The City of Springfield, Calhoun County is pleased to announce the recruitment and selection process for its next City Manager. Considered an enclave community of Battle Creek, Springfield boasts its unique sense of identity, diversity, and inclusion. Located just 30 minutes from Kalamazoo/Portage, 50 minutes from Lansing, and just over an hour from Grand Rapids, Springfield is a diverse, dynamic community which places a high value on family life, good moral standards, a sense of community and a desire to enrich the lives of all its residents. Springfield measures just over 3.6 square miles and boasts an estimated population of 5,292, with an annual operating general fund budget of roughly $3.6 million. The City Manager serves as chief administrative officer, appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the elected City Council. This includes providing recommendations to and receiving policy direction from the City Council, planning, developing and implementing diverse City services to meet policy requirements, addressing community needs, and overseeing the organization and direction of all City departments and ensuring compliance with contractual and regulatory obligations. The ideal candidate will have an unblemished track record and impeccable ethics, with three to five years of municipal experience. Essential job functions include, but are not limited to:
1. Oversees the operations of all City departments and activities. Assesses and monitors operations to ensure quality services are provided in an efficient and cost-effective manner in alignment with Council goals and expectations.
2. As personnel director of the City, supervises all City employees, either directly or through department heads, and ensures proper personnel policies and personnel systems are observed.
3. Assists Council in developing strategic plans and short- and long-range goals for the community. Develops measures, monitors progress, and reports to Council on achievements.
4. Develops the annual budget, administers fiscal policy, and oversees financial activities. Ensures the proper administration of the budget, and keeps the City Council fully apprised of the City’s financial condition and future needs.
5. Attends City Council meetings, performs research and recommends policies and programs as requested. Implements policies, ordinances, and programs set forth by the Council. Attends meetings of various committees, boards, authorities, and commissions.
6. Oversees and directly manages the economic development function and related activities within the City and serves as Zoning Administrator for the City.
7. Responds to requests for information according to established Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) procedures, and operating procedures related to information sharing among local, state, and federal agencies.
8. Negotiates collective bargaining agreements and administers labor contracts ongoing. Reviews and approves all other contracts, franchises and agreements negotiated on behalf of the City and enforces the terms and conditions of all contracts to which the City is a party.
9. Researches grant opportunities and identifies alternative funding sources for City programs and projects. Prepares grant applications, administers grant programs and ensures proper reporting.
10. Represents and advances the interests of the City through participation and leadership in various local, state, regional and other organizations. Monitors current and proposed legislation and keeps council apprised of potential developments and impacts.

To be considered as a qualified applicant, respondents are expected to have attained:
1. A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration or Business Administration (Master's preferred).
2. Three to five years of progressively more responsible municipal management experience as an assistant and/or city manager.
3. A valid driver’s license, a satisfactory driving record, and the ability to maintain one throughout employment.
4. Considerable knowledge of municipal financial and personnel management, contract negotiation and economic development.
5. Knowledge of public relations practices and marketing.
6. Ability to effectively communicate and present ideas and concepts orally and in writing, and make formal presentations in a public setting.
7. Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgement, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with citizens, elected officials, employees, other governmental agencies, and other professionals.
8. Ability to critically assess situations and solve problems, and work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and changes in work priorities.
9. Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with complete discretion.
10. Ability to travel.

More information and a full job description is available on the Springfield website: www.springfieldmich.com.