What are the responsibilities and job description for the Borough Manager position at Borough of New Stanton?
Position Overview
The Borough of New Stanton is seeking a professional, organized, and service-oriented Borough Manager to serve as the Borough’s chief administrative officer and lead the day-to-day operations of a growing community.
This is a long-term leadership opportunity for a candidate who wants to help shape the future of a borough that is evolving, active, and positioned for continued growth. The ideal candidate will be calm under pressure, highly responsive, comfortable working with the public, and capable of balancing administrative responsibilities with practical municipal problem-solving.
The Borough Manager reports directly to Borough Council and is responsible for carrying out Council’s policies and priorities, overseeing daily municipal operations, supervising assigned staff, supporting financial and personnel administration, coordinating public services, and serving as a key point of contact between the Borough, its residents, consultants, contractors, and outside agencies.
The Borough seeks a candidate who can bring professionalism, sound judgment, strong communication, and a long-term commitment to helping the Borough operate efficiently and responsibly while continuing to improve service delivery for residents and businesses.
Why This Role Matters
This is more than a maintenance role. It is an opportunity to help guide a borough that is growing and changing. The successful candidate will have the ability to improve systems, strengthen operations, help plan for future needs, support Council in making informed decisions, and play an important role in the Borough’s long-term success.
The Borough values candidates who are looking for a place to invest their time, build institutional knowledge, and grow with the community over the long term.
Reporting Structure
The Borough Manager reports to Borough Council and works closely with Borough staff, consultants, solicitors, engineers, code and zoning personnel, public works employees, residents, business owners, and other governmental and community partners.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are representative of the position and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Borough Council may assign additional related duties as needed.
General Administration
- Serve as the chief administrative officer of the Borough and oversee the day-to-day operations of Borough government.
- Implement policies, priorities, and directives established by Borough Council.
- Make recommendations to Council on operational, administrative, personnel, financial, and service-related matters.
- Research issues affecting the Borough and provide organized, practical recommendations for Council consideration.
- Help establish short-term and long-term administrative and operational priorities.
- Maintain a regular presence at Borough Hall and be available as needed for evening meetings, emergencies, and operational issues.
- Represent the Borough professionally in dealings with residents, businesses, contractors, consultants, public officials, and partner agencies.
- Assist in developing and improving internal procedures, workflows, and administrative practices.
Council Support and Meeting Administration
- Assist in planning and preparing Council meeting agendas, background materials, action items, and supporting documentation.
- Coordinate and help run Borough Council meetings held on the first and third Tuesday of each month.
- Attend Council meetings and other meetings as directed, including workshops, committee meetings, public meetings, and special meetings.
- Present facts, recommendations, and follow-up items to Council in a clear and professional manner.
- Ensure meeting materials are prepared accurately and in a timely fashion.
- Track motions, approvals, pending matters, and follow-up assignments resulting from Council meetings.
- Help ensure that matters presented to Council are properly researched and organized before action is requested.
Staff Supervision and Personnel Administration
- Supervise and support 1 to 2 administrative employees and 3 to 5 public works employees, either directly or in coordination with department leadership structure as assigned by Council.
- Help establish performance expectations, workflow priorities, and accountability measures for Borough staff.
- Assist with employee evaluations, coaching, performance discussions, and personnel recommendations.
- Support hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling coordination, and general personnel administration as directed by Council.
- Help address day-to-day personnel issues in a fair, professional, and consistent manner.
- Promote a respectful, productive, and service-oriented workplace culture.
- Work with the Borough Secretary and other staff to maintain effective office coverage and a flexible but dependable administrative schedule.
Financial Administration and Budget Support
- Assist in preparing, developing, and monitoring the annual Borough budget.
- Track revenues, expenditures, budget performance, and purchasing activity.
- Help review invoices, expenditures, and account activity for accuracy and timeliness.
- Assist Council in evaluating spending priorities and operational needs.
- Support long-range financial planning related to equipment, infrastructure, facilities, and services.
- Work with staff, accountants, auditors, and Council to provide organized financial information and supporting records.
- Maintain familiarity with municipal accounting practices and support compliance with Borough financial procedures.
- Use or oversee financial tools such as QuickBooks, payroll systems, and related administrative software, as applicable.
Payroll, Benefits, and Insurance Administration
- Assist with payroll administration and related personnel records.
- Coordinate annual employee health insurance updates and renewal review.
- As part of the initial priorities of this role, help evaluate, update, and improve the Borough’s health insurance approach and related administrative process.
- Communicate with brokers, carriers, employees, and Council regarding health insurance options, costs, renewals, and administrative needs.
- Help administer employee benefit-related documentation and annual updates.
Procurement, Bidding, and Contract Administration
- Research vendors and service providers for Borough needs, including but not limited to trash, mowing, paving, equipment, maintenance, and contracted services.
- Identify potential bidders and help the Borough solicit competitive pricing and bids in accordance with Borough procedures and applicable law.
- Prepare or coordinate bid specifications, quotes, requests for proposals, and supporting materials.
- Review contractor proposals, pricing, and service performance, and make recommendations to Council.
- Assist in monitoring Borough contracts, service agreements, permits, franchises, and leases.
- Help ensure outside vendors and contractors meet Borough expectations, timelines, and obligations.
Public Works and Operational Coordination
- Coordinate with public works staff on daily priorities, project planning, equipment needs, and service delivery.
- Help assign and monitor operational tasks involving roads, grounds, facilities, parks, snow removal support, drainage concerns, and related municipal functions.
- Assist in tracking the condition, maintenance, and replacement needs of Borough equipment, facilities, and physical assets.
- Support planning for seasonal work, recurring maintenance, and smaller capital improvement needs.
- Help identify and prioritize operational issues requiring Council attention or outside professional support.
Land Use, Development, and Property-Related Matters
- Assist with land-related issues affecting the Borough, including coordination with zoning, code enforcement, planning, engineering, developers, property owners, and consultants.
- Review and respond to matters involving subdivision, land development, property use concerns, easements, rights-of-way, and related municipal issues, as appropriate to the Borough’s administrative structure.
- Help gather facts and provide recommendations on common development, infrastructure, and property-related questions brought before the Borough.
- Serve as an administrative liaison on development and property matters requiring coordination between applicants, staff, engineers, solicitors, and Council.
Resident and Public Communication
- Deal with residents, businesses, and members of the public on a daily basis in a courteous, calm, and solutions-oriented manner.
- Respond to complaints, service concerns, questions, and requests for information.
- Communicate Borough decisions, processes, and expectations clearly and professionally.
- Help de-escalate difficult situations while protecting the Borough’s interests and maintaining public trust.
- Serve as a visible and reliable point of contact for residents seeking help with common Borough matters.
Right-to-Know, Records, and Compliance
- Process or coordinate Right-to-Know/Open Records requests in accordance with Pennsylvania law and Borough procedures.
- Maintain organized records and documentation related to Borough operations, decisions, contracts, personnel administration, and public business.
- Support proper records retention, retrieval, and administrative documentation practices.
- Coordinate with the solicitor, secretary, and other staff as necessary on public records and compliance-related matters.
- Help maintain administrative practices that support transparency, consistency, and legal compliance.
Grants, Reporting, and External Coordination
- Research funding opportunities, grants, and outside resources that may benefit the Borough.
- Assist with grant applications, grant administration, reporting, and compliance when applicable.
- Coordinate with state, county, and regional agencies, as well as engineers, auditors, solicitors, insurance professionals, and service providers.
- Prepare reports, summaries, updates, and other administrative materials requested by Council.
- Support annual, monthly, and special reporting requirements tied to Borough operations and projects.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of municipal administration and local government operations
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with limited supervision
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to prepare organized, accurate, and professional meeting materials and correspondence
- Ability to work effectively with elected officials, staff, residents, and outside professionals
- Sound judgment and the ability to make practical recommendations on common Borough matters
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and service-oriented under pressure
- Knowledge of budgeting, purchasing, payroll, and administrative systems
- Ability to supervise and support a small team
- Working knowledge of Right-to-Know/Open Records procedures
- Familiarity with land issues, zoning, planning, engineering coordination, or related municipal matters
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Comfort using computers, email, spreadsheets, financial software, and standard office systems
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- At least 3 years of municipal government experience
- Experience handling or coordinating Right-to-Know/Open Records requests
- Experience dealing with land issues, property matters, development coordination, zoning-related administration, or similar municipal issues
- Experience planning and preparing for Council meetings, including agendas, background materials, and follow-up
- Experience dealing with residents and the public on a daily basis
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally as needed for Borough business
Preferred Qualifications
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- At least 7 years of municipal government experience, including 3 or more years in an administrative or supervisory role
- Experience managing a small team in a municipal or public-sector setting
- Experience with QuickBooks, payroll administration, and related financial systems
- Experience helping develop or administer an annual budget and track expenditures
- Knowledge of zoning, planning, public infrastructure, municipal engineering coordination, or land development processes
- Experience with grant writing, grant administration, procurement, or contract administration
- Experience with employee benefits administration, including health insurance renewals or broker coordination
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary: $75,000 – $85,000 annual, depending on experience and qualifications
- Health insurance: employee coverage paid by the Borough; family coverage available at employee cost contribution
- Paid time off
- Sick days
- 14 holidays
- Personal time
- Flexible schedule when coordinated with the Borough Secretary and operational needs of the office
Schedule and Work Expectations
- This is a full-time exempt administrative position. The Borough Manager is expected to maintain regular office availability and also attend evening meetings and handle urgent municipal matters as needed. Flexibility is important, but so is reliability, responsiveness, and consistent communication.
- Council meetings are generally held on the first and third Tuesday of each month, and attendance is expected.
Selection Process
The Borough anticipates the following hiring process:
- 30-minute phone screening
- 45-minute in-person interview
- 45-minute to 1-hour in-person interview with available Borough Council members
The successful candidate is expected to be selected at the June 2 Borough Council meeting, with an anticipated start date of June 15.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The strongest candidates will be those who combine municipal knowledge with practical judgment. The Borough is looking for a candidate who is steady, organized, approachable, and able to move comfortably between administrative work, staff support, public interaction, financial tracking, and operational problem-solving.
This position is especially well suited for someone seeking a long-term municipal leadership role in a growing borough where they can make a meaningful impact over time.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Borough of New Stanton is an equal opportunity employer and will consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Salary : $75,000 - $85,000