Chief of Staff - City of Rochester Hills, MI - International City Management : Job Details

Rochester Hills, MI (pop. 76,300) - The City of Rochester Hills seeks an innovative and dedicated public servant as its next Chief of Staff to the Mayor. The City is a highly desirable community located in northern Oakland County, Michigan, nationally recognized for its quality of life and resident satisfaction. Rochester Hills is home to a wide array of industries including computer technology, electronic research, development and manufacturing, and robotics technology. In addition, the City boasts more than 1,000 acres of parkland and a thriving cultural environment. Known for its professionalism and commitment to its employees, Rochester Hills offers a vibrant setting for public service professionals dedicated to impactful leadership.

The Chief of Staff reports directly to the Mayor and plays a crucial role in coordinating city operations, managing strategic projects, and representing the Mayor's Office to internal and external stakeholders. Partnering closely with the Mayor and the executive leadership team, this role is instrumental in advancing the strategic plan, fostering coordination, and ensuring a clear understanding of the City's mission, vision, and goals.

The City seeks a candidate with exceptional interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a collaborative approach to managing complex projects and relationships. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and discretion.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Supervises staff, which includes prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; recommends and implements approved discipline; provides staff development; and maintains high standards necessary for efficient, professional operations.

2. Serves as the primary liaison for the Mayor's Office. Represents the Mayor in interactions with various stakeholders, including City Council, executive leadership, staff, residents, visitors, and external entities such as local and state legislators, business, and community leaders. Ensures the accurate and timely flow of information to and from the Mayor's Office.

3. Builds and maintains respectful, positive working relationships with others, including representatives from community organizations, businesses and governmental agencies, City Council and City staff, using principles of good customer service; provides effective conflict resolution, as needed.

4. Works directly with department directors on day-to-day issues, special projects and urgent problems to design solutions. Provides status updates to the Mayor.

5. Chairs or participates in internal management staff meetings and external committee meetings, professional conferences, and various events as a representative of the Mayor.

6. Addresses and resolves public inquiries and concerns or refers matters to the appropriate party.

7. Develops and supports efforts to coordinate grant and other fundraising efforts for the department.

8. Participates in the departmental recruitment processes; makes recommendations for appointment of new staff; oversight of staff orientation and training.

9. Coordinates internal and external community events and initiatives, including but not limited to, the annual State of the City address, Festival of the Hills, Light the Village, etc.

10. Prepares and reviews speeches, formal presentations, proclamations/resolutions, and other communications, including articles and press releases.

11. Reviews City Council agendas, and other public meeting agendas, and briefs the Mayor on important topics included on the meeting agendas.

12. Identifies and supports the development of public and private sector partnerships for special projects, events, and initiatives; solicits sponsors to defray taxpayer expense for City events.

13. Assists with preparation of the Mayor's Office budget. Tracks spending, suggests budget changes, and provides updates to the Mayor as needed.

14. Attends regular or special City Council meetings; provides information and support to the Mayor.

15. In conjunction with the City's Legislative Advocacy Group, reviews pending legislation and evaluates its effects on City operations. Proposes policy and/or position statements regarding Federal, State, and local legislation and regulations for consideration by the Mayor.

16. Works extended hours as required to accommodate needs of the department and organization; attends regular and special weekend or evening meetings throughout the year.

17. Other duties as designated by the Mayor.

Minimum Qualifications:

* Bachelor's Degree in business administration, public administration, political science, or a closely related field.

* Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in public administration, private industry executive office or a senior-level role, or a closely related field.

* Four (4) years of experience in a leadership or managerial role.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Master's degree with related academic or professional experience.

The starting salary range is $98,394 - $114,065 (DOQE), with comprehensive benefits.

First review of candidates will be December 3, 2024. Interested applicants should apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com by submitting a resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references. For questions, please contact Jaymes Vettraino at 847-###-#### x 126. The City of Rochester Hills is an Equal Opportunity Employer.