The Opportunity

The City of Traverse City is seeking a highly-skilled, professional, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Deputy City Manager. This executive role is responsible for overseeing daily internal administrative operations of assigned departments, providing strategic leadership, serving as a trusted partner to the City Manager, and ensuring effective implementation of City policies.

As a key member of the City Manager’s Executive Team, the Deputy City Manager serves as a trusted advisor and operational leader, helping guide complex municipal functions, lead cross-departmental initiatives, and implement the City Manager’s vision and City Commission priorities. This role provides executive-level leadership across multiple service areas while ensuring organizational effectiveness, accountability, and innovation in service delivery.

LEAD | COLLABORATE | INNOVATE | DELIVER

PRIMARY AREAS OF FOCUS

Internal Operations: Direct oversight of key areas including Assessing, Facilities, Fleet, Mobility (Streets, Sidewalks, Trails, Traffic Signals, etc.), Municipal Utilities (Water, Wastewater and Water/Sewer Maintenance), Parks & Recreation (including marina and Hickory Hills Recreation Area), Parking Services, Technology and others as assigned, including the Executive Coordinator in the City Manager’s Office.

Community Vitality: Lead impactful initiatives supporting community vitality.

Strategic Support: Act as lead designee for the City Manager on priority projects, support implementation of the City’s Strategic Action Plan and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), and provide executive-level leadership and support to employees.

City Manager’s Office Operational Continuity: Serve as an empowered executive-level liaison and partner on behalf of the City Manager, including serving as Acting City Manager in the City Manager’s absence.

GOVERNANCE & ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

The City of Traverse City operates under a City Manager model, with collaborative partnerships among the City Commission, executive leadership team, employees, labor partners, and the community. The Deputy City Manager will report directly to the City Manager and provide leadership oversight for several key service areas.

The Deputy City Manager will serve as a strategic partner in advancing the City’s Strategic Action Plan (SAP), organizational OKRs, long-range financial planning, and organizational culture initiatives focused on innovation, accountability, collaboration, and fiscal stewardship.

The City maintains a progressive and flexible workplace culture, including hybrid work arrangements where appropriate. Relocation and housing assistance may also be available for the selected candidate.

Why Traverse City

WE SERVE | COMMUNITY ORIENTED | SERVICE TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD

Traverse City, Michigan offers an exceptional opportunity for a leader seeking both professional impact and quality of life. Situated along Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, Traverse City is a four-season destination community and the regional hub of Northern Michigan. Cherry Capital Airport, the third busiest airport in Michigan, provides direct flights to major cities including Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, Denver, New York City, Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and more seasonally.

The City has a year-round population of nearly 16,000, with daytime and seasonal populations increasing significantly throughout the year, creating a dynamic municipal service environment. Traverse City offers a unique blend of small-city character, regional influence, and destination-community demands.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Traverse City is recognized for its outstanding quality of life, featuring:

• Four-season outdoor recreation

• Vibrant downtown and waterfront

• Nationally recognized restaurants, wineries, breweries, and farmers markets

• Strong schools, healthcare, and community services

• An engaged and supportive community

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a values-driven professional with strong political acumen and a commitment to transparency.

QUALIFICATION SUMMARY

Strategic Executive Leadership & Municipal Administration

Proven expertise in public administration, strategic planning, and organizational management. Demonstrated ability to provide executive-level decision-making and strategic leadership as a member of an Executive Team. Capable of analyzing organizational effectiveness and implementing continuous process improvements while fostering an environment of openness, feedback, trust, and collaboration.

Financial Stewardship & Budgetary Oversight

Highly-skilled in municipal budgeting, resource allocation, and long-term fiscal management. Experienced in monitoring financial trends and aligning planning with strategic goals and community input. Proficient in grant research, application writing, and compliance.

Community Vitality & Economic Development

Advanced knowledge of economic development, affordable/workforce housing, and public-private partnership frameworks. Technical proficiency in municipal procedures related to building, zoning, and project management. Experienced in managing complex multi-stakeholder projects.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Exceptional communicator with the political acumen required to represent the City Manager professionally in sensitive situations. Proven ability to establish collaborative relationships with elected officials, neighborhood associations, businesses, and the public.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate as a member of the Executive Team, providing policy-level advice and executive leadership support.

• Serve as an empowered liaison to the City Manager, providing direction and decision-making support on behalf of the City Manager.

• Provide executive-level leadership and support to Technology, Municipal Utilities, Mobility Infrastructure, Fleet, Parks & Recreation, Parking Services, and Facilities Management.

• Coordinate citywide grant and external funding efforts, including research, writing, administration, and compliance.

• Foster an inclusive, engaged, innovative, and accountable organizational culture.

• Oversee neighborhood engagement and communication efforts.

• Serve as the City’s ADA Compliance Coordinator and monitor legislation impacting municipal operations. • Assist in preparing City Manager and City Commission budgets and analyzing financial trends.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, & EXPERIENCE

Knowledge of:

• Public administration, organizational management, and strategic planning

• Municipal budgeting, financial analysis, and resource allocation

• Federal, state, and local laws applicable to municipal operations

• Community and economic development, affordable housing, and public-private partnerships

• Grant writing, administration, and compliance

• Human resources management and organizational development

• Equity, diversity, inclusion, and community engagement

• City Commission operations, parliamentary procedures, and policy development

• Economic development, building/zoning, and municipal project management

• FOIA and Open Meetings Act requirements

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or related field required, Master’s degree preferred.

Experience: Five or more years of local government experience as a department director or within a government management office. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Requirements: Establish primary residency within 30 miles of the nearest City limit within 12 months. Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings as required.

Skills & Abilities

• Leadership, collaboration, and executive-level decision-making

• Problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict resolution

• Budget development and long-term fiscal management

• Public speaking and presentation development

• Research, data analysis, and policy recommendation development

• Grant application writing and reporting

• Relationship building with elected officials, community groups, businesses, and the public

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and BS&A Modules

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously

• Ability to work independently under broad administrative direction

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $127,094 – $167,359, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary range anticipated to increase 4% effective July 1, 2026.

Benefits include:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage • Defined Benefit pension and 457(b) match • Generous paid leave • Flexible workplace policy with hybrid and flex-time options • Negotiable starting salary and paid leave

The Application Process

To be considered for this leadership opportunity, please submit your resume with references, cover letter, and salary requirements.

Email: jobs@traversecitymi.gov

Visit: traversectiym.gov/jobs/

Mailing Address: City of Traverse City Human Resources Office 400 Boardman Avenue Traverse City, MI 49684

City of Traverse City, Michigan

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