CITY OF FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS
This is an
exciting opportunity to live and work in an historical southern city with a
distinctive western flair. The City of Fort Smith is seeking a highly qualified
individual to become its City Administrator. The selected individual will work
under the direction of the Board of Directors to manager the day to day
activities of the City.
The City of Fort Smith is seeking a proven, dedicated, responsive, and
experienced individual for its City Administrator. The ideal candidate for City
Administrator should be a strong and experienced leader with effective
management and communication skills. He/she must have experience in and have a
successful track record in economic development, be results oriented, be a team
player, have unquestioned integrity, and not be a micromanager. The City prefers
its City Administrator to be an individual who has a background in city
management and who is a strong manager and administrator. The successful
individual will also possess, as a minimum, a bachelor's degree from a four-year
college or university with a major in Public Administration, Business
Administration or a related field. A Master's degree in Public Administration,
Business Administration or a related field is preferred. An ICMA Credentialed
Public Manager would also be a plus.
The City Administrator is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Board
of Directors. The City Administrator and staff provide the link between the
elected governing body and the staff of the City's 15 departments. The City
Administrator of the City of Fort Smith shall be responsible to the Board of
Directors for the proper administration of all City affairs assigned by the City
Charter, ordinance, employment agreement, or directive.
Fort Smith is located in western Arkansas on the border of Oklahoma and along
the Arkansas River. It is the second largest city in Arkansas with a 2000
population of 80,268. The estimated population of the Fort Smith MSA is in
excess of 282,000. The City's economic outlook is positive.
The City of Fort Smith has operated under a City Administrator form of
government since 1967. This is a strong form of council manager government under
Arkansas law. The City's governing body consists of seven Directors and a Mayor,
all elected to four-year staggered terms. Four of the Directors are elected by
Ward. Three of the Directors and the Mayor are elected at large.
The Mayor is the Chairman of the Board and presides over all meetings of the
Directors. The Mayor does not vote but does have a veto which can be overridden
by the Board. The Board of Directors establishes policies, adopts ordinances and
resolutions, and determines City programs and services. The Board appoints a
professional City Administrator to execute the Board's directives, and to
provide research and advice to the Board. The board operates under a policy
governance philosophy. The city provides a full-range of services.
The City Administrator for the City of Fort Smith can expect an annual salary of
$125,000-$150,000 depending on experience and qualifications, plus an automobile
allowance. The successful candidate will also receive a competitive fringe
benefit program. Reasonable relocation expenses will be paid for the successful
candidate. Fort Smith participates in ICMA-RC. Residence in the City of Fort
Smith will be required of the successful candidate within a reasonable time
after appointment.
For additional information on this outstanding opportunity, please contact James
L. Mercer, President, The Mercer Group, Inc. at 505-466-9500; mercer@mindspring.com.
Confidential resumes should be sent by close of business May 23, 2008, to James
L. Mercer, President, The Mercer Group, Inc., 551 W. Cordova Road, #726, Santa
Fe, NM 87505. Voice: 505-466-9500, Fax: 505-466-1274, E-Mail:mercer@mindspring.com;
Website:www.mercergroupinc.com.
The City of Fort Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority and Female
Candidates are Encouraged to Apply. Under the Arkansas Open Records Law,
candidate resumes may be subject to public disclosure. If this presents a
problem, please contact Mr. Mercer to discuss this situation before making
application.