The City of Billings, Montana, with a population of 95,000 is seeking an exceptional leader to be the City Administrator. Billings is located in south central Montana and is the largest community in the state. Billings prides itself on great schools, affordable housing and outstanding cultural and recreational opportunities. We are one hour from the beautiful Beartooth Mountains and Red Lodge Ski area, as well as near the Pryor and Bighorn Mountains and the historic Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. The major tourist attraction is Yellowstone National Park, a two-hour drive southwest of Billings. The City Administrator reports to the Mayor and ten City Council members. Issues facing the City include recent annexations to the City; three and possibly five new City Council members as of January, 2004; change in internal organizational culture; and renegotiation of police and fire labor unions’ contracts. Current City Administrator leaving to be City Manager in Oregon. Duties include carrying out City Council policies; directing, organizing, supervising departments, agencies and offices of the City; appointing, suspending and removing employees of the City; preparing and presenting the City budget to the City Council. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or a related field and a Master’s degree in Public Administration or related field is preferred. Also required is evidence of continued professional development and participation in professional development activities at the state and national level. The successful candidate must have a minimum of five to seven years of city management experience or the equivalent public or private sector management experience; experience with legislative issues at the local, state and national levels is preferred, experience in economic development, redevelopment, planning, and transportation issues is a high priority. The successful candidate needs skills in budgeting; management of complex departments; ability to work with a policy body to manage change and growth is required; and sufficient familiarity with computer technology to ensure regular use of a computer. The City is looking for a take-charge person who is a forward thinker; a progressive individual; a person of integrity who is politically neutral, articulate and an excellent communicator. Salary is negotiable depending on experience and qualifications. The previous City Administrator earned approximately $100,000. Residence in Billings will be required within a reasonable time after appointment. Recruitment brochure available from The Mercer Group, Inc. Send resumes by close of business May 30, 2003, to: James L. Mercer, President, The Mercer Group, Inc., 551 W. Cordova Road, #726, Santa Fe, NM 87501. Voice: 505-466-9500; Fax: 505-466-1274; E-mail: mercer@mindspring.com or preferably mercer.james@comcast.net. See City’s web page at www.ci.billings.mt.us. Pre-employment drug screen required. EOE