DEPUTY CITY MANAGER (At-Will)

Salary : $196,875.00 - $262,500.00 Annually
Location : 140 E. 12th Street, Suite A, National City, CA
Job Type: Full-Time/At-Will
Job Number: 27-007
Department: City Manager
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

The City of National City is looking for a new Deputy City Manager!

First Review Date: Friday, September 4, 2026 - Make sure to submit your application early!
National City is seeking a seasoned Deputy City Manger with exceptional communication skills and a demonstrated ability to navigate multifaceted organizational challenges. The ideal candidate will have experience fostering positive partnerships with Department Directors, staff, and community stakeholders to advance shared goals and deliver meaningful results.
THE POSITION:
Under administrative direction of the City Manager, to provide general administrative direction to assigned departments; perform highly responsible and complex professional administrative work in the planning, organizing and directing activities of the City; provide leadership in policy formation and implementation of policies and procedures.
ABOUT THE POSITION

The following duties and responsibilities are representative of those typically performed by positions assigned to this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these duties and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.

• Assumes full management responsibility for assigned functions, services, and activities of the City which may include overseeing assigned departments and/or divisions; provides direction to assigned staff on implementing City Council policy and direction and ensures City Council and City goals are carried out by departments.

• Manages the development and implementation of goals, objectives, and priorities for each assigned service area; recommends and administers policies and procedures. The assigned departments and/or divisions may change from time to time.

• Establishes, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels for assigned functions; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service of delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources accordingly.

• Assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships for assigned areas of responsibility; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs and implements changes.

• Plans, directs, and coordinates, through management level staff, the work plan for assigned functions; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; provides direction and supervision on key projects; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with key staff to identify and resolve problems.

• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.

• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the budget for assigned functional areas; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.

• Participates in the preparation, coordination, and presentation of the City's annual budget, capital improvement budget, and internal fiscal control measures; participates in the development and presentation of financial forecasts and historical information including reviewing expenditures and revenues.

• Participates in the development of City goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; incorporates community input into goals and objectives for the City for the City Manager's and City Council's approval; develops new policies in the consultation with the City Manager; confers with Department Directors and employees regarding significant policy and procedural changes.

• Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees on performance issues in coordination with Human Resources; implements discipline in consultation with Human Resources; responds to staff questions and concerns.

• Oversees and directs a variety of special projects; facilitates project activities and resolves problems; develops and submits projects reports to the City Manager.

• Supervises the conduct of studies, surveys, and the collection of information on difficult operational and administrative problems; analyzes findings and prepares reports of practical solutions for review.

• Reviews and analyzes legislation for impact on the City; works with legislators to develop or influence legislation; recommends revisions to proposed legislation.

• Maintains communication and coordinates City activities with other outside agencies and organizations; serves as liaison with department directors, City Council, City Manager, and other external agencies.

• Coordinates and participates in providing responsible staff assistance to the City Manager, City Council, and other City boards and commissions as assigned; attends City Council meetings and other public meetings to assist or represent the City Manager. May participate in labor negotiations.

• Provides assistance to department heads; responds to request for policy implementation direction; reviews draft City Council agendas, conducts agenda meetings, and signs staff reports.

• Performs related duties as required.

IDEAL CANDIDATE & QUALIFICATIONS

Training: A bachelor's degree in public or business administration, finance, or closely related field from an accredited college or university.

A master's degree in public or business administration is desirable.

Experience: Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience with a municipal agency as a Senior Management Assistant, department director/deputy, or similar-level position.

Knowledge and Skills in: Principles and practices of public administration, including the organization, functions, and problems of municipal government; principles and practices of organizations, management, and supervision; principles and practices of municipal personnel, budgeting, and municipal finance; federal, state, regional, and local policies, rules, and regulations pertaining to municipal government operations; methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report presentations; techniques of effective communications.

Ability to: Interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations relating to the various aspects of City government; analyze and solve problems of organization and management; train and supervise subordinate employees; speak and write effectively; establish and maintain effective working relations with elected and appointed officials, the public, and all levels of staff.
TO APPLY
To be considered, please submit your resume and cover letter electronically via the online portal (NEOGOV).

For additional information or questions, please contact , Human Resources Analyst II.

For Executive Group benefit information, please click on the following link:
01

The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. To be considered for this position, the experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questionnaire must also be described, in detail, on the "Work Experience" section of your employment application. Failure to complete the "Work Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your responses to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications.

• I have read and acknowledge the instructions stated above.

02

EDUCATION: Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• AA/AS Degree
• Bachelor's Degree in related field
• Master's Degree

03

How many years of progressively responsible professional experience with a municipal agency as a Senior Management Assistant, department director/deputy, or similar-level position do you have?

• 0 to 2 years
• 2 to 4 years
• 4 to 6 years
• 6 or more years

04

APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL)The City of National City's Human Resources Department uses electronic mail (e-mail) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, you are hereby advised of the following:1. Ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share email addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our emails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails, i.e., for the non-delivery of email or if you fail to check your email box on a timely basis, etc.2. Read any notices we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions if any. We recommend that you print and keep a hard copy of our notices for your records.I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

• Yes
• No

Required Question