City of Aurora Seeking New City Manager

Current City Manager Derek Walker has been named the new Greendale City Manager.

(Aurora, Ind.) - The City of Aurora is seeking a new City Manager. 

The job posting was released on Wednesday morning following the announcement that current City Manager Derek Walker has been named to the same role with the City of Greendale. 

Walker has served as Aurora's City Manager since February 2020. He has also worked for the planning and zoning office for the Dearborn County Government. 

In his time as City Manager, Walker played a pivotal role in the construction of the $3.5 million Family Aquatic Center that opened in June. 

The full-time, salary position is employed and appointed by the mayor. 

There is no residency requirement for this position, yet individuals must reside within a reasonable proximity to the City of Aurora for job duties and responsibilities.

General responsibilities and requirements are listed below. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION / RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Administering city operations. 

• Developing and implementing long-range strategic plans within the city. 

• Advising of affairs and providing recommendations to the City Executive, the Legislative Body, and other appointed commissions and boards of the city, including the Board of Works, the Utility Board, the Park Board, and the Redevelopment Commission. Attendance of all meetings is required. 

• Administering, recommending, and enforcing policies, ordinances, orders, resolutions, and statues of the Legislative Body of the City. 

• Managing, hiring, suspending, transferring, or discharging of city employees. The City Manager provides direct supervision of the Supervisor of Public Works, Director of Parks and Recreation, and Executive Assistant. The City Manager is not the direct manager of any Department Head of the City who otherwise answers directly to the City Executive, or others, by statute or other local rule.  

• Implementing and developing effective management policies and practices within the city and resolving problems and conflicts that arise. 

• Administering, managing and reporting on city projects, including streets, sidewalks and utility infrastructure, buildings and facilities, city assets, and capital improvement projects. Includes grant writing and administration, the position must act as the Employee in Responsible Charge (ERC) for all state and federal funded improvement projects and shall maintain needed certifications to act as such. 

• Managing independent contractors hired by the Legislative Body or the City Executive, and act as the liaison for communication between independent contractors. 

• Coordinating, preparing and managing budgets and reports with the Mayor and Department Supervisors to update the Legislative Body when required or appropriate. Including creating purchase orders, submitting requisition requests, and confirming materials receipts. 

• Reviewing and executing contracts on behalf of the City for materials, supplies, services or improvements, which includes following public purchasing and procurement laws, appropriations procedures, and notice and competitive bidding requirements established by statute or local rule. 

• Administering and managing all Economic Development, Community Development and Redevelopment efforts and projects on behalf of the city. 

• Cultivating cooperative partnerships with outside public and private entities to improve the efficiency, operation, and development of the city and its services. 

• Representing and lobbying on behalf of the city before various political, social, professional, business, citizens, and other groups for the purpose of promoting the city. Including providing public relations on behalf of the city, being the initial contact for media sources, informing the public of the city's affairs, promoting city business, writing and distributing press releases, and assisting in updating the city website and social media accounts. 

This position will be subject to the rules, policies, and operating procedures established by the city, as they may be amended from time to time. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must have a minimum of a high school diploma, GED or equivalent education. Should possess a BS/BA in Political Science, Public Administration, Business, or related field from an accredited college\university. A MS/MA in a related field is preferred;  

• Must display evidence of continued professional development. 

• Must demonstrate the capability of providing executive-level management. 

• Must have experience in and understanding of applicable local, state and federal statutes, municipal government administration, departmental management, contract facilitation, budgeting, project management and economic development.  

• Must be self-motivated and capable of identifying projects and implementing them. 

• Must be able to manage employees and provide direction in reaching common goals. 

• Must have a basic understanding of accounting, budget management, and purchase to payment processes.  

• Must have strong communication skills and be effective in building strong relationships.  Basic knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and ability to understand information from various sources to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 

• Must be proficient with computer technology, modernized office procedures and record keeping, including but not limited to Microsoft Office. 

• Must be organized and able to properly file and reference official documents. 

• Must be able to analyze problems and recommend solutions, establishing goals, objectives, and identify alternative practices for providing effective and efficient operations and service delivery.  

• Must have a safe work record with good ethics and dependable attendance record. 

• Must hold a valid driver’s license.