Deputy City Manager

Located at the base of the iconic Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction is one of Arizona's most unique and rapidly growing communities. With a population of approximately 44,000 residents and positioned as the gateway from the East Valley to one of a kind outdoor recreation, Apache Junction combines a rich western heritage with significant opportunities for economic development, growth, infrastructure investment, and community enhancement.

The City of Apache Junction is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Deputy City Manager. This is an exceptional opportunity for a municipal executive who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex challenges, and is passionate about helping shape the future of a growing community.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the City Manager and Assistant City Manager, the Deputy City Manager serves as a key member of the city's executive leadership team. The position provides strategic leadership across assigned departments and citywide initiatives while supporting the implementation of City Council priorities and organizational goals.

This role requires a leader who can successfully balance high-level strategic thinking with operational oversight and management. The Deputy City Manager will collaborate with department directors, elected officials, community stakeholders, regional agencies, and business partners to advance critical projects, strengthen organizational performance, and ensure exceptional service delivery to residents.

Key Responsibilities

The Deputy City Manager will:

* Provide leadership and oversight for assigned departments, programs, and strategic initiatives.

* Supervise and collaborate with department directors to align operations and services with City Council goals and organizational priorities.

* Conduct research, analysis, and policy development on complex municipal issues.

* Prepare and present reports, recommendations, and presentations to City Council, executive leadership, employees, and community stakeholders.

* Assist in strategic budget development, long-range financial planning, capital financing, and fiscal forecasting.

* Lead special projects and cross-departmental initiatives that support organizational excellence and community development.

* Negotiate and monitor contracts, agreements, and partnerships on behalf of the city.

* Foster positive relationships with regional agencies, community organizations, business leaders, and elected officials.

* Represent the City at meetings of organizations such as MAG, CAG, the Arizona League of Cities and Towns, ADOT, the Arizona State Land Department, and other regional partners.

* Serve as a trusted advisor to the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and City Council.

* Act on behalf of the City Manager and/or Assistant City Manager when assigned.

The Ideal Candidate

Apache Junction seeks a principled and approachable leader who values teamwork, accountability, innovation, and public service.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

* City and department procedures, policies, and guidelines;
City Code;
Arizona Revised Statutes;
State and Federal legislative process.

* Municipal budget.

* Statistical analysis, technical writing, negotiation techniques, and problem-solving.

* Principles, practices, and techniques of public administration, government finance, budgeting and accounting processes, and public personnel practices.

* Advanced research techniques, methods, and procedures.

* Principles and practices of effective project management, leadership, supervision, and training.

Skills

* Supervising and leading staff.

* Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with vendors, coworkers, and other individuals in contact during the course of work; communicating clearly and concisely.

* Solving problems and proposing sound decisions.

* Techniques for effectively representing the city in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.

* Addressing large groups of people, planning and implementing goals, policies, and procedures.

* Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks and demands.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field, and seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in government administration or management, including four (4) years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

A master's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field is preferred.

Why Apache Junction?

Apache Junction is uniquely positioned for its next chapter of growth in an exciting period of transformation. Strategic investments in infrastructure, economic development, parks and recreation, public safety,…