City Manager

Overview

The City Manager is the chief administrative officer for the City of Safford, responsible for implementing Council policies and strategic direction, leading city operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and delivering public service in a council-manager form of government.

Essential functions, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following representative duties. The list that follows is not intended to be comprehensive.

• Operate within the council-manager framework; support Council goals, priorities, and strategic direction.
• Provide clear, concise information and objective policy recommendations.
• Maintain transparency; keep Council informed on expenditures and major initiatives.
• Lead municipal budgeting, long-term financial planning, and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
• Collaborate with the Finance Officer and Department Heads to present a fiscally responsible budget.
• Manage grant funding, revenue analysis, and financial policy development; present complex topics to Council and the public.
• Uphold strong financial practices and awareness of legislative/regulatory impacts.
• Lead Department Heads and staff with integrity, respect, accountability; set goals, delegate effectively, and ensure performance expectations.
• Promote employee engagement, development, and retention; recognize employee accomplishments.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and organizational policies while fostering a positive, service-oriented workplace culture.
• Guide change thoughtfully and inclusively.

• Operate effectively within the council-manager framework; support Council goals, priorities, and strategic direction.
• Provide clear, concise information and objective policy recommendations.
• Maintain transparency; keep Council informed on expenditures and major initiatives.

• Ensure responsible stewardship of public funds and financial transparency.
• Lead municipal budgeting, long-term financial planning, and CIP.
• Collaborate with the Finance Officer and Department Heads to present a fiscally responsible budget.
• Manage grant funding, revenue analysis, and financial policy development; present complex finance topics clearly to Council and the public.
• Uphold strong finance practices and awareness of legislative/regulatory impacts.

• Lead Department Heads and staff with integrity, respect, and accountability; set clear goals, delegate effectively, and ensure performance expectations.
• Promote employee engagement, development, and retention; recognize employee accomplishments.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and organizational policies while fostering a positive, service-oriented workplace culture.
• Guide change thoughtfully and inclusively.

• Engage constructively with residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations; be approachable and relatable to everyday people.
• Represent the city professionally in media relations and crisis communication.
• Build productive partnerships with neighboring jurisdictions, school districts, and other agencies; advocate for Safford at county, state, and federal forums.
• Prioritize the interests and well-being of Safford residents in all decision-making processes.

• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate creative problem-solving and forward-looking strategic planning.
• Show a record of measurable results while maintaining staff engagement.

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Oversee Emergency Management, Public Safety coordination, and organizational risk management.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Management, Organizational Leadership, or a related field is required; a master’s or doctoral degree is preferred.
• Progressive leadership experience in municipal or public-sector administration.
• Experience as a City Manager, Assistant/Deputy City Manager, or senior Department Director is required.
• ICMA Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM) or completion of leadership/management coursework required.
• Experience managing large, multidisciplinary teams and/or leading a business or complex organization.

• Strong understanding of municipal finance, budgeting, and accounting principles.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Skilled in labor relations, negotiating/administering labor agreements, and workforce development.
• Effective communicator; able to explain complex issues clearly to Council, staff, and the public.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences, including City Council, staff, community members, and media.