Company Description Incorporated in 1859, the City of Olympia operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The seven members on Olympia’s City Council are elected at-large to staggered four-year terms during general elections held in odd-numbered years. Position 1 is designated as the Mayor’s position. The Mayor and Councilmembers have equal voting authority, with the Mayor voting on all issues as one of seven Councilmembers.
Serving a population of 57,970, the City operates with an annual budget of $233 million, a capital budget of $100 million, and a work force of 660 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. Olympia provides a full range of municipal services including public safety (police and fire), streets, parks and recreation, arts, utilities, community planning and economic development, and general administrative services.
Olympia’s City Manager is committed to a “First Team” culture, where Directors put the interest of the City above their own department or function because of a shared commitment to each other’s success. This has been adopted and embraced throughout the organization.
The City of Olympia’s culture places a high value on teamwork, listening, accountability, and meaningful impact in serving the public.
Role Description The Assistant City Manager of Organizational Development and Performance serves as one of two principal deputies to the City Manager in a council-manager form of municipal government. The focus of the Assistant City Manager of Organizational Development and Performance is on the organization’s people, systems and services through the advancement of citywide organizational development, cross-departmental initiatives, leadership development, enterprise-wide project and change management, workforce planning, and employee engagement.
This position reports directly to the City Manager and oversees Human Resources, Information Services, and Clerk Services and is responsible for 32 employees and an operating budget of $13.1 million. The team provides essential tools, resources, and expertise to create a high-performing, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming culture. The position also serves as the City’s designated risk manager, providing direction on risk-management practices and guiding the negotiation of claim settlements. This position may serve as the Acting City Manager in the City Manager’s absence.
The Assistant City Manager of Organizational Development works collaboratively with the Assistant City Manager of Strategic Planning & Communication, who leads citywide strategic planning efforts, oversees communications and public engagement, and works to ensure City priorities are clear, aligned, and well communicated to employees, elected officials, and the community.
Ideal Candidate
- A visionary, innovative, and strategic leader who brings a systems-thinking approach to organizational development and continuous improvement.
- Experience using data and metrics to inform decisions, drive learning, and adapt strategies to improve outcomes and service delivery standards.
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and belonging while ensuring that policies, practices, and workplace culture serve both employees and the community.
- Prioritize collaboration with employees at all levels to imagine, design, and implement programs that foster a healthy, innovative, and engaging workplace—one where employees feel a strong sense of belonging and have the resources needed to perform their work safely and effectively.
- Exceptional communicator with an ability to build trusting and authentic relationships. They bring a genuine interest in people and think beyond traditional approaches to attract, develop and retain a talented and engaged workforce.
- An ability to stay courageous, grounded and calm while navigating complex organizational challenges, demonstrating sound judgement and integrity.
- Experience working effectively with elected officials and navigating a public-sector environment. Demonstrated ability to develop positive working relationships with Councilmembers, community leaders and stakeholders.
- Experience supporting or leading regional partnerships, ensuring alignment, shared problem-solving, and effective cross-agency collaboration, including with tribes, neighboring cities and counties, state agencies, local businesses, and non-profit organizations.
- Build strong, trusting relationships through genuine kindness and respect. They listen well and create a supportive environment where people feel valued and understood. Their collaborative, people-centered approach helps bring teams together and fosters a positive, inclusive workplace.
Desired Qualifications We are seeking candidates who have a Bachelor’s and/or a Master’s degree in public administration, business or a closely related field; a minimum of five (5) years increasingly responsible municipal management experience; and at least three (3) years of supervisory experience. Certification as an ICMA Credentialed Manager (ICMA_CM) strongly preferred. We will also be seeking candidates who have successfully served in a senior leadership role; who have experience leading and motivating a diverse workforce; skilled at managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment; and experienced in fostering strong working relationships across a broad range of stakeholders.
Typical Qualifications
Knowledge, Skill, & Abilities
- Knowledge of municipal management practices and principles and current research, developments and trends in the fields of public administration and public programs.
- Knowledge of governmental budgeting principles, practices and regulations.
- Knowledge of the principles, practices, methodologies and techniques regarding public personnel administration and labor laws.
- Knowledge of the principles, practices, methodologies and techniques utilized to effectively manage and motivate a diverse workforce.
- Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and applicable department and organization specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required.
- Skill in developing, administering, interpreting and evaluating operational budgets, contracts and fiscal reports.
- Skill in adapting to a changing work environment and competing demands and the ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
- Skill in handling complex and sensitive issues and maintaining confidentiality.
- Ability to lead and motivate others to achieve goals.
- Ability to formulate, initiate and administer policies and procedures for effective fiscal control.
- Ability to effectively present information, technical advice and fiscal information to City and agency officials, employees, the public, and private and public entities.
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret program related laws and regulations and establish necessary work processes and procedures.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure that deadlines are met and to set priorities that move projects through efficiently to achieve customer and quality objectives.
- Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations and action plans in support of goals.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
For the full job posting and to apply visit: Assistant City Manager
Olympia is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
