Are you seeking a rewarding career opportunity where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others and shape the future of your community? The City of Champaign is seeking an experienced, community-focused leader to serve as its next Deputy City Manager.

As one of the fastest growing communities in the State of Illinois, the City of Champaign is a dynamic and welcoming community offering big city amenities with a hometown feel. The City is home to the University of Illinois, which offers world-class educational opportunities and cutting-edge innovation, driven by pre-eminent scholars and scientists from across the globe. Champaign offers the best of urban life with an abundance of arts and cultural opportunities, beautiful parks and trails, a vibrant Downtown, Big Ten sporting events, and an affordable cost of living for residents. More information about our outstanding community can be found on the City’s website at champaignil.gov.

Responsibilities of Position

The Deputy City Manager is part of a high-performing leadership team that provides direction to the talented and dedicated group of public servants who take care of our City. In collaboration with the City Manager, two Deputy City Managers help lead the City organization in executing the City Council’s vision for our community. We aspire to excellence because we know that members of our community rely upon us each and every day. Leading the team of dedicated professionals at the City is a great career opportunity for an innovative and experienced individual who is ready to take on new challenges and advance their career.

The Deputy City Manager provides oversight to assigned City departments; facilitates projects, programs, and initiatives involving a variety of complex and sensitive assessments of City operations and management; briefs elected officials, the City Manager, the Mayor/City Council, and the Executive Team on complex municipal and community issues; researches and develops recommendations on Citywide matters, pending legislation, and other administrative issues. The Deputy City Manager is expected to be a highly visible leader and actively engaged in the community and frequent work outside of regular business hours is required.

The selected candidate must personify the City’s values of Personal Integrity, Responsibility, Respect, Teamwork, and Results. The candidate must also exhibit an appreciation for the diversity and culture of the City, reflecting a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through their leadership of the City.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, public policy, or closely related field or an equivalent combination of work experience and education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a comparably sized municipal, State, or Federal organization.
• A minimum of five years managerial or supervisory experience in a comparable sized municipal, State, or Federal organization.
• Experience working in multi-racial, multi-cultural urban communities with demonstrated success in serving a diverse population.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, public policy.
• Completion of local government leadership training, including programs offered through the International City/County Management Association or similar programs offered by State or nonprofit organizations.
• Certification or certificate of completed training or professional development in racial or multicultural studies; diversity, equity, and inclusion; or similar area of study.
• Two or more years of leading municipal functions in a comparably sized organization at the level of department head, assistant/deputy manager or administrator, or chief operating officer.

Drug screening, driving abstract, and criminal background check will be required. The annual starting salary range is $155,576 - $210,031, DOQ, plus an excellent fringe benefits package. Residency within the City limits is required within six months of appointment.

To find more information on required experience, desired attributes and City priorities please view the Deputy City Manager Position Profile. To apply, please submit resume and cover letter to deputycitymanager@champaignil.gov and complete a set of supplemental questions by Sunday, February 16, 2025.

The City of Champaign is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City of Champaign is committed to promoting a work environment and a community that values and supports diversity and inclusion. Contact the Human Resources Department at (217) 403-8770 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you require an accommodation to complete this application or during any phase of the application, interview, or employment process.

The following locations offer free Internet access and assistance: Champaign Public Library, the Illinois WorkNet Center and the City of Champaign City Building.

Our mission is to provide responsive, caring, cost-effective service in partnership with our community.

These values guide our work:

Personal Integrity

We act in the best interests of the City

We behave in an ethical and legal manner

We are open and honest

We follow through on commitments

We are loyal to the City

Responsibility

We anticipate issues, problems, and opportunities

We take initiative

We act to prevent and solve problems

We take responsibility for the outcome of our actions and decisions

We hold ourselves and others accountable

Respect

We treat others in a fair, courteous, and equitable manner

We actively listen and seek understanding

We provide a direct response

We embrace ethnic and cultural diversity in the community and our workplace

We are positive and cooperative

We are willing to apologize

Teamwork

We know and respect our roles and responsibilities

We ask who needs to be involved and we involve others appropriately

We define and agree upon the goals

We collaborate to achieve organizational goals

We help others accomplish their goals

We share authority, responsibility, and credit

Results

We take pride in our work

We complete assignments and projects on time and within budget

We evaluate outcomes and seek feedback on our performance

We learn from our mistakes

We innovate