Presented to the 2010 Iowa Municipal Management Institute

Presenter: Heidi J. Voorhees, PresidentVoorhees Associates, LLC

“Fresno Looks to Outsourcing to Solve Budget Shortfall”

“Fairview Park Residents Concerned by Proposed Trash Fee”

“Yuba County Faces $6 - $7 million Budget Deficit”

“Jacksonville Mayor Says Wholesale Layoffs May Be Imminent”

“It’s a shot in the dark when you hire someone off the street as a city manager…you don’t know the product,”

Comment by a South Lake Tahoe City Council Member 3/4/2010

Barrington – COP Hanover Park – COP Streamwood – COP Itasca – COP Downers Grove – COP Glencoe – COP Wood Dale – COP

Buffalo Grove – Finance Director Naperville – Finance Director Niles – Finance Director Morton Grove – Fire Chief Wilmette – City Attorney Northfield – Community Development

Director

Less familiar with traditional organizations Less mindful of organizational structure More involved in day to day administration

of municipal services and problem solving Addressing media in all areas including

police matters

Energy, energy, energy Leadership Loyalty Collaboration with elected officials Ability to find alternative revenue sources

including grants and low interest loans Economic development experience and

results

Lack of energy in the interview is the number one reason candidates are not selected for the job.

Energy trumps experience nearly every time.

“Hunger” for the job is often more naturally displayed by candidates who have not been a manager.

Elected officials respect Managers who display thoughtful, collaborative leadership skills.

Elected officials want Managers who will lead them through the budget crisis, providing alternatives that do not involve tax increases – including consolidation, sharing, privatization and regionalization of services.

Elected officials respect longer tenure in previous positions.

Elected officials want you to be excited about coming to their community.

Elected officials want you to make their community your home – residency issues are more complicated in recent years

Today’s manager will be comfortable collaborating with elected officials on:

Policy development Policy administration Hiring of key personnel Budget reductions

Elected officials are seeking Managers with skills in seeking alternative revenue sources

Familiarity with federal, state and regional grant and loan programs.

Ability to network with agency personnel and state/federal elected officials to secure funds.

Ability to try new approaches to obtain funds (i.e. roundabouts)

Elected officials seek Managers with:

Demonstrable economic development results

The ability to streamline the permitting process

Willingness to make economic development “happen” by working with developers to address their issues

Research the community and the elected officials – listen to Board meetings, visit website, read the budget, comp plan, etc.

Develop a resume and cover letter specific to the community, highlighting experiences and accomplishments relevant to the job you are applying for.

Divide your resume into sections – finance, economic development, capital projects, etc.

Consider an “accomplishments” page

Energy Eye Contact Handshake Appearance Willingness to relocate Handouts

One bite at the agreement/contract “apple” Do not overreach Consider consequences of haggling over

small differences in salary/benefits

Contact me if I can be of assistance with your resume or job search: hvoorhees@voorheesassociates.com