Special Projects Manager

Summary
Under general supervision, the Special Projects Manager assists the Mayor with highly complex projects that arise in the Executive Department and helps to facilitate efficient inter-department coordination on Citywide objectives. The position serves as a City liaison with community groups and governmental agencies.
Essential Functions
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Administers contract with CDBG consultant; directs the consultant and assistant in developing and executing the City's CDBG program through ongoing communication, timeline development and management, providing public input opportunities, City Council interface, annual action plan development, and developing and maintaining agreements with subrecipient organizations.
• Oversees the City's Public Defense program; ensures public defenders adhere to City's adopted standards for case counts and that clients receive adequate service in the areas of investigation, communication, research, motion practice, trails, and resources.
• Coordinates cross-departmental and outside communication; serves as liaison between the Mayor and Directors/staff and staff and City Council; acts as City spokesperson for the Fire Department and Mayor's Office.
• Develops press releases, website updates and some social media engagement; communicates program and project updates to the community through local media channels; assists with newsletters.
• Attends phone calls, emails, and in-person concerns from residents, business owners, and community leaders; generates solutions by coordinating responses from appropriate City departments.
• Manages the Problem Elimination & Reduction (PERT) Team to coordinate solutions for community problems; convenes representatives from across City departments; leads discussion on problem, brainstorming solutions, and assigning tasks to team to executive solutions.
• Serves as the lead City delegate to Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA); coordinates annual liability exposure reviews, City property appraisal process, annual audits on various topics of relevance, property schedule updates, training reimbursements, and provides evidence of coverage documents.
• Coordinates the creation of the annual Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) document; ensures adherence to State standards and requirements for reporting, public input, and transparency; communicates with City Councilmembers on the CIP.
• Serves as Property Manager for designated commercial spaces; conducts market research regarding commercial space and makes recommendations to City Council; updates and administers commercial tenant lease agreements; responds to tenant concerns; coordinates facility repairs and improvements; collaborates with the Downtown Business Association.
• Serves on various committees in support of City initiatives and programs.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Relations, Business Administration or related field AND seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in high level administrative/management work for municipal government; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Municipal government structure and roles.
• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Municipal budget development and administration.
• Current social, political, and economic trends and operating problems for municipal government.
• Research, analysis, and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Principles of group facilitation and problem-solving.
• Project management practices and methods.
• Ethical leadership principles and practices.

Skill in:

• Providing effective leadership in coordinating projects and policy development activities.
• Administering a variety of Citywide programs and administrative activities.
• Interpreting and applying City policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Creating innovative programs and systems in response to organizational needs.
• Communicating technical concepts and abstract ideas under difficult circumstances.
• Facilitating group meetings and mediating between parties to resolve conflict.
• Interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public.
• Analyzing complex issues and implementing appropriate responses.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurances
• Life Insurance policy
• Employee Assistance Program
• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave
• Gym Membership reimbursement
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume with their application. Applications must be received no later than 11:59 pm on Monday, January 1, 2024. For additional information, or a complete job description, please contact Human Resources at mvhr@mountvernonwa.gov .

The City of Mount Vernon provides and enforces a drug free workplace

and maintains a smoke free work environment.

The City of Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurances
• Life Insurance policy
• Employee Assistance Program
• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave.
• Gym Membership reimbursement.
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)

Closing Date/Time: 1/1/2024 11:59 PM Pacific