City Manager Position Profile The Community The City of Cedar Rapids, located in east central Iowa, is the County Seat of Linn County. As the second largest city in Iowa, Cedar Rapids has a growing population of 121,500 residents and serves as a regional center of commerce, industry and transportation for a combined population of 431,800 people in the surrounding eight-county area. Cedar Rapids area has a diverse economy, balancing a historical agri-business base with technology-based industries. More than 275 manufacturing plants, two dozen Fortune 500 companies, and many international export businesses are located in Cedar Rapids, making the city an important link in the global economy. The largest manufacturing companies have a combined employment of over 16,000 workers and include Rockwell Collins, Inc., Amana Maytag Appliances, Quaker Oats Company, General Mills, Inc., and Gazette Communications. Large corporations include AEGON USA, Inc., MCI, and WorldCom, Inc., as well as many major health care organizations, retail and grocery companies. A variety of housing choices may be found throughout the city’s established neighborhoods and newer subdivisions, including charming older homes, excellent starter houses, condominiums, duplexes and apartment units. Residents engaged in the promotion of stable neighborhoods have formed a number of active neighborhood associations. Cedar Rapids has gained a reputation for creating a blend of educational, cultural and recreational advantages for its citizens that has resulted in the sense of community and hospitality associated with Midwestern life. The enjoyment of each of nature’s four beautiful seasons and the focus on quality of life issues has led residents to nickname Cedar Rapids the “City of Five Seasons” with the encompassing Fifth Season representing “the Time to Enjoy”. Recreation and Culture An abundance of community festivals, art and theater venues, and sporting events provide area residents with quality entertainment and recreation choices. Due to the city’s central location, many college level sporting events may be accessed locally and regionally. The Cedar Rapids Kernels, an affiliate of the Anaheim Angels professional baseball organization, play in a new $14 million, 5,300-seat stadium. The city also serves as the home of the RoughRiders, a minor league hockey team that plays home games in a 4,000 seat Ice Arena. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art features permanent collections by Iowa artists, including Grant Wood, and the area’s rich Czech culture is celebrated at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library. The award-winning Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra performs over 25 times each year. Built in 1928, the 1,900-seat Paramount Theatre for the Performing Arts hosts live stage shows, Broadway performances, community theater, movies and concerts. Theatre Cedar Rapids and the Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre provide outstanding musical productions and plays. The U.S. Cellular Center is a multipurpose arena with 10,000 seats that hosts concerts, sporting events, trade shows and conventions. A popular attraction is Ushers Ferry Historic Village, located in Seminole Valley Park and featuring over 20 authentic buildings. Also popular is the Science Station (for children) and the IMAX theatre. Many other theaters, historic sites, museums and attractions are located throughout Cedar Rapids. Cedar Rapids takes pride in having the largest park system in Iowa with over 4,000 acres of park land comprising 73 parks. Area parks feature opportunities for swimming, boating, ice skating, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, football, baseball, volleyball, tennis, picnics and scenic drives. In addition, hundreds of acres of undeveloped green space are available for future park expansion and flood control. Three state parks and four county parks within 20 minutes of Cedar Rapids offer fishing, swimming, sailing, camping, rock climbing and hiking trails. The 4,900-acre Coralville Lake recreation area is a Corps of Engineers project providing extensive outdoor activities. Four municipal golf courses, four privately owned public golf courses and three private county club golf courses serve the area. An expansive trail system is sustained by the Linn County Trails Association, a non-profit volunteer organization working to connect established trails. Other recreational facilities include 6 municipal aquatic centers, 50+ public tennis courts, 3 private tennis clubs, 50 public baseball or softball diamonds for league use, 30+ volleyball courts, 3 outdoor ice rinks, and a central YMCA. The Parks Department maintains all weather basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, a BMX dirt track, rugby field, off-leash dog exercise area, 22 pavilions, and operates 16 spray pools, a soccer complex, children’s zoo, Frisbee golf courses, and park flower gardens. Education and Health Care Parade magazine has rated Cedar Rapids as one of the 10 best cities in the United States to raise a family. A key reason is the excellence of the school system. The metropolitan area is served by four public school districts, the Metropolitan Office of Catholic Education, and other private schools. Total enrollment for the Cedar Rapids area is approximately 35,000 students. Graduation rates continue to be among the highest in the nation and Iowa ranks second in the nation in American College Testing (ACT) scores. Over 80% of high school graduates enroll in post-secondary education. Students have access to three private liberal arts colleges. Coe College and Mount Mercy College, located in Cedar Rapids, are four-year educational institutions. Kirkwood Community College is a nationally recognized community college that provides vocational, technical, arts and sciences, and continuing education programs. Additionally, Cedar Rapids is within close proximity to three state universities with the University of Iowa only 25 miles away. Two highly advanced hospitals are located in Cedar Rapids and served by a dedicated medical community. Over 300 physicians in the city represent every area of medical specialty. In addition, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and Veterans Administration Hospital are located in Iowa City. The Organization As a result of a petition submitted in October 2004, the City Council created a Home Rule Charter Commission to prepare a proposed Home Rule Charter that called for a part-time Mayor and City Council and a full-time City Manager. Following a general election, in June of 2005, the Home Rule Charter was approved. An election occurred in November 2005 and the new form of government took effect on January 2, 2006. The new City Council is comprised of eight Council members and a Mayor. Five of the members represent specific districts and three members are elected at-large. A transitional team, comprised of an Interim City Manager, City Clerk, City Controller-Auditor and City Attorney are addressing administrative and operational matters during the transition. The city employs 1,453 full-time equivalent workers. Approximately 60% of the employees are represented by one of eight labor unions. The General Fund budget is $90 million and the total budget is $360 million. A total five year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) will approximate $629 million. Major projects include street, airport, water system and sanitary sewer improvements.  The following Departments report to separate Boards: Veterans Memorial, Library, Airport and Civil Rights. The City Attorney and the City Clerk report directly to the City Council. The Position The City Manager is a newly created position reporting to the Mayor and City Council and serving as Chief Administrative Officer of the city. Specific duties include: • Supervise and direct the administration of city government and the official conduct of employees including training, reclassification, suspension or discharge. • Appoint the Chief of Police and the Fire Chief, with the advice and consent of the City Council. • Supervise the Chief of Police and the Fire Chief, including suspension or discharge, with the advice and consent of the City Council. • Appoint or employ persons to occupy positions for which no other method of appointment is provided by state law or city charter. • May appoint, supervise and direct an officers to administer departments. With the consent of the Council, the City Manager may serve as the head of one or more departments or may appoint one person as the Director of two or more of the departments. • Supervise the performance of all contracts for work undertaken by the city and supervise the purchase of materials and supplies. • Direct the preparation of annual budgets and submit to the City Council. • Monitor and advise the City Council of financial conditions and city needs. • Manage all public improvements and city-owned property, including buildings, plants, systems, enterprises, and oversee construction, improvements, repair and maintenance. • Provide primary interaction with the City Council and Staff. • Coordinate activities of city departments to meet overall organizational goals. • Build and develop a management team by providing growth opportunities through seminars and professional training. • Meet with local business groups, individuals, citizen groups, the media and other government officials regarding issues affecting the city. • Make recommendations and provide guidance regarding future planning for capital improvements, financing, equipment, staff, economic development and operational needs. • Assure that grievances and communications from citizens receive prompt attention and resolution. • Represent the city in economic development activities. Background and Experience Candidates for the City Manager position will possess a Bachelor’s degree (M.A. preferred) in public administration or other related field and 8-10 years experience in a responsible management position. Ideally qualified candidates will posses: • Background in staff development with specific experience in evaluating and refining organizational structure. • Understanding of economic development and redevelopment activities. Experience in downtown development, job growth, and business attraction. • Solid experience in budget development and monitoring, financial management, and capital improvements planning. • Background in working effectively with elected officials and staff and experience in developing a governance model. • Experience in intergovernmental relations and working cooperatively with other professional organizations. • Background in housing development and housing programs. • Broad supervisory experience and knowledge of labor law and union activities. • Experience in managing outside consultants. • Familiar with human resources functions including compensation plans. Management Capabilities • Be committed to public service and enjoy working in a very visible position. • Build credibility and trust of city government by fostering transparent public processes. • Create a climate for organizational change and affect changes within appropriate time frames. • Cooperate with the Mayor on sharing spokesperson functions. Promote a clear communications style and speak with a unified voice for City Hall. • Be willing to make recommendations and provide options to the Council. • Project a diplomatic presence within the organization. • Assume the role of public educator on the new form of government. • Promote a customer friendly approach to the development process. • Work with elected officials and staff to develop new ways to identify problems and implement effective solutions. • Understand the need to defend and explain options and positions. • Develop an appropriate and effective system to delegate duties and responsibilities and a concurrent system to assure accountability. Community and Position Priorities • Assist the organization in the transition to a City Manager form of government. Work with the Council to develop the roles of the City Council and the City Manager within the organization. • Evaluate the organizational structure with an eye to refining staff duties and functions to achieve efficiencies. • Ensure that the city’s financial monitoring system is adhered to in order to properly manage expenditures. • Assist the Council to adopt a governance model that will clarify “governance versus management.” • Enable a strategic planning process for the Council and the management team. Assist in and contribute to the process for community visioning. • Advance economic development strategies identified by the Chamber, Priority One, the EDC and the City Council. • Explore options for sharing services and working on regional issues with the county and adjacent cities. • Promote cooperative efforts with the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. Be involved with the local service organizations. • Utilize available resources to improve municipal technology. Expand the city’s web site services to enhance communications. • Maximize partnership opportunities with the county and local school district. • Maintain a strong link between businesses and the public on publicly financed projects. • Implement plans to create centralized services for a variety of city functions. Announcement City Manager, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (pop. 120,000). Starting Salary: Open, expectation of mid to high $100s, depending on qualifications and experience. The City of Cedar Rapids is located in eastern Iowa and is a regional hub for industry, retail and area attractions. As the county seat of Linn County, Cedar Rapids enjoys a healthy economic climate, quality schools, beautiful parks, attractive housing, and many recreational opportunities. This newly created position reports a nine member part-time City Council including a Mayor. The position was established after a petition to change the form of government was filed, which resulted in the adoption of a new Home Rule Charter. Responsible for the supervision of 1,400 full-time employees, a GF budget of $90 million and total budget of $360 million. Prefer experience in all phases of municipal government, with specific experience in organizational realignment, establishing reporting relationships, economic development and redevelopment, and a strong desire for customer service and the public process. Candidates for the City Manager position will have a four-year degree (advanced degree preferred) with emphasis on public administration or related field and a minimum of 8 years experience in a responsible management position. Position Profile available. Send resume by 05/08/06 to The Brimeyer Group Executive Search, 50 S. 9th Avenue, #101, Hopkins, MN 55343. Phone: (952) 945-0246, Fax: (952) 945-0102, e-mail: brimgroup@aol.com, web: www.brimgroup.com For more information on the City of Cedar Rapids, please visit www.cedar-rapids.org (other links available at this site) Timetable May 8, 2006 Deadline for applications May 31, 2006 Present candidates June 16-17, 2006 Interviews and Selection August, 2006 Start date |
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