preferred; bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science or closely related field required.