The City of Battle Creek (“The City”) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The City complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
The City expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Improper interference with the ability of the City employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.
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Description
The City of Battle Creek is looking for an Assistant City Manager to serve as a senior executive leader within the City’s administrative team and assists the City Manager in directing and coordinating the operations of the city while managing community and economic development initiatives. The position supports the development and implementation of long-range plans and organizational priorities; and acts on behalf of the City Manager as necessary, serving as key liaison with elected officials, department directors, employees, residents and external partners.
Essential Functions
- Provides supervision of direct reports. Acts as a liaison to Department Heads to include direction and coordination of activities and functions; prioritizing and/or planning of projects and work assignments. Provides analysis and recommendations, serving as strategic advisor to the City Manager in such areas as community and economic development strategies and programs.
- Manages major economic development-based City initiatives to include planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating major public policy and community-based City projects and programs; prioritizing activities based on goals; deciding on most effective strategies; and determining consultants on projects. Provides leadership, direction, and guidance in economic development programs and issues, coordinates the economic development programs with local, state, federal and regional agencies, evaluates and analyzes economic development issues.
- Manages the development of community-based projects to meet goals identified by City Manager and City Commission, including project budgets which include approving major project related actions. Assists in preparing/submitting the annual budget to the City Commission.
- Manages land use planning and implementation of comprehensive plan by coordinating activities with the community and within the organization; determining if decisions are being made appropriately at lower levels; and serving as liaison to the Planning Commission.
- Develops and presents project plans, reports, policies, and priorities as requested. Aids in identifying grants/programs that would be useful to the city and assists in preparing any appropriate grants and strategies.
- Represents City Manager in the community and serves as City representative to various committees and boards which includes developing projects, goals, and directions for community related services. Resolves problems within the City and with citizens by identifying issues and determining appropriate solutions. Research issues and writes reports for City Manager and City Commission to include drafting correspondence, writing speeches, and analyzing and preparing various reports of interest for City Manager and City Commission.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree with course work in business or public administration, or related field. Master’s degree in public administration preferred.
- 3-5 years public administration experience with community services and economic development programs.
- 5 years’ experience in departmental or divisional management capacity.
Special Requirements:
- Valid driver's license in the State of Michigan.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
This work is sedentary and requires little to no exertion of force; work regularly requires sitting, bending, reaching, hand dexterity (grasping, holding, keyboarding, repetitive movements), reading, writing, eye-hand coordination, seeing (near and/or far, color, depth, field of vision), hearing, using the telephone, contact with government officials and the general public, working overtime, and working inside and alone.
At the City of Battle Creek, we understand that benefits are an important part of the total compensation package. As such, we strive to offer employees a generous benefit package that provides flexibility, choice, and value, allowing employees to not only meet their needs today but to plan for a secure future.
Full-time employee benefits –
Benefits vary slightly by union contract, employment agreement, or policy. For benefits specific to this role, please reach out to humanresources@battlecreekmi.gov.
Medical: Choose from a PPO plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI - Simply Blue or an HMO plan with Blue Care Network and pair your election with a Health Savings Account.
Virtual Care: Included with your BCBSM and BCN health care plan.
Dental: 100% employer-paid through Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI - Simply Blue
Life Insurance: 100% employer-paid basic life insurance with AD&D benefit equal to 2X the employee’s base annual earnings up to $400,000. Limited coverage is also provided for spouses and children.
Sickness and Accident: 100% employer-sponsored partial wage replacement for short-term disabilities after meeting eligibility criteria.
Retirement Savings
- 457 through Mission Square with employer match
- MERS Pension * note that Police and Fire have a separate pension fund not through MERS
Employer Assistance Plan (EAP): 100% Employer paid through Pine Rest
Paid Time Off: Generous PTO package – Paid Time Off will vary by position and is outlined within City Policy or union contract.
Paid Holidays: 13 paid holidays per year
Voluntary Benefits
- Supplemental Term and Whole life
- Critical Illness
- Hospitalization
- Accident
- Vision – NVA
- Lifecare Ambulance Service
- Flexible Spending Account
- Global Emergency Assistance Services
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Eligible Employer
Click the link below for 2026 BENEFIT INFORMATION
2026CoBC Open Enrollment Guide.pdfIn addition to the above, some positions may qualify for:
- Flexible Schedule/Remote Work
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Educational Stipends
- Longevity pay
- Tool and safety allowances
- Employer-paid uniforms
- Cell phone allowance
- Military pay differential
- Professional development opportunities
- Ability to earn compensatory time
- Retiree health savings plan
