Description
City of Hastings, MI (pop. 7514) – Join the team in one of the 100 Best Small Towns in America! The City of Hastings is accepting applications for a newly created Assistant City Manager position. Located on the Thornapple River, Hastings provides high-quality services for residents and businesses alike. Hastings hosts numerous unique events throughout the year and its public art displays are well known throughout the state. Hastings’ thriving downtown, quality schools, and prime location make Hastings a great place to live in any stage of life.
The Assistant City Manager acts as the City Manager’s deputy in a variety of administrative affairs and duties. The Assistant City Manager serves as the public communications director, facilities coordinator, and manages special projects. This position will assist and interact with all facets of local government.
Advises and works cooperatively with the City Manager, City Attorney, department heads, City Council, and others to establish priorities; develop goals, strategic plans, and policies; and implement a variety of special projects.
Carries out various administrative assignments which may involve formulating policy, establishing procedures, and accounting for results. Researches information, prepares reports, and makes recommendations to the City Manager and City Council.
Acts as Public Communications Director, establishes and maintains effective relationships with residents, news media, City officials, employees, business representatives, volunteers, and other interests.
Exercises appropriate discretion and demonstrates professionalism in all circumstances.
Participates in the planning and coordination of capital improvement projects and assists other departments with their capital projects and related purchasing. Develops specifications and recommends items to be sold, purchased, or leased. Oversees the bidding process for purchases of equipment and services.
Serves as facilities coordinator for city hall and oversees contracts related to building management, including HVAC maintenance, pest control, custodial service, etc.
Seeks and secures alternative funding sources such as grants, partnership agreements, and sponsorships.
Plans and implements special projects and programs in response to local directives or governmental mandates. Confers with and oversees the work of engineers, contractors, and other applicable parties concerning construction projects. Monitors projects through all phases, assuring conformance to plans, specifications, timetables, quality levels, and cost estimates. Conducts field and project inspections to ensure quality and efficiency.
Attends and presents at meetings as required. Represents the City on boards, commissions, and committees as directed by the City Manager.
Acts as the City Manager in their absence as appropriate and necessary.
Keeps abreast of legislative or regulatory developments and current issues. Maintains cooperative relations with peer agencies and other governmental units. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.
Performs related work as required.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, finance, communication, or related area. Credentials beyond the degree requirement preferred, including professional certification and/or master’s degree.
Minimum three (3) years of job-related experience with progressively increased management responsibility.
Knowledge of professional public management techniques involved in project management, communications and public relations, and community and employee relations.
Possess a high level of interpersonal skills. Able to use good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness to communicate effectively with elected officials, boards and commissions, department heads, employees, volunteers, the public, and internal and external professional contacts through which the City conducts its business and affairs.
Proven ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and to make presentations in public forums. Ability to maintain favorable public relations. Skill in responding to public inquiries and internal requests with a high degree of diplomacy and professionalism.
Proven ability to think strategically, including providing leadership and direction on projects and in situations with undefined goals, expectations, or outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to persuade others and analyze complex information and to coordinate resources to accomplish organizational goals and objectives.
Possess excellent organizational skills and an ability to solve problems. Skill in organizing schedules and coordinating associated resources.
Ability to gather and analyze data and prepare accurate and timely reports, memoranda, letters, and responses to requests for information. Ability to communicate and present information effectively.
Demonstrates proficiency in the use of information technology including software applications related to areas of responsibility. Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and social media platforms.
Proven ability to maintain a professional leadership image to the organization and the public, both on and off duty. Ability to routinely demonstrate a commitment to the mission, vision and values of the City.
Ability to critically assess situations and solve problems, to work efficiently and under stress, and to perform within deadlines and with changing work priorities.
Ability to effectively train, lead, and motivate employees and to supervise and evaluate the work of others.
Possess a valid driver’s license.
Apply via email with cover letter, resume, and five professional references by October 12, 2025. Applications and any questions regarding the position can be made to the City Manager by email at [email protected] or by calling 269-948-3875.
The City of Hastings is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
