Position
Do you have a background in municipal leadership, strategic planning, or organizational management? Are you looking for a public service opportunity that will challenge and inspire you? Do you thrive in a collaborative, innovative, and solutions-oriented environment? Are you passionate about delivering exceptional public services that enhance a community's quality of life? If so, apply to join our professional, dedicated, and committed executive leadership team. The City of Vista is seeking a Deputy City Manager who will help lead key strategic initiatives, foster organizational excellence, and partner with departments across the organization to advance the City's vision and achieve new levels of excellence.
THE COMMUNITY
Located just seven miles inland from the Pacific Ocean in North San Diego County, the City of Vista offers a perfect mild Mediterranean climate. Home to a population of over 99,000, residents and visitors enjoy a wide range of year-round outdoor activities in a setting of gentle rolling hills and pleasant rural surroundings.
The City’s centralized location provides quick accessibility to the ocean, the mountains, and famous attractions such as LEGOLAND, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, Sea World and Disneyland. Vista is home to the Wave Waterpark and the Moonlight Amphitheatre, an open air theater, which draws thousands of Southern Californians each year to experience award-winning productions.
Having invested substantially in its economic development efforts over the years, Vista’s 1,200 acre business park is now home to over 900 growing companies that employ over 23,000 employees. Over the last five years, Vista has experienced the greatest economic boom ever in its history, outperforming most other municipalities in San Diego County in retail sales and employment growth, resulting in impressive sales tax revenues that not only give the City of Vista financial stability, but the means to invest in the community as well. Today, Vista is a crossroads of culture, education, technology and commerce with a vision to meet the diverse needs of all its residents – residential, corporate and retail.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Vista has been recognized three times in the book “50 Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family”, being listed as one of the 50 best cities in the nation. Our award-winning community provides superior educational opportunities in over 25 public/private schools and colleges in the nearby area. With an average of 340 days of sunshine a year, outdoor fun and recreation tend to be a common theme in a Vista lifestyle. The city boasts 16 community parks which selectively feature theaters, museums, recreation centers, picnic grounds, athletic fields and specialty sports parks.
CITY GOVERNMENT
The City of Vista is a chartered law city operating under a Council/Manager form of government. Four City Council Members (elected by Districts) and the Mayor (elected at-large) serve 4-year staggered terms. The city was incorporated in January 1963.
The City Manager along with the City Attorney are appointed by the City Council. City departments/functions include: City Attorney, City Clerk, Community Development, Engineering, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Information Technology, Public Works, and Recreation & Community Services. The City contracts with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services.
THE DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
Under administrative direction, performs highly responsible and complex professional administrative work while assisting the City Manager with the direction and coordination of the activities of assigned City departments and/or divisions; provides leadership in policy formation and implementation of policies and procedures; promotes effective and efficient operations throughout the organization by facilitating interdepartmental cooperation and sharing of resources; provides responsible staff assistance to the Assistant City Manager, City Manager, and City Council; and performs other duties as assigned.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This position receives administrative direction from the City Manager. Supervision is exercised over staff of the designated departments and divisions. The Deputy City Manager acts with a high degree of independence of action in the assigned area of responsibility. Direction received consists of the assignment of the responsibility to attain objectives according to policy guidelines. The incumbent is expected to develop methods and procedures and solve problems encountered. Except where a significant deviation in policy is involved or area of assignment is controversial, most work is not reviewed directly by the City Manager and when work is reviewed, the review is directed toward final outcomes and results. This class is distinguished from the Assistant City Manager in that the latter has a greater scope of executive authority, organizational oversight and level of autonomy exercised in managing City operations and acting on behalf of the City Manager.
Examples Of Essential Functions
Participates in the development of City goals, objectives, policies, and priorities.
Oversees and directs a variety of special projects.
Facilitates project activities and resolves problems.
Develops and submits project reports to the City Manager.
Supervises the conduct of studies, surveys, and the collection of information on difficult operational and administrative problems; analyzes findings and prepares reports of practical solutions for review.
Coordinates and participates in providing responsible staff assistance to the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Council, and other City boards and commissions as assigned.
Provides direction to assigned staff on implementing City Council policy and direction and ensures City Council and City goals are carried out.
Recommends and administers policies and procedures.
Plans, directs, and coordinates, through management level staff, the work plan for assigned functions and assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility.
Provides direction and supervision on key projects, and reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures.
Oversees and participates in the development, coordination, analysis, and administration of the budget for assigned functional areas.
Analyzes data, makes recommendations, prepares reports and make presentations on the formulation of policy and procedure, staffing and organizational requirements for assigned departments.
Conducts difficult policy and fiscal related analytical studies and reports involving the evaluation of departmental operations and delivery of services.
Assists in the negotiation, development and administration of contracts for service.
Represents the City Manager at various community and official events and meetings.
Meets with the public and with officials of other cities, agencies and civic groups in the development and coordination of City affairs.
Performs intergovernmental relations and liaison to federal, state, county and other public agencies.
Coordinate activities with other city departments and other public or private agencies.
Assists in the drafting and reviewing of proposed resolutions and ordinances.
Analyzes and drafts legislation and recommends City action based upon proposed and/or enacted legislation.
Serves on assigned committees, community groups and task forces.
Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
Attends and make presentations at meetings of the City Council, and other boards, commissions, and committees, as required.
Answers inquiries by telephone or in person to accurately provide information requested or refers people to the proper source of information.
Operates City vehicles.
Performs additional duties, as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position.
A typical combination would include a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field; and ten years progressively responsible experience in the field of municipal government administration, including two years managing professional level staff . A master’s degree in public administration is highly desirable.
Knowledge Of
- Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
- Advanced principles and practices of public administration, including the organization, functions, and problems of municipal government.
- Operations, services, and activities of a municipality.
- Government, council, and legislative processes.
- Principles and practices of municipal budget, preparation, and administration.
- Current social, political, and economic trends and operating problems of municipal government.
- Principles and practices of program development and administration.
- Advanced principles and practices of organization, management, and supervision.
- Principles and practices of strategic planning.
- Methods of analyzing, evaluating, and modifying administrative procedures.
- Advanced principles of business letter writing and report preparation.
- Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
- Principles of effective public relations and interrelationships with community groups and agencies, private businesses and firms, and other levels of government.
- Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report presentations.
Ability To
- Provide effective leadership and coordinate the activities of assigned municipal organization.
- Develop and administer City-wide goals, objectives, and procedures.
- Analyze and define problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
- Identify and respond to sensitive community, organizational, and City Council issues, concerns, and needs.
- Work with highly sensitive information while maintaining discretion and trustworthiness.
- Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
- Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
- Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
- Exercise sound judgment and professionalism when addressing sensitive personnel matters.
- Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
- Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
- Handle multiple demands and priorities simultaneously.
- Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.
- Negotiate and resolve complex issues.
- Make effective public presentations.
- Delegate authority and responsibility.
- Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
- Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Other Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively verbally and in a written manner; observe and interpret data, and analyze and solve problems. The employee must be able to work indoor office environments/outdoor in the field environments (depending on position). The employee may have to move up to 20 lbs. and transport up to 10 lbs. objects frequently (depending on position). Vision abilities required by this job include the ability to detect, determine, perceive, identify, estimate, and assess work related objects and/or work products based on position specific designated tasks. The employee may be required to work overtime to complete assignments. Must be able to work a flexible schedule. Use of personal vehicle during employment may also be required.
Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret data and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new skills or information; perform highly detailed work on multiple concurrent tasks; work under changing and intensive deadlines with frequent interruptions; and interact with City officials, media, citizens groups, employees and others encountered in the course of work.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work assignments will require a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays and split shifts.
The employee works under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet.
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $174,000 to $211,500 annually with a very attractive benefits package. Salary will depend upon the qualifications and experience of the candidate.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
A City application form, cover letter, resume and supplemental questionnaire MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Please apply online at www.vista.gov. All other employment inquiries can be directed to the City of Vista, Human Resources Office, Telephone: (760) 643-5381.
SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of Vista is an Equal Opportunity and ADA compliant employer. All qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply!
- SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Recruitment Closes: Tuesday, August 4th, 2026 Initial Interview Panel (virtual format): Week of August 17th Stakeholder Panel Interviews: Week of September 1st
- Please note, all dates and/or timeframes are subject to change.
VACATION
141 Hrs. - 1-5 years of continuous service
165 Hrs. - 6-20 years
178 Hrs. - 21+
ADMIN. LEAVE
Department Directors are provided with 76 hours of Administrative Leave annually, which is to be used within the fiscal year.
SICK LEAVE
Employees earn 96 hours per year with no cap on accumulation.
HOLIDAYS
Employees working the 9/80 flex schedule are entitled to 99 hours of holiday leave per fiscal year.
INSURANCE
The City offers an excellent benefits package, including Blue Shield and Kaiser medical plan options, dental, vision, and life insurance programs. A portion of the employee's and dependent's premiums are paid by the City.
WELLNESS PROGRAMMING
The City offers comprehensive wellness programming to its employees including onsite wellness facilities and onsite wellness sessions.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
The City's Tuition Reimbursement Plan may assist employees in paying the cost of approved books and tuition for classes which relate to their job.
RETIREMENT
The City contracts with CalPERS to provide the 3% @ 60 Plan for Classic Member employees or the 2% @ 62 plan for New Members. Employees currently contribute the entire employee contribution.
The City does not participate in Social Security, but employees must be enrolled in the Medicare portion.
AUTO ALLOWANCE
Department Directors receive $400 per month for the use of their personal vehicle during the course of employment.
NOTE: The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
01
ATTENTION APPLICANTS: Copying and pasting duplicate answers and stating "See resume" and/or "see previous answer" are not acceptable to the questions below. By completing this supplemental questionnaire, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate and understand that the statements made in this supplemental questionnaire will be considered part of and subject to the terms of my employment application for this position. Please acknowledge your understanding by selecting "Yes".
02
Which best describes your level of education?
- High School
- Some College
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
03
Please indicate which type of public agency you have gained any experience through (check all that apply):
- City
- County
- State
- Federal
- Public Education
- Tribal
- Special District
- N/A; I have never worked for a public agency
04
If yes, how many years of work experience do you have in local government.
- At least 1 year
- 1-3 years
- 3-5 years
- 5 or more years
05
Please specify your total years of supervisory experience.
- At lest 1 year
- 1-3 years
- 3-5 years
- 5 or more years
06
Please describe your experience conducting presentations. Please include the topics of the presentations and the target audience (e.g. elected officials, citizens, co-workers).
07
Please describe your experience leading special projects that support Council priorities, as well as your supervisory and organizational oversight experience (e.g., divisions, departments, programs, etc.).
