CITY MANAGER

Why Work for the City of Balch Springs?

The City of Balch Springs is a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community that thrives on its rich history, commitment to progress, and dedication to fostering a positive work environment. As a city, we focus on enhancing the quality of life for our residents, businesses, and visitors.

We are a forward-thinking organization that embraces innovation and strives for excellence in every department. With our clear vision to inspire growth and community pride, the City of Balch Springs is an excellent place to build a rewarding career. Whether you’re passionate about public safety, economic development, or community engagement, we offer diverse opportunities that allow you to make a meaningful impact.

As an employee of the City of Balch Springs, you’ll be part of a supportive team where professional development is encouraged, and collaboration is valued. We believe in providing employees with the tools and resources they need to succeed, ensuring a positive work-life balance and fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and open communication.

Employee Benefits & Compensation:

• Competitive Salary: We offer competitive pay based on qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families.
• Retirement Plans: Access to Texas Municipal Retirement System
• Paid Leave: Generous paid time off, including vacation (15 days for 1st year), sick leave, and holidays (11 plus 2 floating.)
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and career advancement within the city.
• Employee Recognition: We value and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our employees.

Our core values of integrity, respect and transparency guide our everyday work, and we actively support our employees’ professional growth. Join our team and help shape the future of a city that’s committed to creating a thriving environment for all.

Job Summary:  The City Manager serves as the Chief Administrative and Executive Officer of the City and is appointed by and accountable to the City Council as a body. The City Manager is responsible for the administration of City government and the effective implementation of policies, priorities, and direction established by the City Council, consistent with the City Charter, ordinances, and applicable law. The City Manager provides executive leadership and strategic direction for City operations; oversees the performance and coordination of City departments; develops and administers the annual operating and capital budgets; advises the City Council on organizational, financial, operational, and policy matters; and ensures the efficient and responsible delivery of municipal services. The position requires an executive leader capable of balancing long-term strategic priorities with day-to-day municipal operations, maintaining effective relationships with the City Council, employees, residents, community partners, and regional stakeholders, and fostering organizational accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Classification Framework Level: N/A, Council appointed Charter position

Minimum Job Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, Finance, Urban Planning, or a related field. 
• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible executive, administrative, or management experience, including responsibility for organizational leadership, budgeting and financial management, strategic planning, personnel management, and the delivery of public services
• At least seven (7) years of municipal government experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting, advising, or working with public safety personnel covered by Texas Local Government Code Chapter 614, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and other covered public safety employees.
• A valid Texas driver’s license. 
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy, or a related field 
• Certified Public Manager (CPM) designation, ICMA Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM) designation or demonstrated progress toward credentialing 
• Experience as a City Manager, Assistant/Deputy City Manager, executive-level municipal administrator, department director, or in a position of comparable scope and responsibility is preferred.
• Experience with municipal budgeting, capital improvement programs, economic development, organizational transformation, and intergovernmental relations

Governing Authority

The City Manager is appointed by and serves at the direction of the City Council and exercises the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the office in accordance with the City of Balch Springs City Charter, Article IV, applicable City ordinances and resolutions, and applicable state and federal law.

This job description reflects the responsibilities of the position and does not expand, restrict, or supersede authority established by the City Charter or applicable law.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the Chief Administrative and Executive Officer of the City, responsible to the City Council for the effective administration of City government and implementation of Council-established policies and priorities. 
• Provides executive leadership and strategic direction for City operations, departments, programs, and services and promotes organizational accountability, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and continuous improvement. 
• Exercises the appointment, supervision, evaluation, disciplinary, suspension, and removal authority assigned to the City Manager by the City Charter, applicable ordinances, personnel policies, and law. 
• Develops and maintains an effective organizational structure; evaluates staffing, operations, service delivery, and allocation of resources and implements or recommends changes necessary to meet organizational and community needs. 
• Prepares and submits the annual operating and capital budgets to the City Council and provides executive oversight of the adopted budget, financial performance, capital planning, and long-term fiscal sustainability. 
• Advises and keeps the City Council informed regarding the City's financial condition, operations, organizational needs, strategic priorities, emerging issues, and other matters affecting the City; provides analysis and recommendations to support Council decision-making. 
• Implements and administers ordinances, resolutions, policies, strategic priorities, and other actions adopted or directed by the City Council and monitor organizational performance toward established goals. 
• Oversees major organizational initiatives, capital and infrastructure programs, economic and community development activities, contracts, partnerships, and other strategic priorities within the authority of the City Manager. 
• Provides executive oversight of workforce planning, organizational development, succession planning, leadership development, employee performance, risk management, compliance, and continuity of operations. 
• Represents the City and maintains effective relationships with residents, businesses, community organizations, governmental entities, regional partners, and other stakeholders. 
• Provides executive leadership during emergencies, significant operational events, and complex organizational or community matters requiring coordinated City response. 
• Performs all other duties and exercises all other powers assigned to the City Manager by the City Charter, City ordinances and resolutions, City Council, and applicable law.

Required Competencies

• Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of municipal government administration, organizational leadership, strategic planning, and public-sector management.
• Municipal budgeting, financial management, capital planning, economic development, procurement, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
• Applicable federal and state laws, City Charter provisions, ordinances, policies, and regulatory requirements affecting municipal operations.
• Organizational development, workforce planning, performance management, succession planning, and effective leadership of a diverse municipal workforce.
• Principles of governance, Council-Manager relations, intergovernmental relations, community engagement, and public accountability.
• Emergency management, risk management, organizational continuity, and operational oversight. 

• Skills in: 
  • Providing strategic and executive leadership across complex, multidisciplinary municipal operations.
  • Analyzing complex organizational, financial, operational, and policy matters and developing practical, informed recommendations.
  • Developing and administering organizational priorities, budgets, capital programs, policies, and major initiatives.
  • Communicating complex information clearly and effectively to the City Council, employees, residents, community partners, and other stakeholders.
  • Building collaborative relationships, facilitating consensus, managing conflict, negotiating effectively, and navigating complex or sensitive matters.
  • Leading organizational change, improving operational performance, and establishing accountability for results.
• Ability to:
  • Translate City Council policy and strategic direction into effective organizational priorities, programs, and measurable results.
  • Lead, develop, and hold executive and departmental leadership accountable for organizational performance and service delivery.
  • Exercise sound, independent judgment while operating within the authority established by the City Charter, ordinances, City Council, and applicable law.
  • Balance competing priorities, manage complex and time-sensitive issues, and make decisions in environments involving significant organizational or community impact.
  • Establish and maintain effective relationships with the City Council, employees, residents, businesses, governmental partners, and community stakeholders.
  • Maintain professionalism, integrity, discretion, political awareness, and sound judgment while working in a highly visible public leadership role.

Physical Demands/Work Environment: The position requires prolonged periods of sitting and standing, including during City Council meetings, public meetings, presentations, and community events. The employee regularly operates a computer and other standard office equipment and frequently communicates and exchanges information with elected officials, employees, residents, and other stakeholders in person, virtually, and by telephone. The position requires movement throughout City facilities and other locations to attend meetings, observe operations, participate in events, and conduct City business. The employee may occasionally lift, carry, or move materials typically associated with an executive office environment. The essential functions of the position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation. Work is performed primarily in a professional office and governmental environment, with regular attendance at City Council meetings, City facilities, community events, and other locations associated with City business. The position requires a flexible work schedule and availability outside traditional business hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations as operational needs require. The City Manager may attend extended meetings and events involving prolonged periods of sitting or standing and must be available to respond to urgent or significant City matters outside normal working hours. The position involves frequent interaction with elected officials, employees, residents, community organizations, governmental partners, media, and other stakeholders in a highly visible and occasionally high-pressure environment. Local and regional travel is required, with additional travel as necessary to represent the City or conduct City business.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Balch Springs is committed to maintaining a workplace and service environment free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions and the provision of municipal services are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.