Public Services Executive Director

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Job description

General Statement of Duties

Plans, organizes and directs the operations and activities of the Public Services Business Unit consisting of assigned departments to accomplish city initiatives, goals and objectives; performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

The principal function of an employee in this class is to oversee and coordinate the activities and operations of the assigned departments in the Public Services Business Unit. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the City Manager but extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. Supervision is exercised over all department directors and personnel in the assigned departments in the Public Services Business Unit. An employee in this class performs other duties as assigned by the City Manager. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Business Unit and City employees, representatives of business and community organizations and the public.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Promotes and demonstrates the practices of a High Performing Organization (e.g. providing opportunities for QII work, leadership at all levels and ensuring communication occurs across all levels of the division);
• Oversees, coordinates and fosters collaboration and efficiency in the activities and operations of the assigned departments in the Public Services Business Unit including Water Resource Management, Library, Parks and Recreation, Public Works and Environmental Services;
• Manages business unit work, project and personnel activities of the Public Services Business Unit to continue to provide high levels of service to the public, promote sustainable growth patterns and infrastructure, to assure proper timing of infrastructure maintenance and investments, and to promote quality of life through parks, recreation and library facilities and programs;
• Assists and coordinates with assigned department directors to develop and monitor biennial budgets, work programs and 6-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP);
• Responds to emergency situations and coordinates with the City Manager and other department directors to respond to weather related and other natural and man-made disasters;
• Monitors and assists assigned departments in reporting on the status of initiatives and goals as well as the implementation of specific activities or programs;
• Coordinates with the City Manager to develop and report performance measures for operations and programs of assigned departments;
• Monitors complaint resolution status and follow up with assigned department heads as necessary;
• Coordinates special projects involving a wide range of issues within the City government structure, including researching requested data, analysis of issues, preparation of reports, support to City departments and program implementation;
• Develops written reports and studies, as directed by the City Manager, to address concerns identified by the general public, elected officials, or management;
• Composes letters and memoranda to the City Council for the City Manager's approval and signature;
• Preparation and editing of City Council meeting agendas, agenda summaries, resolutions and ordinances following consultation with the City Manager and City Attorney, when necessary;
• In consultation with the City Manager, assists with budget preparation for the City, including the biennial budget, the mid-biennium budget review, budget hearings and the 6-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for assigned departments;
• Responds to requests for information and complaints from the public and City Council members in a courteous and timely manner, including dissemination of information, researching information on complaints and resolving conflicts between citizens and City services as necessary;
• Works as staff support for task forces formed in connection with the preparation of polices, reports, and other initiatives;
• May represent the City Manager in his or her absence.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work areas;
• The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other the Public Services Business Unit, other Department and City employees, City Council Members, County and State officials, representatives of the media and the public.
• Trains, assigns, prioritizes, supervises, motivates and evaluates the work of assigned employees;
• Makes presentations to employee, citizen or civic groups when assigned by the City Manager;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of current issues involved in public administration at a municipality;
• Thorough knowledge of the procedures of the City Council and all related City operations;
• Thorough knowledge of the operations and activities involved in each City department;
• Good knowledge of the Municipal Code, State code, and City regulations and policies;
• Good knowledge of City personnel and responsibilities;
• Ability to give oral presentations to groups, individuals and the media;
• Ability to perform technical writing, including grammar, structure and composition, to maintain accurate records, compose letters and prepare grant and award applications;
• Ability to read and comprehend written polices, regulations and trade journals;
• Ability to communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations;
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Ability to work cooperatively with others;
• Integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration or closely related field, a Master's Degree is preferred; and
• Related local government experience.

Required Special Qualifications

• Establish residence within the corporate boundaries of the City of Auburn within 6 months of employment, and thereafter to maintain residence within the corporate boundaries of the City of Auburn.
• Possession of a driver's license issued by the State of Alabama.

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to review type written documents in both electronic and hardcopy form;
• Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer and related office equipment;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to function in the general office environment.