City Administrator Job Description
City administrators, otherwise known as city managers, are officials who oversee a city's policies, departments and procedures. These professionals often work in downtown areas of a city and interact with community members and elected officials, serving as a liaison between groups and departments.
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Function
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Although exact duties and responsibilities vary, city administrators generally work with other government officials to ensure city departments, policies and procedures run smoothly and effectively. In essence, a city manager oversees a city as if it is a business by evaluating financial budgets, overseeing city contractors and communicating with elected officials. City administrators rarely act independently; instead, they generally carry out requests directed by elected city officials, such as mayors and city council members. City administrators must also ensure that the city is properly and effectively using the city's funds, materials, facilities and employees.
Job Duties
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A city administrator is responsible for a variety of duties, such as representing the city to the community and state legislature, providing managerial leadership to city officials, and reviewing, hiring and terminating city employees. City administrators are also generally responsible for developing and issuing administrative policies, rules and procedures that will help improve city efficiency. City administrators must also prepare citywide and state budgets and review financial guidelines, salaries and taxes. Generally, city administrators are responsible for preparing and submitting annual budgets to specific commissions and departments. He may also be responsible for informing the city council of the city's financial condition or for recommending that the city raise taxes. The city administrator may also serve as a liaison between the city council and city's staff.
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Skills
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Because of the high volume of organizational and managerial duties a city administrator has, it is essential an applicant be organized and neat. In addition, city administrators must be familiar with simple computer software, such as word processing or spreadsheet programs, to efficiently calculate budgets and prepare notices. A city administer must also possess strong financial and mathematical skills. Because the city administrator represents the city to the community and local legislature, it is essential the city administrator possess a strong sense of pride for his community. Additionally, city administrators often work in stressful situations, so it is essential that a city administrator possess strong stress management skills.
Education
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According to Education Portal, city administrators must have a bachelor's degree in public administration or a related field. Students in this field study economic development, budgeting, public policy, politics and grant writing, according to Educational Portal. In addition to a bachelor's degree, many city administrators also hold master's degrees in public administration, but this is not a requirement. City administrators must also have ample professional work experience in local government, public administration, or private or nonprofit sectors of government.
Salary
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According to PayScale, an annual average salary for a city administrator is $91,078 as of July 2010. The salary for most city administrators is between $60,055 and $122,102 each year, though the exact amount varies based on where a city administrator is located. City administrators may also benefit from bonuses of between $1,011 and $15,000. Approximately 92 percent of city administrators receive medical benefits, 74 percent receive dental insurance and 53 percent receive eye care insurance.
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