Purpose
The City of Savannah seeks an exceptional and strategic leader to serve as its
Chief Operations Officer (COO). The successful candidate for this internal-facing position will complement the City Manager’s leadership approach and work with leaders in the City Manager's Office, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the City.
Organization Overview
Under the City Charter, the
City Manager is the City's chief executive officer and is responsible for implementing the policies of the City Council, directing business and administrative procedures, and appointing departmental officers. The City Council comprises the Mayor and eight aldermen who all serve concurrent four-year terms. This full-service municipality employs 2600 employees across 26 departments and has a FY 2025 budget of $601M and AA+ bond ratings.
The City is guided by a robust strategic plan tied to a fact-based approach and the FY 2025 Budget. Additionally, there is a strong commitment to data and transparency, as evidenced by best-practice good government initiatives. View the Mayor kicking off the 2025 updates to the plan and the importance of using data to yield results. More information about the City can be found here (or by copying and pasting https://www.savannahga.gov/ into your browser).
About The Community
As America's first planned city, Savannah boasts historic architecture, luxurious parks, and a government culture that aims to build upon its early success in providing superior planning, infrastructure, and services for its citizens and visitors. In addition to its assets as a city, Savannah offers great weather, nearby beaches, and a tradition of hospitality and cultural offerings. Savannah is home to a vibrant arts and cultural scene that hosts over 200 festivals each year focused on various themes, including music, food, and film. A growing Savannah Music Festival has garnered international acclaim as performers from Savannah and worldwide showcase talent in different musical genres. The city is committed to promoting numerous festivals and special events throughout the year and is particularly known for its St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Savannah's warm weather allows participation in outdoor activities year-round. The city has more than 100 public recreational neighborhood parks, 13 swimming pools, more than 70 athletic fields, more than 75 basketball courts, 50 tennis courts, two public golf courses, and a marina. Savannah offers marinas throughout the 420 miles of navigable waters and 87,000 acres of tidal marshland, as well as the Intracoastal Waterway for boating, fishing, and swimming enthusiasts. Tybee Island is Savannah's public beach, approximately 20 minutes east of downtown.
Savannah has a diverse economy consisting of manufacturing, one of the fastest-growing seaports in the nation, tourism, regional medical services, and the military. Retail and service businesses are also essential factors. Savannah is a splendid spot for sightseeing with its well-preserved history, fascinating architecture, natural beauty, unique squares, and mild climate. The city boasts the nation's largest National Historic Landmark District.
The City Of Savannah Is a Wonderful Community For Your Next Career Move. Its Earned Reputation And Accolades Include The Following
- Voted one of "The World's 30 Friendliest Cities" and the fifth "Best Small City in the United States" according to Condé Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards.
- "One of the best employers and top local government in the State of Georgia" – Forbes, 2019.
- "Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in America” - USA Weekend Magazine.
- "World's Top Ten Trendy Travel Hot Spots” – New York Times
- "Top 10 U.S City to Visit" - Conde Nast Traveler.
- Southern Living placed Savannah second on its "Best Southern City" list.
- called the city one of the "Top 25 Places to Live and Work” - Outlook Magazine.
With over 146,000 year-round residents, the population of Savannah also includes the students of four colleges and universities offering bachelor's, master's, and professional or doctoral degree programs: Georgia Southern University- Armstrong Campus, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Savannah State University, and South University. With six distinct historic districts, coastal beaches, and a globally recognized food and art scene, tourism is a significant economic driver, with over 17 million visitors in 2024. Home to the Port of Savannah, nearby Fort Stewart–Hunter Air Base, International Paper, Gulfstream Aerospace, Titlemax, and others, Savannah's economy is diverse and robust.
Essential Job Functions
The COO will play a pivotal role in leading and directing cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment, and leading the day-to-day management of the administrative functions of government. They will oversee essential departments such as Budget, Financial Services, Audit, HR, Risk Management, Real Estate, and Capital Construction, ensuring their effective operation and alignment with the City's strategic goals. A key responsibility will be collaborating with the Budget Director to develop and execute the City's annual budget, exceeding $600 million. The COO will also ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies, managing and mitigating risks to the City's assets, and leading capital construction projects to ensure timely and cost-effective completion. Furthermore, they will foster a positive and productive work environment that promotes professional growth and development, while building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Key Position Priorities
- Strengthening financial health and controls:Ensure existing financial practices remain robust by conducting regular reviews and implementing any necessary updates.
- Build, train, and develop great public servants: Initiate programs to attract, train, and retain skilled public servants, focusing on professional development and mentorship opportunities.
- Risk management and internal auditing: Establish a framework for risk management and internal auditing to promote accountability, transparency, and adherence to best practices.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field.
- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Proven track record of success in developing and implementing strategic plans, policies, and procedures.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
- Strong financial management and analytical abilities.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Successful Candidate Is
- an ethical leader who sets an example for all by being transparent and highly competent;
- committed to bridging silos and building highly functional inter-dependent teams;
- a confident and trusting leader who allows department heads to exercise their expertise without undue oversight, but expects and models accountability for results;
- an expert in public finance and accounting, knowledgeable and committed to HR best practices, and effective in establishing protocols for assessing risk and accountability;
- a creative thinker in assessing ways to increase revenue and effectively manage expenses while delivering outstanding service;
- a data-driven decision-maker who seeks information from multiple sources, using data as well as stakeholder input to educate decision-makers, stakeholders, and to reach conclusions;
- adept at leading a departmental evaluation process which provides a framework for evaluating outcomes, cost effectiveness, process improvement, and customer satisfaction of all purchased and provided services.
- able to effectively recruit, retain, manage, develop and engage talented staff to deliver excellent customer service to both internal and external customers;
- an advocate for building staff engagement and teambuilding through continuing education for staff and self to ensure effective training, development, and succession planning;
- experienced in developing and managing annual general and capital budgets with an outstanding track record of fiscal responsibility;
Additional Information
Salary And Benefits
The hiring range (min to mid) for this position is $153,582-$188,138. Starting salary will depend on qualifications. Savannah offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement options, and relocation expenses, which can be found here. Residency is encouraged but not required.
To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the
Chief Operations Officer – City of Savannah, GA title.
- All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the city’s employment application portal or any other external website.
- Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
- Applicants should apply by April 8, 2025, to be considered during the first round of reviews.
- The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations on May 13-14, 2025.Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
- Direct all inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com.
The City of Savannah, GA, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/ and scroll down to “
Important Information for Applicants.”
City Of Savannah Employee Benefits
Overview of Benefits
Paid Holiday
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Defined Benefit Retirement Pension Plan
Protective Services Retirement Plan (select positions)
Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
Retirement Seminars
PPO Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Wellness Programs
Health & Wellness Incentives
Long Term Disability
Excellence and Service Recognition
Employee Development and In-Service Training
Educational Assistance Program
Uniform Allowance (select positions)
Employee Assistance Program
Discounts and Memberships
Employee Relations
Direct Deposit
Credit Union
Pretax Parking Deductions
Employer Assisted Home Purchase Program
Domestic Partnership Benefits
Healthcare
PPO Medical Plus Plan
PPO Medical Basic Plan
Dental Plus Plan
Dental Basic Plan
Vision Service Plan
Life Insurance
Basic Life and ADD
Supplemental Life Employee
Supplemental Life Spouse
Supplemental Life Child
Benefits costs are paid by the City of Savannah, by the employee or shared by both the City and the employee.
01
CONFIDENTIALITY DISCLOSURE AND APPLICATION COMPLETION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Developmental Associates works on behalf of this client to recruit and collect information on candidates for this position. All applicant materials will be shared with the employer and their employees who are involved in the hiring process for this position. This application process uses a combination of automated and hand scoring of all application materials against screening criteria that have been established by the employer. 1) By submitting this application, I am consenting to have my application materials shared with this employer. 2) I understand that if I have not completely and fully answered all application questions and/ or supplemental questions with details, my application may not be able to be accurately evaluated. 3) Omissions of requested information are the sole responsibility of the applicant. 4) Further, I understand that merely referring to my resume (e.g. "see resume" in lieu of providing detailed responses - INCLUDING work history and time at rank or level) is not sufficient for purposes of ensuring accurate application evaluation.
02
The minimum educational requirement is a master's degree with a strong preference for an MPA or equivalent graduate degree. What is the highest degree you hold?
- High School or GED
- Some College
- Bachelors Degree
- Some graduate work
- MPA or MBA or other Master's Degree
- Doctorate
- Other degree
03
In what area (major) is your highest degree?
04
This position requires local or municipal government experience in a comparably-sized municipal government organization. Do you have local or municipal government experience?
05
If you have local or municipal government experience, what is the name of the organization (s) where you have worked and with what title?
06
What it the highest management position level you have held in a municipality or local government?
- I've not served in management.
- Division Manager
- Assistant / Deputy Department Head
- Department Head - 1 discipline
- Department Head - multiple disciplines
- Assistant Town/ City / County Manager
- Town/City/County Manager
- Other
07
If you said Other above, please specify your position.
08
This position requires 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. How many years of progressive experience in a senior role do you have?
- Less than 3 years
- More than 3 and less than 5 years
- More than 5 and less than 7 years
- More than 7 years and less than 10 years
- Greater than 10 years
09
What certifications, if any, do you hold? (If none, list "not applicable".
10
What is the largest number of people for whom you have held managerial responsibility (direct and downline)?
- I've never had managerial responsibility for supervising others.
- Fewer than 500
- 500-1000
- 1001-1500
- 1501-2000
- 2001-2600
- More than 2600
11
What level General Fund budget have you been ultimately responsible for managing?
- Less than $25M
- $25M-$50M
- $50.1M-$100M
- $100.1-$200M
- $200.1-$400M
- Greater than $400M
12
What is the largest population in a community where you were a member of senior management?
- Less than 25K
- 25-49K
- 50-99K
- 100-150K
- Greater than 150K
13
In which of the following areas are you proficient (NOTE: proficient means that you have personally implemented or have great depth of knowledge in the identified area): Check all that apply (For PC, point at the desired item and click, hold down the shift key and point and click on other desired items - For Mac, hold down control and function "fn" and then point and click on each desired item).
- Bond Referendums
- Capital Improvement Programs
- Strategic Planning
- Performance Management
- Financial Reporting
- Budgeting Strategies
- Auditing
- Human Resources
- Priority-based Budgeting
- Risk Management
- Enterprise Funds
- Real Estate
- Capital Construction
- Other
14
If You Indicated Other Above, Please Specify
15
Which of the following departments / functions have you supervised? (Choose all that apply)
- Audit
- Finance
- Budget
- Information Technology
- Human Resources
- Risk Management
- Capital Construction
- Public Safety - Fire/ Police
- Planning/Community Development
- Real Estate
- Public Works (including streets, building and grounds)
- Tourism
- Utilities (water, sewer)
- Additional
16
If you stated "additional" above, please specify:
17
What is your experience, if any, in a tourism community? If no experience, how would you "get up to speed" regarding this important economic driver for the City?
18
The hiring range for this position is $153,582-$222,694 with a midpoint of $188,138. Marking yes indicates understanding of this range.
19
Residency is strongly encouraged but not required. Marking yes indicates understanding of this preference.
20
The City is using a multi-step screening and evaluation process including a virtual skill evaluation process for selecting the next City Manager. Finalists will participate in virtual interviews and skill assessments on May 20 -21, 2021. This requires about four hours of time, not including preparation. Interviews with the City Council will follow at a subsequent time. We encourage you to hold these dates should you be invited to participate. Participation as a candidate involves engaging in 3-4 activities to assess key competencies. These are not public meetings but there will be substantial interaction with other professionals in the field who will serve as assessors. Further, we have all participants sign letters of confidentiality. GA Law does not require the announcement of applicants until the top finalists are selected. Indicating "yes" below represents your understanding of these elements of the process.
