The Position
The City of Gresham is seeking an Assistant City Manager to lead the Environmental & City Services portfolio, which includes drinking water, facilities, fleet, infrastructure development services, solid waste and sustainability, transportation, wastewater collection and treatment, and watershed and parks. The portfolio may adjust over time based on business needs. Under the direction of the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager strategically collaborates with the City Manager and peer Assistant City Manager to foster a safe, thriving, and welcoming community for all.
This role involves leading and managing complex city functions, providing strategic direction, and fostering an organizational culture aligned with the City’s mission. The Assistant City Manager develops and implements policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned city departments, services, and programs. By evaluating goals, priorities, and activities, the Assistant City Manager ensures continuous improvement in performance and outcomes. Additionally, they play a critical role in executing the long-term vision for the City, establishing administrative controls, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Serving as a key member of the executive team, this role acts as a liaison between the City Manager, leadership, and department heads to address challenges, resolve issues, and promote collaboration. It involves analyzing complex and controversial citywide matters, conducting research, and coordinating efforts among staff, community groups, other agencies, and task forces. The position also oversees budget administration, funding acquisition, contract negotiation, and interdepartmental coordination. Furthermore, the Assistant City Manager represents the City in public engagements, responds to sensitive inquiries, and ensures community concerns are addressed through effective recommendations and corrective actions.
The Assistant City Manager is a strategic thinker who can see the big picture, communicate a clear vision, and collaborate effectively to shape the City’s future. They bring a diverse set of experiences that add value and perspective to the Environmental Services portfolio while complementing and supporting a highly effective and engaged Executive Leadership Team. The Assistant City Manager promotes solutions that address the City’s ambitious goals while remaining realistic about what is achievable.
The Assistant City Manager takes a broad, interconnected view of the organization, recognizing and leveraging the relationships between departments. The successful candidate engages in multidisciplinary thinking and anticipates the consequences of policy decisions. The Assistant City Manager offers confidence, grounded in experience, to make informed decisions for optimal outcomes. The Assistant City Manager creates a solid foundation by developing a strategy, setting realistic and actionable goals, providing clear expectations, and holding others accountable. They are a visible leader known for actively supporting staff and removing barriers to enable success while maintaining a commitment to high-quality work.
Qualifications
At least six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in government management and administration, including at least three (3) years of experience supervising professional-level staff, is required. A working knowledge of the departments within the Environmental & City Services portfolio is ideal, as is prior experience working in a union environment. A strong financial background is essential, with experience developing alternative funding strategies beneficial. A genuine interest in climate and sustainability initiatives is ideal.
A bachelor’s degree in public administration, civil engineering, political science, business administration, or a closely related field is required. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered. Licensure as a State of Oregon Professional Engineer is ideal but not required. The Assistant City Manager is required to be on-site five days a week with flexibility.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for the Assistant City Manager position is $175,859 - $233,150 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. The City of Gresham encourages a healthy work-life balance and provides a robust benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer HRA/VEBA contributions, PERS retirement, employer sponsored deferred compensation, employer paid life insurance and long-term disability, and generous PTO, sick leave, and holidays. Full details can be viewed here.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will remain open until filled, with the first review of applications on September 2, 2025.
