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 selected individual will work under the direction of the Board of Directors to manage the day to day activities of the city. The ideal candidate 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 an individual who has a background in city management and who is a strong manager and administrator. A bachelor’s degree with a major in Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field is required. 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 ideal candidate should possess at least five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in city administration/management. Local government experience in a similar-sized community would be a plus, as would experience in a growing city and in a university community. A working knowledge of budgeting and finance would also be helpful. 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. He/she 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 city was incorporated in 1842 and is the county seat of Sebastian County. The city encompasses 69.2 square miles. The estimated population of the Fort Smith MSA is in excess of 282,000. The city’s economic outlook is positive. The city is home to the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, a four-year institution with a fall 2005 enrollment of 6,809 students. The City of Fort Smith has operated under a City Administrator form of government since 1967. 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 city provides a full-range of services. The City offers a competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience. The salary for the last City Administrator of Fort Smith was $109,000 per annum, plus an automobile allowance. The successful candidate will also receive a competitive fringe benefit program. Reasonable relocation expenses will be paid. Fort Smith participates in ICMA-RC. Residence in the City of Fort Smith will be required. Confidential resumes should be sent by close of business May 5, 2006, 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. 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.