CLINTON CITY MANAGER APPLICATIONS DEADLINE IS FEB. 14

City of Clinton

Office of the City Manager

Administration Division

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: CITY MANAGER

City Manager Position – City of Clinton, SC

The City of Clinton, SC (population 8,600), is seeking an accomplished and experienced professional for the position of City Manager. The City Manager is appointed by and reports to the Mayor and six-member City Council, serving as the Chief Administrative Officer of the city and head of the administrative branch of city government. Clinton is a full-service city providing police, fire, public works, and municipal utility services, including water, sewer, and electricity. The city employs 108 full-time staff members.

Job Description:

Under limited supervision, the City Manager performs supervisory, professional, and administrative work in directing, overseeing, and managing the day-to-day operations of the City of Clinton. The position involves serving as the Chief Executive Officer for the city and acting as a policy and technical advisor to the City Council. The City Manager is responsible for the appointment and removal of all employees, as well as establishing levels of compensation and benefits. The City Manager will prepare and recommend an annual budget to the Council, administer the approved budget, recommend short- and long-term strategic goals to the Council, implement and monitor goal achievement, and serve as the Chief Public Information Officer for the city.

Qualifications:

• Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Effective communication skills and a team-oriented approach are essential.
• A minimum of three to five years of experience as a City or County Manager is preferred. Assistant City Managers with the required educational background and experience may also be considered.
• Experience in utility management, particularly in electric systems, is a plus.
• Strong personnel management skills are required.
• The preferred candidate must pass a full background check and possess a valid South Carolina driver’s license.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for the position is $125,000 to $160,000, based on qualifications and experience. The benefits package includes insurance, retirement, and a company car. Residency within the City of Clinton is required within a negotiated time frame.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and references to:

City Manager Search
Attention: Human Resources
Email: hr@cityofclintonsc.com
Or by mail:
City of Clinton
C/O Human Resources
P.O. Box 748
Clinton, SC 29325

Submission Deadline: 5:00 PM, Friday, February 7, 2025.

For more information about the City of Clinton, please visit www.clintonsc.com.

The City of Clinton is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT.  EMPLOYMENT IS AT-WILL.

MANAGEMENT HAS THE EXCLUSINVE RIGHT TO ALTER THIS JOB DESCRIPITION AT ANY TIME  WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE.

Employees of the City of Clinton and applicants for employment shall be afforded equal opportunity in all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, religion, political affiliation, national origin, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, or age.

Reasonable accommodations may be available to employees or applicants of this position under the ADA/ADAA if given prior notice by the employee or applicant.

The information contained within this document has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work to be performed by an employee within this classification.  It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or work required of employees assigned to this position.

Purpose of Position

Under limited supervision, performs supervisory, professional, and administrative work in directing, overseeing, and managing the day-to-day operations of the City of Clinton. Work involves serving as Chief Executive Officer for the City of Clinton and policy and technical advisor to members of City Council; serves as head of the administrative branch of City government; handles sole responsibility for the appointment and removal of all employees, and establishing levels of compensation and benefits; preparing and recommending to Council an annual budget; and administering the annual budget as approved by Council; recommending short and long-range strategic goals to Council; implementing and monitoring goal achievement  as directed by City Council; and serving as Chief Public Information Officer for the City.  The city manager is appointed by and reports to City Council.

Essential Job Functions

City Manager Functions 

• Supervises all city employees directly or indirectly through department directors and other supervisory and management personnel which involves such duties as instructing, assigning and reviewing work, maintaining standards, acting on employee problems, appraising employee performance, etc.  As the sole employment authority of city personnel, works with other City officials and senior management to select and recommend employment of personnel for various positions who qualify with the desired skills, professional or technical ability, and who share a common philosophically to meet the needs of the department and the mission of the City.  The city manager also recommends and/or approves recommended promotions, demotions, transfers, discipline, termination, and salary increases or decreases. 
• In conjunction with department directors, other supervisory management, or other appropriate staff, is responsible for planning, controlling, directing, and overseeing all day-to-day operations within the City government; ensures that ordinances and laws of the City are enforced and carried out; supervises the administration of all departments, office, and agencies of the City; schedules and conducts staff meetings for senior staff or other personnel as needed in order to direct the efficient operation of all City departments and divisions.
• Reviews work of subordinates and conducts performance appraisals as applicable.
• Establishes, within City policy and budget, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of all city services, including delivery methods and procedures; allocates budgeted fiscal, property, and physical resources accordingly.
• Directs the development and implementation of City Council’s goals, objectives, policies, mission, and priorities and monitors achievement of the same.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates, directly or through management staff, the work and strategic plan for the City; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility.
• Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Assesses and monitors workload, administrative support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement.
• Explains, justifies, and defends City programs, policies and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Serves as policy advisor to City Council; provides advisory assistance to the City Council; 
• Prepares or directs preparation of and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; 
• Provides advisory support to assigned boards and commissions.
• Attends and participates in professional groups meetings, conferences, seminars, and other necessary meetings on a local, state, and national level; stays abreast of new trends, best practices, and innovations in the field of public administration and management of a utility city.
• Receives, investigates, and/or tactfully and effectively responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints, media inquiries, City Council concerns, issues, and community needs; may refer citizens to agencies or departments where additional information may be obtained.
• Prepares, presents, and recommends an annual budget for the City; researches data and compiles budget information into final form and submits to Mayor and Council for approval and/or revisions; 
• Monitors budgetary accounts, revenue, and expenditures during fiscal year.
• Coordinates preparation of agendas and support materials for council meetings; attends and participates in council meetings; follows-up on action items and reports back to Mayor and Council as to outcome; coordinates various items with Mayor, City Council, and City Attorney.
• Negotiates contracts and agreements as approved by City Council; administers the City’s purchasing rules and regulations;
• Enforces the City personnel policies and procedures.
• Coordinates with architects, engineers, consultants, and other professionals and appropriate management staff in the design and construction of City projects, electrical distribution, water distribution, water filtration, sanitary and storm water collection systems as necessary.  
• Coordinates with appropriate staff personnel and other consultants and appropriate management staff in preparing of report and studies; offers instruction and advise; reviews plans, drawings, specifications and recommendations as needed.
• Participates in policy formulation and implementation with City Council; writes, prepares, and enforces City ordinances and resolutions as approved by legal counsel and adopted by City Council.
• Serves as principal point of contact and interacts with Federal, State, County, and other municipal and outside agency officials.
• Researches and prepares materials for oral and written presentations to City Council, business leaders, community groups and other local, State and federal officials.
• Keeps the Mayor and Council fully advised as to the financial condition and future needs of the City;
• Makes recommendations to the Mayor and Council concerning City affairs.
• Reviews, evaluates, and analyzes departmental reports in order to keep abreast of activities and progress.
• Receives and/or reviews various records and reports such as departmental budget requests, department requests to add or modify services, citizen requests or complaints, and Council research requests.
• Prepares and/or processes various records and reports such as policy recommendations, annual budget, personnel policy and procedures, and staff directives.
• Refers to Code of Laws of the State of South Carolina, City of Clinton Code of Ordinances, City of Clinton Comprehensive Planning and Zoning Ordinances, City of Clinton Strategic Plan, annual City budget, and other regulatory and non-regulatory documents, policy and procedure manuals, publications and reference texts, etc., as needed.
• Operates a vehicle and a variety of equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, faxes, calculators, PDAs, telephones, cell phones, two-way radios, etc.
• Uses various office and clerical supplies; and a variety of computer software such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, and other specialized software, etc.
• Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina Driver’s License.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the City Council, Mayor, City Department Directors or other City personnel as appropriate, business leaders, other government officials, and the general public.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality, ethical standards, appropriate decorum, tact and diplomacy.
• The city manager shall give bond in such an amount as may be required by council, insurance, state law, or other governing agency by an approved surety company authorized to act as surety under the laws of the State of South Carolina for the faithful performance of the duties of the office.  The premium for such surety bond shall be paid by the City of Clinton.
• Must possess and maintain the highest moral standards, ethical values, work ethic, and highest integrity as the chief executive officer and representative of the City. 
• This position is subject to emergency callback 24-7-365.

Other Duties

• Serves on city, local, and State boards or commissions relating to Municipal Services, intergovernmental relations and community improvement as from time to time may be appointed.
• Serves on various boards for various organizations such as the Piedmont Municipal Power Association, Chamber of Commerce, the SC Municipal Association, etc. as elected or appointed.
• This position requires some travel to include vehicular and air travel ranging from same day to multiple day stays.
• Performs general office duties such as answering the telephone, keyboarding, responding to correspondence, replying to e-mails, filing, etc.
• Performs other related duties as required, directed by city council, or stipulated by contract.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field supplemented by a minimum of seven years of experience in governmental policy and procedure and the day-to-day operations of a municipality owning their own utilities, including thorough a knowledge of State and Federal law governing administration of such utilities (electric, water, sewer) in a political subdivision; or any equivalent combination of advanced education, training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities to successfully accomplish the essential duties and functions of the position. Assistant city managers with three to five years of experience may be considered.
• International City/County Management Association Credentialed Manger certification preferred.
• Management of a utility city, particularly electric, a plus.
• Performs the duties of the position within all established routine working, personnel, ethical, and safety guidelines, rules, and regulations.
• Possess, or have the ability to possess and maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license

Knowledge of:

1. Has thorough knowledge of the methods, policies, and procedures of a municipal, county, or special purpose district’s executive administration department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the City Manager. 
2. Has extensive knowledge of public administration principles and practices with particular reference to City administration and operations, including the principles of organization and functions of City government units to include public works (streets, sanitation, parks/recreation, water filtration, water distribution, sanitary sewer collection, storm water collection, electrical distribution, utility billing), police and fire departments, and public administration ( administrative services, risk management/personnel/HR, economic development, finance, special projects, main street program).
3. Has knowledge of accounting information systems and of fund accounting and internal risk control. 
4. Has extensive knowledge of legislative process of City and South Carolina state government. 
5. Has extensive knowledge of research methods, techniques, sources of information and methods of report preparation.
6. Has extensive knowledge of local operations, programs, and resources available to resolve City problems and issues both orally and in writing. 
7. Has extensive knowledge of all rules, regulations, laws, and ordinances of various departments and agencies. ls thoroughly familiar with 
8. Knowledge of fiscal management and budgetary procedures of governmental accounting. 
9. Has considerable knowledge of the principles of organization, planning, and effective management and supervision. Ensures that staff members know what results are expected of them and that they are regularly and appropriately informed of all City and department matters affecting them and/or of concern to them.
10. Effectively and efficiently organizes, arranges and allocates personnel, physical property, financial and other designated resources to achieve successful, efficient, and effective municipal utility service delivery.
11. Has knowledge of changes in municipal operating philosophies and policies that affect or might affect the City and performs a review of department and/or administrative policies in order to ensure that any changes that are needed are appropriately incorporated. Knowledge of the critical relationship between operating policies and practices and department morale and performance. Works to see that established

policies enhance the same.

12. Must have knowledge in areas of annual strategic short and long-term budgeting of personnel, finances, succession planning, facilities, capital improvements for property and capital replacement for equipment, vehicles, tools, and materials.  
13. Knowledge of effective methods and techniques for providing exceptional customer service.
14. Knowledge of risk management and safety practices.  Sets an example by adhering to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the City and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean, professional, and orderly workplace.
15. Provides a work environment which encourages clear and open communications within the chain of command. 
16. Provides adequate and appropriate performance feedback to staff. Commends and rewards employees for outstanding performance, yet does not hesitate to take disciplinary action when necessary.   

Skilled in:

1. Strong management skills in personnel, finance, interpersonal working professional relationships, strategic planning, and utility operations to  include, but not limited to, all areas of streets and sanitation, parks/recreation, water filtration and distribution, electric distribution, and sanitary/storm sewer collection.
2. Planning and coordinating daily schedule to achieve established goals and maximize efficiency.
3. Adhering to work methods and procedures which promote a safe and efficient working environment.
4. Interpreting, understanding, and applying simple to complex data from a variety of legal sources, administrative writings and documents, legislative reports, bulletins, blueprints, technical papers, as well as statutes, rules, and regulations.
5. Evaluating work priorities, procedures, and processes to determine their effectiveness and efficiency of supervised divisions and personnel.
6. Providing outstanding customer service (internally and externally).
7. Anticipating others reactions and responding accordingly. 
8. Detecting, diffusing, and tactfully and effectively handling sensitive political issues affecting our citizenry and partnerships.
9. Use of Microsoft Office and applicable specialized software.

Ability to:

1. Work independently without day to day close supervision of city council. ls able to maintain harmonious and effective working relationship with 

City Council, employees, and the general public.

2. Maintain proficiency by attending seminars, local, state, and national conferences, reviewing reports, reading professional trade journals, white     papers, and other related documents, and meeting with and communicating with peers.
3. Communicate orally and in writing in a clear, concise and effective manner to a variety of audiences.
4. Represent the City positively and effectively.
5. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work to include the Mayor and City Council.
6. Exercise appropriate judgment to negotiate effective solutions to complex problems in both routine and emergency situations.
7. Maintain high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. 
8. Exercise immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility.
9. Accept responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with  directives, City policy, standards and prescribed procedures. 
10. Attend work regularly and adheres to City policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to the City Council with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.
11. Seek expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
12. Accept instruction and direction from City Council and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with City policy or procedures, etc.
13. 13.Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the City.
14. 14.Keep a current calendar of meetings, planning sessions, focus groups, and other events to ensure necessary attendance is punctual. 
15. 15.Create and promote initiative, enthusiasm, and high morale within the ranks of departmental personnel.
16. Identify root causes of problems or potential problems that arise in areas under supervision and identify potential solutions to share with appropriate personnel so solutions are maintained within the confines of policy and any applicable laws. ls able to analyze problems that arise in the areas under supervision and recommend solutions. 
17. To use discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting the department. When a particular policy, procedure or strategy does not appear to be achieving the desired result, moves decisively and definitively to discontinue, alter, or develop and implement alternatives.
18. Maintain high standards of accuracy and use appropriate judgment and discretion in exercising duties and responsibilities. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. ls not averse to change.
19. Supervise, lead, interact with, evaluate, delegate, control and direct a staff to include senior, departmental, divisional, and line supervisory staff, clerical, and skilled labor in utility and service oriented municipality.
20. To organize and coordinate the efforts of several City departments internally and with external governmental or private agencies to accomplish program goals or objective by developing ideas, working procedures, and programs and expressing the same effectively,

Physical Demands of Position

1. Performing the duties and responsibilities of this position frequently requires sitting, standing, communicating – verbally and electronically, walking, reaching, and manipulating objects, tools, or controls on a variety of office machines, electronic communications devices, and vehicles.  These operations require finger and hand dexterity and hand to eye to foot coordination.
2. Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines, which includes computer, keyboard, calculator, fax machine, copier, printer, telephone, etc. 
3. Must be able to exert up to ten pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. 
4. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for periods of time. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of up to ten pounds.

 Working Conditions

1. Working conditions include usual office setting and working conditions with frequent exposure to outside conditions that include a variety of climatological weather extremes. 

2. This position is exposed to computer screens and other electronic equipment.  

3. This position may require the use of various pieces of personal protective equipment for personal safety under certain conditions.

4. This is a contracted exempt position in which the hours worked during any particular day or week may exceed the normal eight hours of a scheduled work day and 40 hours of a scheduled work week.

5. Some travel is required. 

Supervision Exercised

This position is the Chief Executive Officer of the entire management team of the city and supervises, either directly or indirectly, multiple levels of the city organizational structure to include department directors, division managers, assistant division managers, line supervisory personnel, clerical, and a technically trained labor force totaling 125+ full-time and part-time employees.

Supervision Received

The City Manager is appointed by, reports to, and operates under the Council-Manager form of government as established by South Carolina law.  

VACANCY here.

JOB here.