Description

City of South Lyon Profile - Click here

The City of South Lyon, (population 11,746) welcomes your interest in serving as our next City Manager.

Nestled in the southwest corner of prosperous Oakland County, South Lyon offers an unparalleled quality of life. Residents and visitors flock to South Lyon for our quality schools, outstanding regional health care system and community festivals. From the Pumpkinfest Festival to the Lake Street Cruise-In and Motorfest, our community is fun for all ages. South Lyon has that unique blend of small-town charm coupled with the amenities of Ann Arbor on our doorstep.

Recreation is a staple of life here in South Lyon. The City of South Lyon, along with recreational partners, have worked to create one of Michigan’s recreational gems. The Huron Valley Trail is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Huron Valley Trail provides connections to over 25 adjoining trails.

The City Council is united in our pledge to recruit a leader who will foster continued success at city hall and throughout the community and region. With an experienced team at city hall, a stable City Council and a community that offers an amazing lifestyle, South Lyon is a rare opportunity for our next City Manager.

Salary:

The City Manager serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of South Lyon, and is appointed by and reports to City Council. Residency is not required. A salary range of $125,000-$140,000, commensurate with qualifications, is offered, plus a competitive benefits package including, health, dental, vision, life insurance, eligibility for defined contributions 401(a) and 457 through MERS, and phone allowances. 

For your information, below is the City Manager’s Functions and Duties from the City Charter:

The City Manager shall be responsible to the Council for the proper administration of the affairs of the City, and to that end, shall make all appointments and removals of those appointed, except he shall receive the approval of a majority of the Council for the appointment of the Clerk, Treasurer, Assessor, and the Finance Officer, if a separate office is ever created by the Council in accordance with Section 6.7 of this Charter. He shall set employees compensation in accordance with budget appropriations, and supervise and coordinate the work of the administrative officers and departments of the City except the work of the City Clerk in keeping the Council records and as the clerical official of the Council.

The City Manager shall see that all laws and ordinances are enforced. He shall prepare and administer the annual budget under policies formulated by the Council and he shall keep the Council advised as to the financial condition and needs of the City. He shall furnish the Council with information concerning City affairs and prepare and submit such reports as may be required or which the Council may request, including an annual report which shall include the work of the several departments. Subject to any employment ordinance of the City, he shall employ or be responsible for the employment of all City employees and supervise and coordinate the personnel policies and practices of the City. He shall establish and maintain a central purchasing service for the City and he or his authorized representative to be the purchasing agent for the City.

The City Manager shall attend all meetings of the Council with the right to be heard in all Council proceedings but without the right to vote. He shall possess such other powers and perform such additional duties as may be granted to or required of him by the Council, so far as may be consistent with the provisions of law. He shall establish procedures necessary to carry out any of the foregoing duties.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in public administration, government administration, city or regional planning, or a closely related discipline is preferred. A master’s degree is a plus.
• At least three years municipal government and at least five years in similar executive leadership roles.
• Understanding of public finance, budgeting, and capital improvement planning.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive issues with tact, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Pragmatic and collaborative leadership style with expertise and desire to foster optimism, engagement and excellence while incorporating modern management concepts, and creativity. 
• Skilled negotiation skills that address fiscal issues, development, downtown revitalization, and preservation, while building partnerships with businesses and government agencies to achieve strategic goals.
• Patient diplomacy that will educate and inform elected and appointed officials, the community, and employees while guiding activities and operations to inspire the City’s values and mission with a high level of integrity, energy and purpose.
• Abilities to seek alignment and establish clear expectations for staff in support of the elected officials.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directs and coordinates the administration of all City departments.
• Attend all meetings of the City Council with the right to be heard in all Council proceedings but without the right to vote.
• Advises and makes recommendations to City Council on policies, programs, and services.
• Prepares, submits, and administers the annual City budget; ensures sound financial management and compliance.
•  Oversees human resources, including hiring, evaluation, discipline, & professional development of City staff.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws, as well as City ordinances.
• Serves as the primary point of contact between the City Council and staff.
• Manages contracts, legal matters, and intergovernmental agreements.
• Acts as the purchasing agent, overseeing bidding and contracting processes for City needs.
• Leads short and long-term planning, analyzes data, and provides recommendations to the President and Council.
• Responds to resident concerns and inquiries with professionalism, efficiency, and a customer-service mindset.
• Ensures proactive planning for infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.
• Performs additional functions and duties as described in the City Charter and as may be directed by City Council.