public service - City of Wadsworth

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the Galaxy Restaurant and Banquet. Center, as well as national chains, and .... Please submit your application materials
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF

PUBLIC SERVICE

THE COMMUNITY The City of Wadsworth is the 3rd fastest growing city in Northeast Ohio.

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he City of Wadsworth is approximately 10.6 square miles and has over 23,000 residents. We are the 3rd fastest growing community in Northeast Ohio, situated about 35 miles south of Cleveland and 17 miles southwest of Akron. Here you’ll find excellent schools, diverse housing, a historic downtown, great parks, including an $18 million dollar recreation and community center. There’s easy access to shopping, a national park, colleges, large metropolitan areas and two nearby international airports (Cleveland Hopkins and Akron-Canton). The City of Wadsworth offers the friendly people you would find in a small Midwestern town, coupled with the sophistication of a community that is progressive enough to offer its own municipally-owned electric utility and high-speed Internet and cable services. Residents’ activities center around the excellent Wadsworth City Schools; churches; and numerous community and civic organizations, including a newly established Downtown Main Street organization. The City is a delightful mix of families who have been part of the community for several generations, younger families who have chosen to ‘move back home’ to Wadsworth, and new families who have only recently

discovered this special city. The City plays host to an abundance of small businesses, as well as several industrial parks, primarily located to the southwest portion of the City: everything from a national tool company’s corporate headquarters to an automotive accessory company to plastic manufacturers. The historic downtown is a vibrant part of the City and currently in the midst of an exciting revitalization effort that will bring a new central park and development to enhance the numerous businesses already established. Those include a natural health pharmacy, gift stores, jewelers, a local favorite bakery, locally owned restaurants, a coffee shop, and a microbrewery. Throughout the year, the downtown ‘Square’ is often used for special events, such as the annual ‘Blue Tip Match Festival Parade and Celebration,’ Fourth of July celebration, First Friday events, Taste of Wadsworth, Oktoberfest and more. The newly renovated library and 1995-built City Hall compliment the Gazebo at the center of town, as hallmarks of the downtown landscape. Neighborhoods vary from the old and quaint to the new and grand; but, all of them are filled with friendly people, often

out walking and socializing. Whether you prefer a historic home on a brick street or the latest in new construction, the right neighborhood for you is here. Outdoor recreation is provided at our 16 parks and over 8 athletic complexes for residents, creating an inviting atmosphere for fun, recreation and relaxation. Park users can hike trails, use playground equipment, play on ball-fields, play sand volleyball, basketball or tennis, and use shelter facilities for family gatherings. A new two mile bike and hike trail was built in 2017, connecting downtown to the east corporate limits utilizing an old light rail line. With three exits off Interstate 76 between Interstates 71 and 77, Wadsworth residents have easy access to countless cultural and entertainment destinations. Wadsworth has regional appeal due to the ease of travel to Akron, Cleveland, and Columbus. Cleveland-Hopkins International airport and Akron-Canton Airport are both within a half hour drive of the city. All the comforts of a modern city are near at hand; yet, a brief jaunt finds a visitor in the midst of multiple urban settings – or in the midst of the relaxed paced ‘Amish Country’ just a short distance away.

THE PLACE TO LIVE The North End of the City of Wadsworth offers extensive retail stores and restaurants, including local favorites such as Marie’s Italian Restaurant and the Galaxy Restaurant and Banquet Center, as well as national chains, and continues to expand to serve the needs of the growing population. Visitors and residents can do their shopping at several grocery, pharmacy, or specialty stores, and relax at the end of the day by taking in a movie at the local cinema theatre -- all without leaving Wadsworth. Overnight accommodations are available at two hotels. The East Side of Wadsworth features one of the area’s last remaining drivein movie theaters and another retail and restaurant area. New housing subdivisions on the east side flank the City’s newer middle school, high school, and community center. The community center project was a unique collaboration between the City, the School District, Summa Health Wadsworth-Rittman Medical Center, and the Wadsworth Public Library. Located in one of the fastest growing counties in Ohio, Wadsworth was the 3rd fastest growing city in Northeast Ohio and the 5th fastest in Ohio from 2010 to 2016. Incorporated in 1931, the City of Wadsworth started with a population below 6,000 people and has now grown to over 23,000 per the 2016 census. Wadsworth was recently named one of the Ohio’s Safest Cities by the National Council for Home Safety and Security. The study was based on 2017 crime statistics, population and other ranking factors, like unique safety initiatives and security programs implemented within the past few years.

We truly are ‘A Community Unmatched’

CITY GOVERNMENT T

he City of Wadsworth is a statutory city operating under a strong-mayor form of government. The Mayor serves a four-year term and was elected in 2016 for a term beginning in 2017. This is her 3rd consecutive term in office. The Mayor appoints the Director of Public Service, the Director of Public Safety and the Human Resources Director. The City Council consists of seven members and a Council President. They all serve nonstaggered two-year terms and began their terms in 2017. The City of Wadsworth provides a full range of municipal services including building & code enforcement, engineering, planning & zoning, streets, parks, police, fire, ems, senior center, television studio, and a municipal court. The City operates enterprise funds for electric, communications (cable, internet, voip, datacenter), water, wastewater, stormwater, and sanitation. Internal service operations include vehicle maintenance and information technology. The electric division utilizes a smart grid system which includes automated metering, distribution automation and customer engagement which is unique to public power cities in Ohio.

The Communications Department is branded as ‘CityLink’ and provides a broadband fiber network to businesses and Internet speeds up to 150 mbps to residential customers! The City has annual expenditures of approximately $100 million, including many large capital programs. The City is currently undergoing exciting initiatives and projects to continue the reputation as a progressive public sector leader. Over the past year, the City completed a branding initiative to determine the essence of the community, create a tagline, develop marketing materials for better promotion, and design wayfinding signage to help direct visitors across town. Two years ago, we became the 22nd Main Street Community in the state and completed a downtown visioning plan as the beginning of a large effort to enhance and revitalize the historic downtown. Many improvements have already been accomplished; such as the construction of a 2 mile multiuse trail that begins in Downtown and the implementation of a $300,000 Revitalization Grant. Progress will continue to transform the area for success over the next generation.

DEMOGRAPHICS CENSUS

POPULATION

% CHANGE

2016

23,136

7%

2010

21,567

17%

2000

18,435

17%

1990

15,718

4%

1980

15,166

15%

1970

13,153

24%

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ccording to the 2016 census there were 8,708 households with a median value of $162,300 in the City of Wadsworth. The racial makeup of the city was 96.9% Caucasian, 0.8% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. The median age in the city was 38.7 years, with 25.6% of residents under the age of 18; 7.3% between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.2% from 25 to 44; 25% from 45 to 64; and, 15.8% were 65 years of age or older.

SCHOOLS

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he top-rated Wadsworth City Schools are the single largest employer in the City. The district has benefited from the support of the community, which passed six of the last seven levies put before the voters. The district operates eight schools. There are five elementary schools (kindergarten through grade 4), one intermediate school (grades 5 and 6), one middle school (grades 7 and 8), and one high school (grades 9 through 12). As of 2012, Wadsworth City Schools had completed a capital construction project in which a $90 million high school was built, along with three new elementary buildings. Wadsworth City Schools continue to excel in a variety of areas, including the arts, and is a local athletic powerhouse. The City also has other private and parochial school options.

POSITION PROFILE Hands-on professional with a strong foundation in public sector operations and economic development

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eporting directly to the Director of Public Service, the Assistant Director will work in a team environment to provide leadership and oversight to multiple Service Departments. The Assistant will also act as the Economic Development Director and be the lead promoter of business and development activity within the community. This unclassified position is a key component of the Administration. Recognizing that this position touches many departments, the Assistant Director will earn credibility from those he/she supports by being a champion for operational effectiveness. This high performer should be results oriented and decisions should be made strategically with the goal of improving the City for the long term. This position performs highly responsible managerial and administrative work in directing operating areas to accomplish short and long term goals. A high level of professionalism and integrity is expected. The new Assistant Director will understand the important aspect economic development plays in the success of a community. Retention of current businesses and attracting new companies should be a focus. Current programs should be continued and new programs should be explored to create an environment that is appealing to potential developers, corporations and industry. Every effort to create a welcoming atmosphere is expected to be made. Conservative financial management and budgeting skills will be needed to maintain the city’s strong agency ratings. Project management is another component of this position as the city has large capital programs in many areas in order to upgrade infrastructure and continue providing high quality services. Community projects will be coordinated and this person will play a key role in continuing the advancement of important initiatives. The new Assistant Director must be able to build positive relationships and capable of communicating diplomatically with city council, business representatives, outside agencies, and community organizations. As an approachable professional, he/she will display outstanding interpersonal skills and be proactive about maintaining open and active lines of communication with all employees. A strong customer service attitude should be fostered throughout every level of the workforce. Our Administration strives to provide exceptional services and offerings that enhance the quality of life of our residents. This should be sustained and delivered through thoughtful planning, coordination, and execution. Being a leader of service areas is not a job; it is a commitment to our philosophy. Employees are given the training, latitude, and authority to problem solve. We seek out qualified individuals who are eager to assist in moving our City along the path of innovation and continued success.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE T

he City of Wadsworth wants someone with staying power. Employee accessibility and the ability to develop and grow personal relationships is a must. The Assistant Director needs to be an exceptional coach that takes pride in empowering staff and allowing them to enhance their capabilities. The selected candidate should be a selfstarter and an innovative professional, who values working with a public agency that strives to provide efficient services and a welcoming atmosphere for business. It is important for the selected candidate to have a demonstrated track record of strong decision making, leadership and problem-solving skills. He/she should possess operational knowledge, while being able to convey expertise without ego. Efficient project management skills, economic development promotion, personnel management, and conservative fiscal policy are needed. We are looking for a savvy negotiator who can stand his

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

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he City offers a competitive salary range ($71,667 – $107,516) commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience. The City also provides a comprehensive benefits package including accrued leave, paid holidays, comprehensive health insurance and participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).

or her ground, while debating respectfully, in order to achieve the best outcome for the City. The ideal candidate must be an excellent and credible written and verbal communicator. The Assistant Director must be responsive to elected officials and demonstrate the ability to remain apolitical. The selected candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Management, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, Communications or a related field. He/she will have at least five years of progressively responsible public service experience including a minimum of three years of division/department level supervisory experience in a complex public agency. An MPA, MBA, or EDFP certification is a plus. The Assistant Director will also establish long-range plans, formulate policy and procedures, develop and oversee budgets, and maintain a high level of customer service throughout the employee base. The City desires a professional who will continue to bring fresh ideas, represent the city in a positive light, and be a supporter of employees.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION

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ualified candidates with an interest in the position should visit wadsworthcity.com and search “Job Opportunities” for additional details on the duties and responsibilities. This position is open until filled; however, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume no later than April 13, 2018. Applications will be screened against the criteria outlined in this brochure and the job posting. On-site interviews will be offered to those candidates

identified as finalists, with reference checks, background checks and academic verifications conducted after receiving candidates’ consent. Under state law regarding access to public records, some information from your application materials may be subject to public disclosure. Please submit your application materials to Jim Kovacs, Human Resources Director at [email protected]. For more information, call Jim Kovacs at (330)335-2750.