The search for a new city manager is continuing, but residents still have time to comment on qualifications and express other concerns.
The job description was developed by a group of citizens, members of City Council and the search firm MAXIMUS, Inc. “We got some really good input from the citizens who participated, and are still getting feedback via e-mail and telephone,” said Councilman Paul Smedberg.
According to the profile, which has been widely distributed, the city is looking for someone who will "encourage creativity and reasonable risk-taking, and be supportive of staff; balance a directive/participatory style, as appropriate; encourage citizen involvement and work well with the community; promote diversity; maintain timely, open, and accurate communication and keep the mayor and Council informed; have excellent presentation and writing skills; maintain objectivity in dealing with staff, make tough personnel decisions; and hold staff accountable for results/actions against pre-determined goals or benchmarks; be able to delegate while keeping abreast of the details of departmental operations, without micro-managing; be proactive with a solution-oriented approach; support and encourage the use of innovative technology; have conflict resolution skills; and be a team player and understand that City Council sets policy and the city manager implements policy.”
MAXIMUS will accept resumes until Sept. 8. “They will screen those resumes and then show us the top 25,” said Mayor William D. Euille. “We plan to begin interviewing candidates in the middle of September and have someone under contract by Oct. 15.”
Current city manager Philip Sunderland resigned in June to pursue other interests. “We hear that the search is going quite well,” said Barbara Gordon, a spokesperson for the city.
Anyone who is interested in commenting on qualifications or the search can do so on the city’s web site, www.ci.alexandria.va.us. The full job description packet can be found on the MAXIMUS web site, www.maximus.com.