Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking, service-driven leader with a strong track record of executing complex initiatives and empowering teams to deliver meaningful outcomes for the community. They are passionate about public service and bring a hands-on, collaborative leadership style that reflects Brookings’ values of integrity, accountability, and innovation.

This leader thrives in a fast-paced environment, balancing strategic vision with operational excellence. They demonstrate the ability to lead diverse departments, coordinate across silos, and implement cross-functional initiatives that improve city services and advance long-term goals. They are skilled in budgeting, organizational development, community engagement, and intergovernmental affairs.

The successful candidate will possess:

Proven senior leadership experience, preferably in local government, with strong abilities in guiding cross-departmental teams.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills to engage effectively with internal staff, elected officials, partner agencies, and the public.
A reputation for follow-through, sound judgment, and innovative problem-solving.
A commitment to inclusive leadership, fostering a supportive and empowering workplace culture.
The ability to analyze policies, drive improvement initiatives, and navigate complex issues with clarity and discernment.

In addition, the successful candidate will model calm under pressure, inspire coordinated effort, and be driven to complete projects that align with the City’s mission of providing a high quality of life through exceptional services and proactive solutions.

A deep appreciation for public accountability, a strategic mindset, and the ability to serve as Acting City Manager when required are essential to success in this role.

Job Summary

The Deputy City Manager reports to and works collaboratively with the City Manager on both external and internal matters. This role is crucial for implementing the City’s strategic direction, enhancing cross-departmental coordination, and strengthening community relationships. The Deputy City Manager also serves as Acting City Manager when necessary and takes on a leadership role in strategic initiatives, including economic development and intergovernmental affairs. In doing so, this position exemplifies Brookings’ commitment to providing a high quality of life through exceptional services, proactive initiatives, and solutions. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to seeing initiatives through to completion, while also being able to evaluate, support, and mobilize people and ideas to advance the City’s goals.

City Culture and Leadership Philosophy

At the City of Brookings, we believe “what we do is bigger than us.” The Deputy City Manager is expected to lead by example, demonstrating our core values of integrity, accountability, and innovation while supporting a welcoming, respectful, and responsive public service culture. This role promotes staff empowerment, continual learning, and an environment where leadership is practiced through listening, collaboration, and action. The Deputy City Manager will model perseverance, inspire coordinated effort, offer sound judgment, and provide hands-on support to empower teams and carry projects across the finish line.

Minimum Qualifications

A master's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Equivalent experience paired with a bachelor’s degree may be acceptable in cases of exceptional leadership history and results.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible public sector experience. This should include substantial experience in cross-departmental collaboration, community engagement, budgeting, and strategic planning.
Within this experience, a minimum of 3–5 years at a senior leadership level (e.g., Department Director, Assistant City Manager, or equivalent) is highly desirable. During this time, the candidate should have demonstrated the ability to lead diverse teams, influence policy development, and serve as a trusted advisor.
A track record of supervising mid- to large-size teams, fostering organizational culture, and leading innovation initiatives aligns well with Brookings’ vision.
Demonstrated strength in executing complex projects to completion is essential.
Experience with mobilizing teams, evaluating initiatives with a critical eye, and supporting others in achieving success is highly desirable.
Knowledge and experience relating to the principles, practices, and techniques of public administration.
Knowledge of finance, budgeting, accounting, forecasting, and planning.
Valid Driver’s license
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; this position does not support visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of South Dakota state laws.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Responsible for overall supervision and direction of employees of several City departments and divisions as assigned by the City Manager.
Serves as City Manager in the Manager’s absence.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the City’s policies and applicable laws.
Responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring, and training of employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Marginal Duties

Attend training, seminars and workshops as deemed necessary.
Perform all duties in compliance with safety standards and policies established by the City.
Perform other job-related duties as deemed necessary and additional duties, tasks, or responsibilities as assigned.

Management Style/Personal Traits

Be an articulate and effective communicator, both orally and in writing.
Possess good listening skills, encouraging input on issues from employees and citizens.
Be highly driven to complete tasks and ensure follow-through on City initiatives, showing persistence and attention to detail even when faced with resistance or delay.
Possess the ability to galvanize others by inspiring engagement, aligning stakeholders, and building momentum for key projects.
Demonstrate discernment by applying sound judgment to evaluate opportunities, spot weaknesses in plans, and guide teams toward wise and balanced decisions.
Embrace a service-oriented mindset with a natural inclination to support and empower colleagues, teams, and community partners.
Possess compassion and sensitivity and be thoroughly committed to the principle of equal opportunity employment.
Be sincerely personable, approachable, and patient, acting with understanding and empathy; able to relate comfortably and effectively with employees and citizens.
Be visionary, creative, innovative, and able to stimulate and encourage Staff to develop effective ways of looking at community problems and opportunities.
Possess integrity and exemplify personal characteristics of this. Role-model standards of personal accountability and ethical excellence to citizens and employees.
Demonstrate sensitivity and skills toward the development and maintenance of a strong, comprehensive and continuing public relations.
Be a “task person” who is creative and innovative with the ability to motivate others to work towards achieving our vision and mission.

Posting closes June 26, 2025.

City Of Brookings jobs

Deputy City Manager