Deputy City Manager
Listed on 2026-02-28
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Management
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Government
Government Affairs
South Burlington seeks innovative, people-oriented leader.
As a growing Vermont city, South Burlington is building a vibrant future with an emerging downtown, thriving neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community. Join a team that is leading on climate action, balancing sustainability and smart growth, and delivering exceptional services to all who work, live, and play in the City. If you’re a strategic leader who values collaboration, creativity, and community impact, this position offers the chance to make a lasting difference in South Burlington.
The Deputy City Manager serves as a strategic partner to the City Manager and a key member of the City’s leadership team. In partnership with the City Manager, this position provides operational oversight, strategic executive support, and supervision to designated Department Heads. This position also leads cross‑departmental initiatives, supports policy development, and prioritizes the high level of customer service delivery expected by the community.
The Deputy City Manager will champion collaboration, innovation, and efficiency while ensuring alignment with the City’s vision and priorities. The Deputy City Manager performs Charter‑defined responsibilities and tasks normally assigned to the Assistant City Manager and assumes the role of Acting City Manager in the Manager’s absence.
Majority of duties, but not meant to be all‑inclusive nor prevent other duties from being assigned as necessary.
- Serve as a strategic partner to the City Manager, providing leadership and operational oversight across multiple departments.
- Serves on the City’s Executive Team and the Leadership Team.
- Completes responsibilities and tasks typically performed by City Manager, as defined in state statute and City Charter, when assigned by City Manager.
- Ensure compliance with city policies, governance standards, and Vermont regulations and statutes.
- Assists the City Manager in identifying organizational needs, service gaps, and improvement opportunities, and implementing these.
- Serves as the Acting City Manager in their absence.
- Provides advice and counsel to the City Manager in all appropriate aspects of City governance and operations.
- Participates in all City Council meetings and supports Councilors as needed and in the Manager’s absence.
- As appropriate, represents the City to external partners, the State Legislature, and to other boards as directed and necessary to promote City goals and objectives.
- Build relationships with community stakeholders, businesses, and regional/state agencies to support the City’s Master Plan and related priorities. Serves as a bridge between city management, staff, and the community.
- Champions and supports cross‑department collaboration; removes barriers to progress, aligns efforts, and provides clarity in reporting and decision‑making.
- Supports the coordination of activities between all the staff and other departments within the City and performs other necessary tasks or functions as is necessary to accomplish City and Department goals and objectives.
- Acts as a bridge between management, workforce, and community; maintain visibility and accessibility across all city facilities.
- Drives innovation and efficiency in municipal operations; challenges assumptions and encourages continuous improvement.
- Provides guidance and support to Department Heads and staff in developing plans, recommendations, and proposals for the City Manager and Council’s consideration.
- Supports the implementation of policy established by the City Council.
- Represents the City Manager in collective bargaining as a member of the City’s collective bargaining team.
- Researches and analyzes Council proposals and community requests; prepares policy and program recommendations and provides constituent services.
- With the Finance Director and Human Resources Manager, supports the City’s Pension Advisory Committee, the City’s pension managers, and the City’s actuaries.
- In partnership with the…
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