Deputy Borough Manager (RFT-Exempt)

Mat-Su Borough — Assembly; Palmer (AK); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Mat-Su Borough — Assembly in Alaska seeks a Deputy Borough Manager to assist the Borough Manager in directing overall government operations and aligning services with strategic goals. As a member of the executive leadership team, the role collaborates with directors, officials, employees, and community partners, and may serve as acting Borough Manager when needed.

The position emphasizes accountability, customer focus, integrity and teamwork, and requires extensive leadership, change management,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a field related to public administration.
• Fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible leadership in public programs.
• Five (5) years of supervisory or leadership experience directing staff.
• Five (5) years of senior leadership with strategy, budgeting, and policy.
• Experience with complex organizations, multiple stakeholders, and public impact.
• Ability to build consensus, use data, and drive results through collaboration.
• Preference for residents of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough or relocation within six months.

Responsibilities

• Assist in directing and coordinating overall Borough government operations.
• Serve on the executive leadership team and advise on priorities and policies.
• Act as Borough Manager in their absence.
• Lead performance improvements and service delivery initiatives.
• Develop systems, metrics, and reporting for data-informed decisions.
• Support budget development and capital planning.
• Foster relationships with officials, labor, community groups, and agencies.
• Represent the Borough at meetings and public events.
• Lead emergency response leadership as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder relations

Budgeting

Data-driven decisions

Public administration

Education

Master's degree in related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Deputy Borough Manager assists the Borough Manager in the overall administration and operation of Borough government. As a member of the Borough's executive leadership team, this position helps ensure that Borough services, operations, and strategic initiatives are coordinated effectively and aligned with organizational goals.

The Deputy Borough Manager works closely with department directors, elected officials, employees, the bargaining unit, community partners, and residents to address organizational priorities, advance strategic initiatives, and support efficient and effective service delivery. The position serves as acting Borough Manager when designated or in the Borough Manager's absence.

Work is performed and duties are carried out in accordance with established policies, procedures, and Borough core values: Accountability, Customer Focus, Dedication, Integrity, Responsiveness and Teamwork.

This is a non-bargaining unit management position.

Selection Process

Under Alaska Law resumes and applications are public documents. Candidates should be aware that their entire application packet is a public record.

The Borough anticipates utilizing a three-stage selection process designed to gather input from leadership, employees, and elected officials. Information below represents the tentative recruitment process and timeline.

Interview Process

Management Panel

• Borough Manager
• Borough Attorney
• Emergency Services Director
• Finance Director
• Human Resources Director

Employee Panel

• MSBEA President
• Animal Care Representative
• Assessments Representative
• Executive Coordinator
• Fire Representative
• Library or Recreation Representative
• Operations & Maintenance Representative

Assembly Interviews

Up to five finalists may be invited to participate in an Assembly interview during a special meeting.

Recruitment Timeline

Candidate Screening: October-November 2026

Panel Interviews: Week of November 16, 2026

Assembly Interviews (Finalists): December 1, 2026 (Tentative Date)

Selection Announcement: Early December 2026

Anticipated Start Date: January 4, 2027

Pay Grade

W1 - W5 - DOE

Minimum Requirements

Master's degree in a course of study related to the occupational field. The Borough recognizes that candidates may acquire the required knowledge, skills, and abilities through a variety of educational and professional experiences. Additional relevant experience, advanced training, certifications, or other demonstrated qualifications may be considered in lieu of all or a portion of the educational requirement.

Fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience leading programs, operations, organizations, major initiatives, public services, business functions, or other complex areas of responsibility, including:

Five (5) years of supervisory or leadership experience, including responsibility for directing the work of employees, developing staff, managing performance, and leading teams.

Five (5) years of senior leadership level experience with responsibility for organizational strategy, operations, budgeting, policy implementation, resource allocation, or enterprise-wide decision-making.

Experience working in complex organizations with multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and significant organizational, public, or customer impact.

Experience leading organizational change, performance improvement efforts, strategic initiatives, or operational improvements.

Experience building productive relationships and working effectively with elected officials, governing bodies, executive leadership teams, employees, labor organizations, community stakeholders, regulatory agencies, or similar groups.

Demonstrated ability to build consensus, solve complex problems, use data to inform decisions, and achieve organizational results through collaboration and influence.

A strong preference will be given to candidates who reside in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, or who will commit to relocating within six (6) months from date of hire

.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Alaska for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Completion of required Incident Command System (ICS) courses in accordance with established Borough policy.

Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Duties/Responsibilities

Assist the Borough Manager in directing and coordinating the overall operations of Borough government.

Serve as a member of the Borough's executive leadership team and provide recommendations regarding organizational priorities, operational issues, policies, and strategic initiatives.

Serve as acting Borough Manager in the Borough Manager's absence or when delegated.

Lead performance improvement efforts focused on service delivery, operational effectiveness, accountability, and organizational outcomes.

Lead efforts to develop and improve systems, processes, metrics, and reporting tools that support data-informed decision-making throughout the organization.

Assist in the development and implementation of Borough goals, priorities, strategic plans, and organizational initiatives.

Lead or support special projects, policy development efforts, and cross-functional initiatives.

Coordinate and facilitate stakeholder engagement sessions related to Borough operations, service delivery, strategic initiatives, and community priorities.

Assist in the development and administration of Borough operating and capital budgets.

Evaluate organizational and resource needs and provide recommendations regarding staffing, technology, facilities, equipment, and capital investments.

Foster effective working relationships among departments, employees, the labor group/bargaining unit, community organizations, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders.

Represent the Borough before community groups, business organizations, governmental agencies, and partner organizations.

Attend Assembly meetings, work sessions, public meetings, and other events as assigned.

Assist in responding to citizen concerns and resolving complex operational issues.

Maintain productive relationships with elected officials, community leaders, and external partners.

Serve in leadership roles during emergency response and recovery operations as assigned.

Perform other related duties as assigned.