City of Olympia, WA
Assistant City Manager of Organizational Development and Performance
Application deadline: Open until filled
First review of applications: August 17, 2026

The Assistant City Manager of Organizational Development and Performance serves as one of two principal deputies to the City Manager in a council-manager form of municipal government. The focus of the Assistant City Manager of Organizational Development and Performance is on the organization’s people, systems and services through the advancement of citywide organizational development, cross-departmental initiatives, leadership development, enterprise-wide project and change management, workforce planning, and employee engagement.

This position reports directly to the City Manager and oversees Human Resources, Information Services, and Clerk Services and is responsible for 32 employees and an operating budget of $13.1 million. The team provides essential tools, resources, and expertise to create a high-performing, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming culture. The position also serves as the City’s designated risk manager, providing direction on risk- management practices and guiding the negotiation of claim settlements. This position may serve as the Acting City Manager in the City Manager’s absence.

The Assistant City Manager of Organizational Development works collaboratively with the Assistant City Manager of Strategic Planning & Communication, who leads citywide strategic planning efforts, oversees communications and public engagement, and works to ensure City priorities are clear, aligned, and well-communicated to employees, elected officials, and the community.

The Ideal Candidate
• A visionary, innovative, and strategic leader who brings a systems-thinking approach to organizational development and continuous improvement.
• Experience using data and metrics to inform decisions, drive learning, and adapt strategies to improve outcomes and service delivery standards.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and belonging while ensuring that policies, practices, and workplace culture serve both employees and the community.
• Prioritize collaboration with employees at all levels to imagine, design, and implement programs that foster a healthy, innovative, and engaging workplace—one where employees feel a strong sense of belonging and have the resources needed to perform their work safely and effectively.
• Exceptional communicator with an ability to build trusting and authentic relationships. They bring a genuine interest in people and think beyond traditional approaches to attract, develop and retain a talented and engaged workforce.
• An ability to stay courageous, grounded and calm while navigating complex organizational challenges, demonstrating sound judgement and integrity.
• Experience working effectively with elected officials and navigating a public-sector environment. Demonstrated ability to develop positive working relationships with Councilmembers, community leaders and stakeholders.
• Experience supporting or leading regional partnerships, ensuring alignment, shared problem-solving, and effective cross-agency collaboration, including with tribes, neighboring cities and counties, state agencies, local businesses, and non-profit organizations.
• Build strong, trusting relationships through genuine kindness and respect. They listen well and create a supportive environment where people feel valued and understood. Their collaborative, people-centered approach helps bring teams together and fosters a positive, inclusive workplace.

If you're an experienced, collaborative leader who values transparent communication and is passionate about making a meaningful impact in local government, we’d love to hear from you.
See full details here: olympiawa.gov/acm