The Assistant City Manager, under the general direction of the City Manager, plays a critical role in managing the city's day-to-day operations and supporting the execution of strategic city goals. This role requires a skilled manager who is capable of overseeing departmental operations, coordinating city policies, and ensuring a smooth connection between City Council, departments, staff, and the community.
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General Purpose:
The Assistant City Manager’s primary responsibilities include the following:
● Oversee and collaborate with various City departments to ensure operational efficiency and recommend improvements.

● Assist in the preparation of the annual budget, ensuring alignment with city goals and financial sustainability.

● Respond to public inquiries and resolve citizen complaints through effective problem-solving.

● Coordinate and support citywide initiatives and policies aimed at advancing Kingfisher’s growth and development.

● Serve as Acting City Manager during the City Manager’s absence, with the authority to make decisions related to departmental operations and crisis management.

● Lead meetings with City Council, staff, and community members to ensure alignment on city priorities and provide updates on the status of key projects.

● Implement and monitor performance metrics to ensure departmental and citywide objectives are being met effectively.
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Executive Team Member Character Components:
● Integrity: Demonstrates unwavering ethical conduct, earning the trust of both internal and external stakeholders.

● Innovation: Leads with a creative and solution-oriented mindset, promoting continuous improvement and adapting to changing city needs.

● Accountability: Holds oneself and others responsible for achieving city goals, adjusting course when necessary.

● Excellence: Sets high standards for service quality, establishing a customer-first approach in all operations.

● Teamwork: Encourages collaboration across departments and fosters positive relationships with elected officials, staff, and the public.

● Motivational Leadership: Inspires and supports staff by clearly communicating expectations and providing ongoing professional development.
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Essential Job Functions:
Key responsibilities include:
● Citywide Coordination: Consult and coordinate with City departments to implement citywide policies and strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with the city’s vision and goals.

● Budget Management: Assist the City Manager in budget preparation, monitoring financial performance, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

● Crisis and Emergency Management: Play a key role in emergency management planning and response. Act decisively during crises and serve as a leader in managing the city’s emergency responses.

● Community Engagement: Engage regularly with community stakeholders, residents, and business leaders to foster positive relationships and gather feedback to improve city operations.

● Performance Oversight: Oversee staff development, including recruitment, training, performance evaluations, and providing mentorship to ensure a high level of performance and operational excellence.

● Public Relations: Represent the City at public events, meetings, and with the media, ensuring transparent communication about city policies, initiatives, and developments.
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Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
● Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s Degree in Public Administration or a similar field is preferred.

● Experience: At least 8 years of related work experience, with a minimum of 3 years in a supervisory role. Prior experience in local government management, public policy, or economic development is highly desirable.

● Additional Requirements: Employment with the City of Kingfisher is subject to the completion of a background check, and oral and written assessments, including related reference checks and job-specific testing.

Answer the following questions and include in your application packet:

1. Introduce yourself and share your work and life experiences. Why are you the
best choice for the Assistant City Manager of Kingfisher, Oklahoma?
2. Explain why you believe the Assistant City Manager position in Kingfisher is a
good fit for you. What do you find most attractive about this opportunity and
community?
3. Describe the biggest challenge you have faced during your professional
career and how you handled the situation. What did you learn from the
experience, both positive and negative?
4. Describe your management style and how you will apply it in Kingfisher.
5. Share your experience with Capital Improvement Projects, Bond Financing,
Budgeting, Human Resources, and Police and Fire Union negotiations.

Applicants should provide a written document responding to the listed questions in detail, by October 31, 2025, accompanied by a resume. Mail to City of Kingfisher, Attn: City Manager Jim Thomas, 301 North Main, Kingfisher, OK 73750. For questions, please contact the City Manager at jim@kingfisher.org