City Administrator

Be among the first 25 applicants. 3 weeks ago

The City of Cleveland Heights is an inner‑ring suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, with a population just under 45,000 people. The city boasts a diverse populace, rich in engaged residents and community activism and participation. The city was established in 1921 and operated under a council‑manager form of government until 2022, when a citizen‑led ballot initiative changed its charter to a mayor‑council system, creating the position of City Administrator—the chief operating officer who works in partnership with the mayor.

The City Administrator reports exclusively to the Mayor. Subject to the mayor’s supervision, the City Administrator serves as the chief operating and administrative officer, managing the operation of all city departments and carrying out the city’s policies, budget, and strategic vision.

• Serve as the primary advisor to the mayor on city operations, budget, policies, and strategy.
• Assist in developing and implementing a clear strategic plan for city operations, service delivery, growth and development.
• Advise on organizational process improvement and performance assessment; provide direction to department directors and division heads.
• Supervise all department directors (except those related to public safety) and provide day‑to‑day oversight of overall operations.
• Oversee all finance and budgeting operations in collaboration with the Finance Director.
• Assist with negotiation and administration of collective bargaining contracts and the grievance procedure with city bargaining units.
• Conduct special studies and projects; research, analyze and recommend strategies related to organizational and operational issues; participate in teams and committees.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal laws such as ADA, EEO, FMLA, OSHA and other applicable requirements.
• Collaborate with the Human Resources Director on performance measurement, training programs, disciplinary review and other personnel matters.

Exercise supervision of personnel in related areas of responsibility.

Typical qualifications include analytical, organizational, customer‑service, oral and written communication skills; ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced environment, and to produce work product with minimal supervision.

• Strong understanding of government operations and political landscape, familiarity with issues affecting the city, and ability to work across departments.
• Exemplary leadership qualities, expertise in coaching and professional development, and ability to build effective relationships with executive, managerial, governmental and stakeholder levels.
• Proven track record in change management, large‑scale projects, and using data to inform strategy.

• Management principles
• Public administration and governmental operations
• Accounting and financial management principles
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, codes, rules, and regulations
• Program development and administration principles and practices
• Project management principles
• Conflict mediation principles
• Budgeting principles

• Computer and software applications
• Written and verbal communication
• Managing employees
• Managing public programs (research, planning, communication, marketing and evaluation)

• Monitor and evaluate employees
• Prioritize and assign work
• Provide leadership
• Analyze and develop policies and procedures
• Interpret, apply and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• Prepare and administer budgets
• Plan, analyze and evaluate programs and services, operational needs and fiscal constraints
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions and implement recommendations
• Speak in public
• Resolve conflict
• Manage change and sensitive topics
• Communicate and use interpersonal skills to interact with coworkers and the public, and develop public and media engagement strategies

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public or Business Administration or related field;
  Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years supervisory experience in…