Village Manager

City of St Joseph; Decatur (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Village of Decatur, Michigan seeks a Village Manager to oversee daily operations and work with the Village Council to advance community priorities.

This hands-on, self-driven leader will lead staff, manage the budget, pursue grants, coordinate engineers and contractors, and foster strong relationships with residents, businesses, and regional partners. The position offers a comprehensive compensation package and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public or related field required; master's preferred.
• Three or more years of municipal leadership experience.
• Experience with water and wastewater operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily Village operations under Council direction.
• Prepare and administer the Village budget and financial operations.
• Pursue grants and funding opportunities.
• Represent the Village in meetings and negotiations.
• Coordinate engineers, contractors, and consultants.
• Develop relationships with residents and businesses.

Skills

Supervising staff

Budgeting & finance

Grants management

Infrastructure & capital projects

Stakeholder relations

Community planning & zoning

Strategic planning

Labor relations

Education

Public administration degree

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

VILLAGE MANAGER, VILLAGE OF DECATUR, MICHIGAN

The Village Council of Decatur is seeking our next Village Manager. This experienced, community-minded leader will oversee day-to-day municipal operations and work closely with the Village Council to move Decatur forward.

This is an opportunity for a hands-on, self-driven individual to become an active part of our community. Our Manager will build strong relationships with elected officials, employees, residents, and businesses, and turn Village priorities into results.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Village Manager serves as the chief administrative leader of the Village and is responsible for overseeing daily operations and implementing the policies and direction established by the Village Council. The Manager reports to and serves at the pleasure of the Village Council as a body. The terms and conditions of employment, including compensation, benefits, and separation provisions, will be established by a written employment agreement approved by the Council.

• Work closely with the Village Council to implement its goals, policies, and priorities.
• Lead, supervise, support, and develop Village employees.
• Prepare and administer the Village budget and oversee financial operations.
• Identify, pursue, and administer grants and other funding opportunities.
• Represent the Village in meetings, negotiations, and partnerships with governmental agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee municipal infrastructure, facilities, and capital projects.
• Maintain a working knowledge of streets, water, sewer, waste services, and other Village infrastructure.
• Review and understand engineering plans, site plans, construction drawings, specifications, and related documents.
• Coordinate engineers, contractors, consultants, and other outside professionals.
• Build positive relationships with local businesses and support community and economic development.
• Investigate and respond to resident concerns and recommend or implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records and effective administrative systems.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Pursue continuing education and remain current on Michigan municipal issues and requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Village Council.

KEY PRIORITIES

Council & Governance

Develop a relationship with the Village Council based on communication, trust, respect, transparency, and accountability while effectively implementing Council direction.

People & Operations

Provide clear leadership to Village employees, establish expectations, promote accountability, and build a professional and productive workplace.

Financial Stewardship

Manage public resources responsibly, oversee budgeting and expenditures, identify financial challenges and opportunities, and assist with long-term financial planning.

Infrastructure & Projects

Understand the condition and needs of Village infrastructure and effectively manage capital projects, including projects currently underway.

Grants & Funding

Actively seek grant opportunities and other resources, oversee applications, and ensure awarded funds are properly administered and documented.

Community & Business Relationships

Be visible and accessible in the community, build relationships with residents and local businesses, and support responsible economic and community development.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Salary: This is a full-time, exempt position offering $70,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. Compensation may be negotiable for an exceptionally qualified candidate.

• health, dental, and vision insurance with the Village paying a substantial share of the premium
• retirement benefits
• group term life insurance
• paid time off that accrues on a graduated schedule based on years of service
• paid medical leave
• eleven paid holidays
• bereavement, parental, and other leave in accordance with Village policy
• mileage reimbursement at the current IRS rate
• tuition reimbursement
• payment of professional dues and expenses associated with continuing education and conference attendance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must possess the following at the time of appointment:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred
• Three or more years of progressively responsible municipal, governmental, administrative, management, or other relevant leadership experience
• Experience with, or certification in, water and wastewater operations
• Experience with each of the following:
  • Supervising employees
  • Municipal budgeting and financial management
  • Obtaining and administering grants
  • Managing infrastructure or capital projects
  • Working with elected officials or governing boards
  • Community planning and zoning administration
  • Strategic and organizational planning
  • Collective bargaining and labor relations
• Knowledge of Michigan municipal government and the laws governing general law villages, including the General Law Village Act, the Open Meetings Act, the Freedom of Information Act, and the Uniform Budgeting and Accounting Act.
• Ability to develop and implement effective policies and procedures
• Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong systems for maintaining accurate records
• Commitment to continuing education and training

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires regular attendance at Village Council meetings, board and commission meetings, community events, and other functions held outside of normal working hours, including evenings and occasional weekends. The Manager must also be available to respond to emergencies and urgent operational matters outside of normal working hours.

The work involves a combination of office duties and field work, including visits to construction sites, utility facilities, and other Village properties, with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, uneven terrain, and active work sites. The position requires the ability to travel to meetings and locations within and outside the Village.

The Village of Decatur will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to apply for and perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants who require an accommodation during the application or interview process should contact the Village.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Village of Decatur is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Village does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or other applicable federal or state law.