Borough Manager

Community Profile

Located in Chester County, originally known for its rich industrial history, most notably in the manufacturing of iron and steel, Phoenixville Borough was incorporated in 1849. Through the dedication of Borough and community leaders, the Borough has transformed into what it is today; a welcoming, vibrant community that is proud of its history and resilience. With a population of approximately 20,000 lives, the Borough is small but mighty covering almost four square miles. The Borough takes pride in providing a broad range of services to its residents, businesses and visitors. The Borough’s primary departments include Administration; Codes, Planning & Zoning; Finance; Human Resources; Police; Fire; Emergency Management; Parking; Parks & Recreation; and Public Works. Public Works encompasses several essential services, including street maintenance, sanitation/recycling collection, composting, stormwater management, water treatment processing, water distribution management, and wastewater treatment processing, making Phoenixville responsible for a substantial range of infrastructure and utility services in addition to traditional municipal operations.

Summary

The Borough Manager serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Borough of Phoenixville and is responsible for the executive leadership, strategic direction and effective administration of municipal operations. Reporting directly to Borough Council, the Borough Manager partners with elected officials, department leaders, municipal professionals, community stakeholders, and regional partners to advance Council’s priorities and turn their long-term visions into results, ensure compliance with applicable laws and ordinances, and deliver responsive, efficient, and accountable public services. This position oversees all municipal departments, with the exception of the Police Department, and requires exceptional judgment, analytical thinking, integrity, communication, financial acumen, operational leadership, and the ability to guide complex initiatives in a dynamic public-sector environment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, political science, planning, finance or a closely related field; master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible administrative experience in local government, municipal operations, public administration, or a related public agency, including at least 3 years in management or executive leadership capacity
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• Ability to be bonded and maintain a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license throughout employment

Core Competencies

• Strategic and visionary leadership with the ability to translate Borough Council priorities into measurable operational plans and long-term outcomes
• Strong working knowledge of the Pennsylvania borough operations, municipal codes, public-sector regulations and applicable state and federal requirements, with the ability to work with the Borough Solicitor to develop creative, lawful solutions to complex problems
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including the ability to interpret complex information, assess risk, and recommend practical solutions
• Thorough knowledge of public finance, budgeting and applicable laws, rules and regulations
• Demonstrated success negotiating complex, multi-party agreements among stakeholders with competing interests, including developers, labor, businesses, nonprofits and other levels of government
• Thorough knowledge of crisis management; planning for, responding to and recovering from emergencies affecting the community
• Track record of launching first-of-their-kind initiatives and leading effectively through ambiguity, balanced with sound risk evaluation and fiscal responsibility
• Experience advancing environmental sustainability, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, electrification or green infrastructure projects
• Demonstrated record of identifying, mentoring and developing staff and building organizational bench strength
• Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage elected officials, employees, residents, businesses, community organizations, media representatives, and government partners with professionalism and credibility
• Proficient in using data and technology, including standard office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Powerpoint; working knowledge of Graphic Information System (GIS) and government financial and budgeting software
• Proven social media literacy with skills to evaluate digital content, responsibly manage communication channels, and monitor for misinformation
• High degree of discretion, diplomacy, ethical conduct, and sound judgment when managing sensitive, confidential, or politically complex matters

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and administrative oversight for Borough operations, ensuring municipal services are delivered effectively, efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with Borough Council’s goals
• Lead strategic planning efforts related to Borough facilities, infrastructure, downtown vitality, utilities, land use, sustainability, and long-term capital investments
• Serve as principal advisor to Borough Council by preparing recommendations, presenting operational and financial analyses, and supporting informed policy and decision-making
• Advance community priorities:

-Environmental stewardship; lead implementation of Council’s clean energy commitment (100% clean electricity by 2035 and 100% renewable energy for heat and transportation by 2050), reduce, reuse, recycle, and advance the Borough’s Sustainable Pennsylvania certification

-Social inclusion; ensure residents have access to services and opportunities

-Economic resilience; support shop local initiatives, promote economic growth

-Strategic land use; facilitate walkability and optimize green space

• Promote public trust through transparent communication, proactive problem-solving, and timely responses to resident inquiries, complaints, grievances and community concerns
• Serve as Borough Secretary; attend Council meetings and ensure accurate, complete and timely records and minutes of proceedings
• Attend committee meetings; provide professional analysis, operational insight and recommendations to prepare matters for Council’s consideration
• Represent the Borough at public meetings, community events, media engagements, intergovernmental discussions and professional forums
• Develop, recommend, and implement policies, procedures, and operational improvements that strengthen service delivery, compliance, fiscal stewardship, and organizational effectiveness, including modernizing Borough codes and ordinances to achieve Council’s goals
• Directly and indirectly lead non-police personnel, providing organizational guidance, performance accountability, and support for a productive, value-driven workplace culture
• Identifies, mentors and develops high-potential staff; builds succession plans and leadership capacity across all departments
• Collaborate closely with the Mayor, Solicitor, Engineer, Auditor, Actuary, Tax Collector and Chief of Police, department heads and other municipal partners to support coordinated operations
• Negotiates complex agreements on behalf of the Borough, including development agreements, public-private partnerships and intergovernmental agreements; builds coalitions among residents, businesses and community organizations
• Prepare and present the annual budget in coordination with the Finance Director and department heads; monitor financial performance and support responsible resource allocation
• Negotiate and administer collective bargaining agreements as the primary liaison between Borough Council and the bargaining team
• Coordinate compensation and salary administration in partnership with the Human Resources Director and ensure adherence to applicable personnel policies and procedures
• Review and approve purchase requisitions and serve as an authorized check signer
• Identify grant opportunities and oversee the preparation, submission, implementation and administration of grant funded initiatives, including county, state and federal funding for infrastructure, sustainability and community development
• Partner with the Public Works Director to develop and maintain a Capital Improvement Plan that supports current and future infrastructure needs
• Serves as Borough Right-to-Know Officer by receiving, tracking, and responding to public records requests in accordance with applicable law
• Participate in professional associations, meetings and conferences to maintain knowledge of best practices, emerging trends, and regulatory developments affecting municipal government
• Perform other related duties as assigned or required to support the effective operation of the Borough

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a seated position for extended periods, frequently while working at a computer or attending meetings
• Ability to stand, walk and navigate uneven surfaces as needed for site visits, public events, or municipal operations
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Ability to hear normal conversations and communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to read printed and electronic materials, including letters, numbers, words, characters, symbols, and visual information
• Must be able to work in an office environment with moderate noise levels from items such as computers, phones, office equipment, vacuums, background conversations, and routine foot traffic

License/Certificate

• Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license
• Employers Surety Bond (must be obtained at time of hire)

General Information

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or physical requirements.

The Borough reserves the right to modify duties or assign additional responsibilities as operational needs require. The incumbent must be able to work in a fast-paced public-service environment, exercise sound judgment, manage competing priorities, and demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and integrity in all aspects of the role.

I have read and understand this job description; I am able to meet all the experience and requirements, essential functions, and physical demands of the job with or without accommodation.

Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Resume

The first review of resumes will be October 19, 2026.

Applications can be submitted to:

Borough of Phoenixville

351 Bridge St.

Phoenixville, PA 19460

Attn: Dina Donato, Human Resources Director

Or by email to: HR@phoenixville.org

For additional information and the full job description, please go to: www.phoenixville.org

This position remains open until filled. The Borough of Phoenixville is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay: $175,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Management: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $175,000 - $200,000