Special Projects Manager

The City of Johnson City, Tennessee is accepting applications for a Special Projects Manager with the Administration department. The Special Projects Manager oversees initiatives and programs that span multiple departments and/or include partner agencies, ensuring that these efforts remain on schedule and that tasks are assigned to and completed by appropriate parties. The projects are impactful to the organization and community as a whole, furthering the strategic goals of City leadership. This employee provides direct support to the City Manager's Office as it relates to special projects and organizational development, focusing on continuous improvement and efficiency. The Special Projects Manager is responsible for the successful execution of initiatives and programs that require coordination of multiple departments and/or agencies, which would not typically fall under the purview of a particular department director. This employee gathers insight and information from all involved, providing relevant guidance, reports, policy, training, etc., to management and staff as necessitated by the project. As a representative of the City Manager's Office, he or she ensures timely follow up and follow through relative to each project; may serve as a City representative on various boards and committees; and must maintain strong community relationships. Identifying funding sources and solutions to obstacles is key to this role. The Special Projects manager must be highly organized, customer service focused, and an excellent communicator.

Essential Functions of Position: The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Oversees and coordinates projects and activities between different departments, and external agencies. Organizes meetings and makes presentations as needed.
• Recommends, reviews and evaluates proposals for new programs and services; confers with administrative and management level staff, public officials and members of the public; recommends changes in administrative policies, organization, programs, methods and procedures.
• Participates in the development and implementation of new or revised programs, systems, procedures, and methods of operation; compiles and analyzes data and makes recommendations regarding staffing, equipment, and facility needs.
• Identifies available grant funding, assists in the development of grant packages, and monitors progress of grants to fund special projects and directs the work of grant consultants.
• Attends meetings alongside or as a representative of City Management, ensuring action times are properly processed, managed, and resolved; prepares information necessary for administrative decisions and implementation; oversees assigned programs and administrative support functions and specialized programs
• Assists in the drafting and implementation of policies and procedures
• Assists with legislative advocacy work, maintains relations with elected officials and staff, disseminates pertinent legislative information to City management as necessary
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of municipal government; answers questions where judgment, knowledge, and interpretation of City policies, procedures, and regulations are necessary; responds independently to inquiries when appropriate; responds to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints
• Oversees and participates in the preparation of detailed reports, summaries and recommendations based on the analysis of research data; administers various reporting applications
• May meet with civic leaders and community interest groups to explain policies and programs; may serve as a representative of City government on civic, community relations and other boards and commissions, as requested
• Develops and implements customer service programs to positively impact the citizen experience with efficiency in mind.
• Recommends new approaches, policies, and practices to effect continual improvements in organizational efficiency and citizen service.
• Assists the organization to operate effectively, grow sustainably, and adapt smoothly to change.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Requires broad administrative skills along with strong interpersonal, communication, and team building skills with an emphasis on oversight, improvement, and performance; an equivalent combination of education, training and experience equal to the following:

• Has considerable knowledge of the policies, and procedures related to strategic planning, project management and organizational development.
• Has comprehensive knowledge of the objectives, principles, and methods utilized within local government.
• Ability to define complex problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization as well as community partners.
• Provides input into identifying and solving problems. Anticipates the needs of others for information about job tasks and work environment and provides it to them in a timely manner.
• Build trusting and collaborative relationships with employees with an understanding of key functional/ organizational issues, and advise leaders on effective solutions
• Ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations in both small and large forums.
• Willingly assists others with job tasks when appropriate.

Acceptable Experience and Training: Bachelor's degree is required; preference given to candidates with relevant experience. Pre-employment physical, and background check required.

EEO/AA