Assistant City Manager

Company Description

Incorporated in 1859, the City of Olympia operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The seven members on Olympia’s City Council are elected at‑large to staggered four‑year terms during general elections held in odd‑numbered years. Position 1 is designated as the Mayor’s position. The Mayor and Council members have equal voting authority, with the Mayor voting on all issues as one of seven Council members.

Serving a population of 57,970, the City operates with an annual budget of $233 million, a capital budget of $100 million, and a work force of 660 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. Olympia provides a full range of municipal services including public safety (police and fire), streets, parks and recreation, arts, utilities, community planning and economic development, and general administrative services.

Olympia’s City Manager is committed to a “First Team” culture, where Directors put the interest of the City above their own department or function because of a shared commitment to each other’s success. This has been adopted and embraced throughout the organization.

The City of Olympia’s culture places a high value on teamwork, listening, accountability, and meaningful impact in serving the public.

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.

• 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 Council members, community leaders and stakeholders.
• Experience supporting or leading regional partnerships, ensuring…