Assistant City Manager/Assistant Town Administrator

Town of Highland Park, TX

This vacancy is open until filled. The first review of applications will be on Monday, July 7th.

DESCRIPTION
The Assistant Town Administrator is a senior executive position operating under the general direction of the Town Administrator. This role is responsible for assisting in the strategic planning, leadership, oversight, and evaluation of the Town’s operations and service delivery. The Assistant Town Administrator provides direct leadership to assigned departments, manages key organizational initiatives, and ensures the effective implementation of policies, programs, and administrative functions.

Serving as a trusted advisor to the Town Administrator and Town Council, the Assistant Town Administrator offers expert guidance on matters related to municipal governance, financial management, policy development, and departmental operations. In the absence of the Town Administrator, this position may be designated to serve as Acting Town Administrator to ensure continuity of leadership and operations.

Performs other related duties as required or assigned to advance the goals and priorities of the Town.

Provides executive oversight of the Administrative Services Group, which includes the following positions:

- Director of Finance
- Director of Policy Development and Strategic Initiatives
- Town Librarian
- Municipal Court Administrator
- Information Technology Manager
- Human Resources Coordinator

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements or duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The Assistant Town Administrator is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and plays a strategic role in advancing the Town’s mission, operations, and organizational effectiveness. Under the direction of the Town Administrator, this position provides leadership across departments and functions as a senior advisor on complex policy, operational, and administrative matters.

Leadership and Organizational Management
- Serves as a senior member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy, policy development, and executive decision-making.
- Acts as the principal advisor to the Town Administrator on departmental and operational issues; exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines and advises on matters requiring technical expertise.
- Provides leadership, direction, and supervision to assigned departments and key projects; meets regularly with directors to assess operations, evaluate work plans, and resolve challenges.
- Encourages open dialogue and fosters a positive, collaborative, and productive work environment by proactively addressing personnel and performance issues.
- Directs, coaches, and evaluates staff; conducts regular meetings to discuss priorities, workload management, resource allocation, and performance standards.

Strategic Planning and Policy Development
- Develops and implements policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives in alignment with Town goals and in consultation with the Town Administrator.
- Leads continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
- Develops and directs strategies to meet long-range Town objectives; identifies community needs and ensures programs and services are responsive and compliant with Town policies and applicable regulations.

Budget and Financial Oversight
- Participates in the preparation, coordination, and presentation of the Town’s annual budget; reviews departmental budget submissions and monitors financial performance.
- Develops and maintains internal fiscal controls and ensures accountability in the management of Town resources.

Intergovernmental and Community Relations
- Serves as a liaison to local, regional, state, and federal agencies; represents the Town in intergovernmental and civic activities, as well as at professional meetings and events.
- Negotiates and manages relationships with external stakeholders, including partner agencies, advocacy groups, and community organizations.
- Coordinates and facilitates public meetings, including Town Council and Board sessions; participates in community engagement efforts and educational outreach initiatives.

Communication and Reporting
- Promotes effective communication across departments and with the public, ensuring transparency and responsiveness in Town operations.
- Analyzes operational trends, prepares reports, and delivers recommendations in executive sessions and public forums.
- Manages the collection, analysis, and dissemination of operational data; ensures data integrity and uses insights to inform decision-making.

Executive Support and Representation
- Represents the Town Administrator at internal and external events, meetings, and functions, as assigned.
- Serves as Acting Town Administrator in their absence, ensuring continuity of leadership and oversight.

Other Duties
- Performs other duties and special assignments as required to support the Town Administrator and advance the Town’s strategic priorities.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of municipal administration, organization, and management, particularly within communities of similar size and complexity.
- Public finance, budgeting, and internal controls, including application of relevant municipal laws, policies, and regulations.
- Contract negotiation techniques and legal considerations in municipal agreements.
- Public relations, customer service strategies, and community engagement methods.
- Research and analytical techniques, including the use of legal, planning, technical, and economic development resources.
- Modern technologies and information systems, including municipal software, databases, and reporting tools.
- Town policies, procedures, and strategic priorities.

Skill in:
- Strategic planning, organization, and management of complex projects across departments.
- Oral and written communication, including the ability to prepare and present technical reports, policy recommendations, and public communications.
- Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with officials at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as with private and nonprofit entities.
- Leading, supervising, and evaluating high-level staff; effectively delegating responsibilities and aligning departmental goals with organizational objectives.
- Negotiating, mediating, and resolving concerns and conflicts in a professional, constructive manner.
- Developing and implementing municipal policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives that advance community priorities.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, finance, accounting, political science, business administration, planning, engineering, or a closely related field is required.
- Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in government or business management, including at least four (4) years in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
- Experience in an executive-level municipal management role is preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be bondable.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
- Requires frequent use of personal computer, including word processing and spreadsheet programs; calculator, telephone, copy machine and fax machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Work is performed in an office setting. May be subject to repetitive motion such as typing, data entry and vision to monitor. May be subject to extended periods of standing and sitting during presentations or attending public and special events. May be subject to exposure to extreme weather conditions when attending public events. May work extended hours, evenings and weekends.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in this position! Please visit our website to apply.

Job Details

Salary
$181,977
-
$263,775
Job Function
Assistant/Deputy Chief Administrator
Position Type
Full Time

Town of Highland Park

Address

4700 Drexel Dr
Dallas, TX 75205-3107
United States

Population
8,740
Form of Government
Council-Manager

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