Job Posting - Deputy Director of Business Operations

Deputy Director of Business Operations - Utility Department

Organization: City of Fort Smith, Arkansas
Salary: Salary Range: $62,108 -$97,739 with excellent benefits
Close Date: The first review of resumes is scheduled for January 4, 2018

Job Description:

Fort Smith is located in western Arkansas on the border of Oklahoma and is the second largest city in the State. The City was incorporated in 1842 and is the County seat for Sebastian County. Fort Smith is 159 miles west of Little Rock and 145 miles southeast of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The City serves as the central focus for a six-county economic and trade region in the west central area of Arkansas and the east central area of Oklahoma. The City encompasses 68 square miles and has a population of approximately 89,000. Fort Smith is empowered by State statutes to levy real and personal property taxes within its limits and extend the corporate limit by annexation, which occurs periodically when deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. State statutes also allow the City to levy local sales and use taxes.

The City provides a wide array of exceptional quality of life amenities including: world class museums, libraries, performing arts venues, historic landmarks and annual events (many of which attract visitors from around the United States). The City’s recreational features include 23 community parks with pools, athletic fields, an amphitheater and walking trails. The City operates a convention center which hosts community events as well as attracting a variety of conferences. Fort Smith public schools are among the best in the State. The City is home to a variety of outstanding secondary and post-secondary campuses including a major campus of the University of Arkansas.

Fort Smith adopted the City Administrator form of government in 1967. The City’s governing body is a Board of Directors consisting of seven (7) Directors and a Mayor, all elected to four (4) year terms. Four of the Directors are elected by ward and the other three Directors and the Mayor are elected at-large. The Mayor leads the Board of Directors meetings but does not have a vote except to veto any legislation which can only be overridden by a super majority. The City Administrator is appointed by the Board of Directors and has full authority to hire and terminate all employees. The City Administrator in Arkansas has similar authority of any City Manager.

Fort Smith is a full-service City which provides the following services: City Clerk, Legal, Human Resources, Finance, Transit, Police, Fire, Streets & Traffic Control, Utility (Water & Wastewater), Parks and Recreation, Sanitation, Information & Technology, Engineering, Planning & Zoning, CDBG, Building & Safety and Neighborhood Services.

Under the general direction of the Utility Director the Deputy Director of Business Operations (Deputy Director) is responsible for the central administration of the Utility Department including budget preparation, purchasing, inventory, the public relations/ communications program, fleet management, business analysis, and training and safety programs. The Deputy Director is responsible for developing and administering plans, systems, and activities to support and promote the Department’s mission, values, vision, and strategies in compliance with the City’s financial policies, requirements of Bond Covenants, Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, Arkansas Department of Labor, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Consent Decree, and in coordination with the Utility Department's comprehensive strategic management plan. The Business Administration Division has approximately 40 employees including the Deputy Director and two unit managers. The Divisional budget is $2,075,700 (2017) and Utility Department budget is $49,521, 539 (2017).

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration, Finance or closely related field. Five years of supervisory experience is required which must include at least three years administrative/management experience in local government, utility, public works or related field. Prefer at least 10 years of industry related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience the provides the required knowledge, abilities and skills will be considered. Must be skilled in verbal and written communications, organizational and human resources management, interpersonal relationships, budget preparation, procurement, supply chain management, public relations, business analysis and modern office operations. Current State water or wastewater certifications or other appropriate certifications would be a plus.

To Apply: The position will be open until filled. The first review of resumes is scheduled for January 4, 2018. Please email your cover letter and resume with current salary without delay to:
Robert E. Slavin, President; SLAVIN MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS
3040 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite A-1, Norcross, Georgia 30071
Phone: (770) 449-4656; Fax: (770) 416-0848
Email: slavin@bellsouth.net or Ms. Randi Frank at randi@randifrank.com
Web site: www.slavinweb.com or www.randifrank.com

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY RECRUITER/EMPLOYER

Download a comprehensive profile information document (PDF)