As the city “just keeps getting busier and busier,” it has become apparent that the administrator/CFO position has become “too hectic” for one person, Mayor Jennifer Sciortino relayed at a regular commissioner meeting on Feb. 10.
That is why the one-square mile city – population 4,000 – is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time experienced administrator to oversee daily municipal operations and manage approximately 45 full-time employees throughout four departments, including the city-owned and operated water utility.
“Peg (Margaret M. Peak) has worked her butt off for the last four years consistently,” Sciortino said, noting despite the job load, she made sure she got the job done at the end of the day. “The CFO/finance is her strong suit, and she will take over that solely. We will do an executive search for a new administrator.
“In a perfect world, we would love that to be somebody who lives in town and is supremely qualified.”
Sciortino posted the full-time administrator job listing on the city’s Facebook page on Feb. 11.
With the administrator hire, the mayor said she hopes the administration “will have a little more breathing room … with an extra hand on deck.”
Bordentown City operates under the Walsh Act form of government, with a governing body comprised of three commissioners, one of whom is selected to serve as mayor. The administrator will be required to report to the Board of Commissioners, attend monthly public board meetings, and serve as the liaison to the board for all federal, state and local agencies, according to the job listing.
The administrator will be responsible for: working with the CFO to prepare a roughly $4 million annual budget; administering employee contracts; implementing, interpreting and enforcing city policies; and conducting staff and department director meetings, as deemed necessary.
The administrator will also be responsible for a broad range of oversight, including working with the city’s contracted professionals on the coordination of all publicly bid capital projects, overseeing all city insurance programs, ensuring municipal operations are consistent with the city’s risk management strategy, addressing resident requests and complaints, and any other duties regarding municipal departments and offices within the City of Bordentown, as requested by the governing body. The administrator will also oversee the city’s human resources (HR) operation and must familiarize themselves with the city’s employee handbook and personnel policies.
Applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience in municipal, county, or state government administration, including supervisory and HR experience. Bachelor’s degree is required and MPA (master’s in public policy and administration) or related graduate-level degree is preferred. Superior organizational skills along with excellent written and verbal communication skills that foster collaboration, responsiveness, and respect are also a must.
Experience and competency in Microsoft Office, Edmunds, and the ability to understand technology and cyber security are desirable. Experience utilizing emerging technologies to streamline operations and boost productivity is a plus. The ideal applicant will have a true ability to multi-task while managing and interacting with a wide range of personalities and skill sets. Under local ordinance, the city administrator need not be a resident of the City of Bordentown, but must reside within a reasonable distance, as determined by the board of commissioners.
The position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and skill set, as well as a generous pension, health benefits, and paid time off package.
Interested candidates should send resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to: jcallahan@parkermccay.com. Resumes will be accepted through March 14.
