Salem, IL (7,282) – The City of Salem, Illinois is seeking an accountable, open-minded, and trustworthy local government leader that is gifted in leadership, municipal finance, budgeting, and communications to become its next City Manager.
Salem is the County Seat in Marion County, Illinois and is strategically located at the intersection of I-57 and U.S. Highway 50. Salem is one hour and thirty minutes east of St. Louis, Missouri, one hour and thirty minutes west of Vincennes, Indiana and two hours north of Paducah, Kentucky. Given its convenient location Salem serves as a regional draw for retail, health care, entertainment, and hospitality.
Salem is home to several diverse large employers that contribute to the economic stability of the city and to the quality of life in the community. North American Lighting, Howell Paving, Little Egypt Golf Cars, Fabick Caterpillar, and Union Pacific have a strong presence in the city. Salem Township Hospital serves as the largest healthcare provider in the city.
The City of Salem is a statutory City Manager Form of Government where the City Manager is appointed by the Mayor and the City Council that is comprised of five council members. The current City Manager is retiring. The City Manager is required to reside within the City of Salem (preferred) or in the unincorporated areas of Marion County.
The City Manager is directly responsible for the oversight of the day-to-day operations of the city and for the effective administration of each department. The City Manager oversees the following departments: Administration, Community and Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Police, and Public Works, which includes Natural Gas, Water, and Wastewater. The City Manager is responsible for 65 full-time and 82 part-time/seasonal employees. The City Manager will manage a budget of approximately $21,626,653.00.
Other major duties of the City Manager include:
- Attend all meetings of the City Council
- Supervise and analyze the functions, duties, and activities of the various departments, divisions, and services.
- Carry out the directives and recommendations of the mayor and council.
- Keep the mayor and council fully advised as to the financial condition of the city.
- Prepare and present the annual proposed budget.
- Supervise and control budget expenditures.
- Oversee the successful implementation of the city’s strategic plan.
- Appoint and/or dismiss all subordinate employees in the departments, divisions, and services over which he/she exercises jurisdiction.
- Serve as public relations officer for the city.
- Investigate all complaints made or filed against the city government and its departments.
- Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all community organizations.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, political science, engineering, law, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of five years of management experience as a City/County Manager or Administrator or in a comparable government setting. 5-7 years preferred.
- A combination of education and experience equivalent to those mentioned above will also be considered.
Ideal candidates will possess:
- Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
- The ability to build and maintain trust with the team and the community.
- The ability to listen to others, be approachable, and be an effective communicator.
Compensation and Benefits:
The beginning salary range is between $105,000 and $125,000 and will depend upon education and previous experience. This is a full-time, exempt position, serving at the pleasure of the Mayor and City Council. Benefits are highly competitive, and they include the following:
- City paid professional training and membership dues.
- City issued mobile phone and laptop.
- IMRF Retirement Plan.
- An individual or family Health plan with 100% paid for employee only coverage and $105.00 bi-weekly employee contribution for family coverage.
- Dental and Vision Insurance
- Paid holidays: 12
- Paid sick leave: 12 + 1 earned monthly
- Paid personal leave: 3 days, birthday, 1 floating and 1 personal day
- Paid vacation leave: 12 + 1 earned monthly
Please electronically submit a cover letter, resume, and five professional references to james@arndtmunicipalsupport.com. Confidential inquiries should be directed to James W. Arndt, President and CEO of Arndt Municipal Support, Inc. at 217-500-0770.
This position will close on February 10, 2025.
The City of Salem, IL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.