Assistant City Manager
City of San Juan Capistrano, CA
Help Shape the City's Next Chapter
The City of San Juan Capistrano is entering an exciting new chapter. As several long-serving executives conclude their service, the City is recruiting key leaders who will have a rare opportunity to help shape the next generation of its executive team.
This transition is supported by meaningful continuity. Following the retirement announcement of the long-term City Manager, the City Council unanimously appointed Assistant City Manager Matisse Reischl as the next City Manager, effective January 1, 2027. The new Assistant City Manager will work in close partnership with the City Manager, experienced executive colleagues, and a supportive City Council to advance priorities and position the organization for continued success.
The City of San Juan Capistrano (pop. 35,469) is a captivating and vibrant 14.4 square mile community with an engaged citizenry located in desirable south Orange County. The City is unique in Southern California with the benefit of having a true central and historic downtown complete with a turn-of-the-century railroad depot, mission, Los Rios Historic District, and numerous shops and restaurants all within walking distance.
The well-managed City is in an enviable position with annual budget surpluses and investments in public safety, critical infrastructure, parks and other quality of life improvements.
This is a rare opportunity to join a high-functioning team in a well-managed and desirable city and help shape the executive team that will lead San Juan Capistrano into its next chapter.
The City Manager's Office - Council-Manager Government, Done Well
The City of San Juan Capistrano operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Manager’s Office provides oversight of all City personnel and line departments and ensures implementation of City Council priorities.
Within the City Manager’s office are several divisions including Human Resources and Risk Management, Public Safety and Emergency Management, Open Space and Real Estate Management, Information Technology and Special Projects.
Divisions Within the Office
• Human Resources and Risk Management
• Public Safety and Emergency Management
• Open Space and Real Estate Management
• Information Technology
• Special Projects
What We Are Looking For
A Trusted Partner to the City Manager
The City is seeking a hands-on, energetic, and collaborative Assistant City Manager who will serve as a trusted partner to the City Manager and help departments move important projects across the finish line.
The ideal candidate will possess a broad knowledge of local government operations and combine strategic perspective with a willingness to engage in the details. This individual will understand the substance of assigned areas, make sound recommendations, translate City Council and City Manager priorities into measurable outcomes, and remain actively involved through implementation. Competitive candidates may bring experience as an Assistant City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Department Director or Assistant to the City Manager, or in a comparable public-sector leadership role. Experience with Human Resources and Labor Relations may be especially valuable.
The successful candidate will bring strong interpersonal skills, sound judgement, accountability and the ability to work across departments and with staff at all levels.
Job Description
The Assistant City Manager performs a wide variety of highly responsible administrative and managerial duties in support of the City Manager, including direct supervision of the City's Human Resources and Risk Management Department; Homelessness Community Outreach Program; Emergency Preparedness; Community Services Division and contracted Information Technology services.
• Coordinates, assigns, directs and monitors the activities of the operating departments of the City
• Coordinates and collaborates with department heads and management staff
• Monitors Federal and State legislation as well as County activities and advises the City Manager, City Council and department heads regarding legislative and other matters affecting City operations
• Coordinates and monitors preparation of the City Council agenda
• Facilitates executive team meetings
• Attends City Council meetings and meetings of other commissions, boards and committees
• Serves as a liaison between the City and community organizations
• Serves as Acting City Manager in the City Manager’s absence
The City expects to shape the position’s portfolio around organizational needs and the experience and strengths of the selected candidate. This flexibility creates an unusual opportunity for the new Assistant City Manager to contribute immediately while helping define how the evolving executive team will work together.
Key Benefits
• Retirement -Enrollment in the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is required. Employees entering a public retirement on or after 01/01/2013 fall under OCERS' PEPRA plans and choose between the defined benefit formula of 2.5% at 67 or a hybrid plan of 1.62% at 65 combined with a 401(a) defined retirement contribution plan. Public employees with OCERS or prior reciprocal service fall under the 2.0% at 57 formula.
• CalPERS Reciprocity- OCERS and CalPERS are reciprocal retirement systems. Reciprocity is established for members who terminate employment with one public retirement system, leave their funds on deposit, and enter another reciprocal retirement system within 180 days. Reciprocal benefits are designed to allow employees who transfer between public retirement systems to preserve and enhance their total retirement benefits.
The City of San Juan Capistrano does not participate in Social Security.
Health, Wellness & Financial Security
• Health Insurance: The City currently offers nine CalPERS medical plan options, with the City paying 100% of the monthly premium for employee and dependents coverage for six of the nine plans available. Employees who provide proof of group medical insurance coverage may opt out of medical coverage and receive $400/month opt-out compensation.
• Deferred Compensation: The City contributes $500/month to the employee's 457 deferred compensation account, and employees may also elect to contribute a portion of their salary, tax-free, up to the IRS-established limit.
• Life Insurance: Two times annual salary, plus $20,000 up to a maximum of $500,000.
• Auto and Cell Phone Allowance: $225/month automobile allowance and $80/month cell phone allowance.
• Dental & Vision: City-paid coverage for employees and their eligible dependents through Aetna Dental and Vision Service Plan (VSP).
• Retirement Health Savings (RHS): Employee pre-taxed contributions in the amount of $225 per month to the employee's RHS account are required.
• Short and Long-Term Disability: Disability coverage or income projection up to 2/3 of salary due to non-work-related disability, injury, or illness, up to a maximum percentage of salary.
Time Off, Schedule & Perks
• 184 hrs vacation leave annually, pro-rated each pay period, and with no cap.
• 80 hrs administrative leave annually, pro-rated each pay period.
• 96 hrs sick leave annually, pro-rated each pay period, and with no cap.
• Holidays - 12 paid holidays per year, plus 20 floating holiday hours pro-rated during the first year based on hire date.
• City Hall is closed Christmas Eve through New Year's Day.
• Tuition Reimbursement - $5,000 available annually for a degree from an accredited college, university, or certification program, based on a total possible Citywide pool of $35,000.
• Work Schedule - 9/80 work schedule.
• Other Benefits: The City also offers Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, an Employee Assistance Program through New York Life, and voluntary supplemental insurance plans through Aflac.
