CITY MANAGER

CLASS TITLE:  City Manager

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

The City Manager serves as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the City of Winchester under the authority granted by KRS 83A.150. Appointed by the Board of Commissioners, the City Manager is responsible for the overall administration, leadership, and strategic direction of the City’s departments, operations, and services. This executive position ensures the effective implementation of City policies, ordinances, and strategic goals as established by the elected body.

The City Manager provides oversight of the City’s personnel management, fiscal stewardship, public infrastructure, intergovernmental relations, and operational efficiency. The role requires a leader with sound judgment, strong ethics, collaborative leadership, and the ability to work in a transparent and politically neutral manner.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

1. Serves as the Chief Administrative Officer, responsible for the leadership, coordination, and management of all City departments and personnel.
2. Executes the policies, ordinances, and directives of the Board of Commissioners.
3. Leads the development and administration of the City’s annual operating and capital budgets; provides fiscal forecasts and financial recommendations to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
4. Supervises department heads and other positions assigned.
5. Reviews, recommends, and implements City policies and ordinances in coordination with department heads and legal counsel.
6. Oversees citywide personnel management in partnership with Human Resources, including recruitment, performance, compliance, and employee relations.
7. Ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, including labor laws, open meetings and open records requirements, public procurement statutes, and ethics regulations.
8. Directs long-term strategic planning initiatives, including land use, economic development, infrastructure improvements, sustainability, and community engagement.
9. Acts as a liaison between the City and federal, state, and regional agencies; represents the City in negotiations, interagency partnerships, and at professional meetings.
10. Prepares, reviews, and presents reports, briefings, recommendations, and agendas to the Board of Commissioners.
11. Maintains effective communication and working relationships with elected officials, department heads, City staff, community organizations, businesses, and the public.
12. Participates in the recruitment and appointment of department heads, subject to Commission approval.
13. Advises the Board on personnel matters, fiscal conditions, public policy, and program effectiveness.
14. Oversees the preparation and submission of reports including budgets, audits, policy memos, grant applications, press releases, and official records.
15. Attends and represents the City at public meetings, civic events, and professional conferences; serves on boards and committees as assigned.
16. Ensures public transparency, timely communication, and accessible governance.
17. Performs other related duties as required by ordinance or as directed by the Board of Commissioners.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Residency Requirement:
Must reside in or relocate to Winchester/Clark County within six (6) months of employment, in accordance with KRS 83A.150.

Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, Finance, Urban Planning, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) or related discipline is strongly preferred.
2. A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible executive-level management experience in a municipal or governmental setting.
3. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered, particularly if supplemented by demonstrated success in city management, budgeting, and personnel oversight.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Comprehensive understanding of Kentucky municipal governance, including KRS 83A, budgeting, procurement, labor laws, and open records/open meetings laws.
2. Demonstrated leadership in organizational development, employee performance, and conflict resolution.
3. Experience in preparing and managing multimillion-dollar budgets and capital improvement plans.
4. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in written and oral form, including public presentations.
5. Ability to interpret, apply, and explain complex laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
6. Strategic thinker with the ability to lead change, build consensus, and foster collaboration.
7. High ethical standards and a commitment to public service, transparency, and accountability.
8. Proficiency with modern office software and technology tools relevant to municipal operations.

POSITION INFORMATION:

• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Grade: 40
• Work Week: 40 hours (may require evening and weekend meetings or events)