CITY OF PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KANSAS
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The City of Prairie Village is seeking a highly qualified individual to become its next City Administrator. The selected individual will be appointed by the Mayor, with consent of the City Council, and will work under the day-to-day direction of the Mayor and Council. The new City Administrator will replace the current City Administrator who has announced her retirement after 30 years of successful service to the City. The ideal candidate for City Administrator of the City of Prairie Village shall have comprehensive knowledge of modern local government management principles and practices, concepts, methods and procedures. In addition, the successful individual for this position shall have good knowledge of federal and state laws and city ordinances, shall possess the ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of others and shall have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing. The successful candidate for the City Administrator position in Prairie Village shall possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or a similar degree with a Master’s degree in Public Administration preferred. Evidence of continued professional development such as an ICMA Credentialed Manager would be a plus. In addition, the successful candidate should possess at least eight years of local government management experience, four years of which must have been at a supervisory level. The City Administrator must become and remain a resident of Prairie Village within two years of appointment. The City Administrator shall be the Chief Administrative Assistant to the Mayor and governing body and as such shall be the administrative officer of the City government. The City Administrator shall coordinate all Departments of the City. The City Administrator of Prairie Village, in the discharge of his/her duties, shall be responsible for recommending and implementing City policy and procedure. The City Administrator may be removed from office by the Mayor or City Council as provided in the City Charter. Prairie Village was incorporated as a city of the third class in Kansas in 1951. By 1956, the City’s growth and development qualified it to become a city of the first class. The City encompasses a 6.7 square mile area with a residential population of approximately 21,511. It is one of 19 municipalities in Johnson County and is the sixth largest in population. In 2005, Prairie Village was named one of the best suburban cities in the region by the Kansas City Star. In 2006, it was named one of the five most efficient cities in the entire region by that same newspaper. Prairie Village is a ten minute drive from both Interstates 35 and 435. The City has an excellent system of well maintained thoroughfares and streets. The local economic outlook for the future is strong. A Mayor, 12-member City Council, committees and professional staff provide leadership and management for the City of Prairie Village. The City of Prairie Village operates under a Mayor-Council form of government. The Mayor appoints a professionally trained City Administrator, department managers, and certain other City officials. The City Administrator coordinates all City services and departments. The Chief of Police, Director of Public Works, City Clerk, Finance Director, Assistant City Administrator and Administrative assistants report directly to the City Administrator. The City Administrator formulates policy recommendations, supports City committees and boards, prepares the annual budget for Council approval, and manages all City assets. City services provided by Prairie Village include Management, Planning and Administrative Services, Public Works, Public Safety, Municipal Justice, and Parks & Recreation. Fire Service is provided by Johnson County Fire District No. 2. All other Services are provided by Johnson County or by separate taxing districts. The current General Fund annual operating budget for the City is $22 million. The City has 108 FTE employees. The starting salary will be market competitive, depending on the experience and qualifications of the selected individual. The salary range will be $115,000 to $125,000 per annum. An appointment may be made anywhere within this range. In addition, the City will provide an automobile allowance and an excellent fringe benefit package to the successful candidate. For additional information on this outstanding opportunity, please contact James Mercer, President, The Mercer Group, Inc. at 505-466-9500; mercer@mindspring.com. Confidential resumes should be sent by close of business September 7, 2007, to James L. Mercer, President, The Mercer Group, Inc., 551 West 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 Prairie Village is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority and Female Candidates are Encouraged to Apply.