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Assistant Village Manager

Village of Spring Lake
Spring Lake, MI Full Time
POSTED ON 7/18/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/18/2026

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Village Manager, this position oversees the Village’s community development functions; including; planning and zoning, code enforcement, economic development, and parks development, while serving as the liaison to the DDA, Planning Commission, and Parks Board.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Administrative and Interdepartmental Coordination

1. Assists the Village Manager in the management of municipal operations.

2. Serves as liaison between the Village Manager, Village and Township departments, state and local officials, community organizations, businesses, and the public. Responds to inquiries, concerns, and information requests, resolves routine and complex issues, and provides information and assistance.

3. Collaborates with Village departments and independently manages special projects and complex initiatives. Coordinates workflow, conducts research, provides administrative support, and facilitates the successful completion of Village projects.

4. Prepares agendas, reports, correspondence, and supporting materials; attends meetings and provides administrative and staff support as assigned.

Financial & Grant Management

5. Researches grants and other funding opportunities specific to parks, Downtown Development Authority (DDA) initiatives, and economic development. Prepares grant applications, administers awarded funds, and monitors grant expenditures and compliance.

6. Performs financial and budget-related duties, including researching trends, monitoring financial activity and budget performance, and preparing reports as requested. Develops and administers the DDA, Parks, and Planning and Zoning budgets. Procures equipment and services in accordance with the Village’s purchasing policies and prepares request for proposals (RFPs), requests for qualifications (RFQs), and bid specifications as needed.

Parks & Public Facilities Oversight

7. Manages all administrative responsibilities related to the Village park system, and researches, recommends, and implements improvements to park operations, policies, and procedures.

8. Administers leases, licenses, and easement agreements affecting Village-owned property. Maintains records and evaluates the financial and operational use of Village assets occupied or utilized by others.

9. Manages the Village’s code enforcement process.

Planning and Economic Development

10. Implements the Village’s Master Plan and coordinates necessary zoning text and map amendments to ensure consistency with the Plan.

11. Oversees the interpretation and enforcement of the Village’s Zoning Ordinance.

12. Directs daily planning operations, including development review, site plan review, and the processing of zoning and land use applications.

13. Administers DDA programs, coordinates redevelopment and infrastructure projects, and supports downtown revitalization efforts and community events.

14. Works with the Village Manager to advance economic development initiatives through development recruitment, negotiation of development incentives, and the implementation of downtown redevelopment strategies.

15. Maintains all planning, land use, and zoning maps and ensures accuracy and currency.

16. Prepares staff reports, applications reviews, and recommendations for the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, DDA, and Village Council.

17. Assists residents, property owners, developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders in understanding and applying zoning regulations and other Village ordinances.

Professional Development

18. Maintains current knowledge of legislation, public administration practices, planning principles, and emerging trends through continuing education, professional organizations, conferences, workshops, and seminars.

19. Performs related work as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING

· Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, or related field, Master’s Degree preferred.

· Minimum of three (3) years of managerial experience in a municipal government or related field.

· A valid Driver’s License

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

· Effective writing techniques, along with verbal communication and interpersonal skills to present research findings to various boards and committees along with explaining rules and procedures clearly to the public.

· Establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with elected officials, community groups, businesses, and the public.

· Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions. Along with comprehension of its relationship to site plans and construction drawings.

· Well-developed knowledge of planning principles, methodology, and practices, including laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the political process of democracy.

· Ability to work on several projects simultaneously. As well as working independently and in team environments, as needed.

· Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well-defined practical problems. All while attending to details which may impact big-picture goals.

· Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, including Microsoft Office, internet applications, GIS, and BS&A.

· Research, data analysis, and synthesis of complex information for policy or program recommendations.

· Grant application writing and administration in compliance with applicable guidelines.

· Work independently under broad administrative direction and with minimal supervision.

· Ability to provide a positive experience for residents.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described are representative, but not limited to, those encountered while performing essential functions of this job classification. While performing the functions of this job, the employee works in a business office setting and occasionally in the field. During field activities, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and may become moderate to potentially loud in field situations. Employees are required to attend evening meetings.

The Village of Spring Lake is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and attracting and retaining the most qualified employees without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Pay: $86,496.00 - $116,243.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person

Salary : $86,496 - $116,243

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