Salary : $192,000.00 - $258,750.00 Annually
Location : Vista City Hall - 200 Civic Center Drive Vista 92084, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26-44-O
Department: City Manager
Opening Date: 07/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/4/2026 5:30 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: DH

Position

Do you have a background in municipal leadership, strategic planning, or organizational management? Are you looking for a public service opportunity that will challenge and inspire you? Do you thrive in a collaborative, innovative, and solutions-oriented environment? Are you passionate about delivering exceptional public services that enhance a community's quality of life? If so, apply to join our professional, dedicated, and committed executive leadership team. The City of Vista is seeking a Deputy City Manager who will help lead key strategic initiatives, foster organizational excellence, and partner with departments across the organization to advance the City's vision and achieve new levels of excellence.

THE DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
Under administrative direction, performs highly responsible and complex professional administrative work while assisting the City Manager with the direction and coordination of the activities of assigned City departments and/or divisions; provides leadership in policy formation and implementation of policies and procedures; promotes effective and efficient operations throughout the organization by facilitating interdepartmental cooperation and sharing of resources; provides responsible staff assistance to the Assistant City Manager, City Manager, and City Council; and performs other duties as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This position receives administrative direction from the City Manager. Supervision is exercised over staff of the designated departments and divisions. The Deputy City Manager acts with a high degree of independence of action in the assigned area of responsibility. Direction received consists of the assignment of the responsibility to attain objectives according to policy guidelines. The incumbent is expected to develop methods and procedures and solve problems encountered. Except where a significant deviation in policy is involved or area of assignment is controversial, most work is not reviewed directly by the City Manager and when work is reviewed, the review is directed toward final outcomes and results. This class is distinguished from the Assistant City Manager in that the latter has a greater scope of executive authority, organizational oversight and level of autonomy exercised in managing City operations and acting on behalf of the City Manager.
Examples of Essential Functions

Participates in the development of City goals, objectives, policies, and priorities.
Oversees and directs a variety of special projects.
Facilitates project activities and resolves problems.
Develops and submits project 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.
Coordinates and participates in providing responsible staff assistance to the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Council, and other City boards and commissions as assigned.
Provides direction to assigned staff on implementing City Council policy and direction and ensures City Council and City goals are carried out.
Recommends and administers policies and procedures.
Plans, directs, and coordinates, through management level staff, the work plan for assigned functions and assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility.
Provides direction and supervision on key projects, and reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures.
Oversees and participates in the development, coordination, analysis, and administration of the budget for assigned functional areas.
Analyzes data, makes recommendations, prepares reports and make presentations on the formulation of policy and procedure, staffing and organizational requirements for assigned departments.
Conducts difficult policy and fiscal related analytical studies and reports involving the evaluation of departmental operations and delivery of services.
Assists in the negotiation, development and administration of contracts for service.
Represents the City Manager at various community and official events and meetings.
Meets with the public and with officials of other cities, agencies and civic groups in the development and coordination of City affairs.
Performs intergovernmental relations and liaison to federal, state, county and other public agencies.
Coordinate activities with other city departments and other public or private agencies.
Assists in the drafting and reviewing of proposed resolutions and ordinances.
Analyzes and drafts legislation and recommends City action based upon proposed and/or enacted legislation.
Serves on assigned committees, community groups and task forces.
Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
Attends and make presentations at meetings of the City Council, and other boards, commissions, and committees, as required.
Answers inquiries by telephone or in person to accurately provide information requested or refers people to the proper source of information.
Operates City vehicles.
Performs additional duties, as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position.
A typical combination would include a bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field; and ten years progressively responsible experience in the field of municipal government administration, including two years managing professional level staff . A master's degree in public administration is highly desirable.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Advanced principles and practices of public administration, including the organization, functions, and problems of municipal government.
• Operations, services, and activities of a municipality.
• Government, council, and legislative processes.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget, preparation, and administration.
• Current social, political, and economic trends and operating problems of municipal government.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Advanced principles and practices of organization, management, and supervision.
• Principles and practices of strategic planning.
• Methods of analyzing, evaluating, and modifying administrative procedures.
• Advanced principles of business letter writing and report preparation.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Principles of effective public relations and interrelationships with community groups and agencies, private businesses and firms, and other levels of government.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report presentations.

ABILITY TO:

• Provide effective leadership and coordinate the activities of assigned municipal organization.
• Develop and administer City-wide goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Analyze and define problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Identify and respond to sensitive community, organizational, and City Council issues, concerns, and needs.
• Work with highly sensitive information while maintaining discretion and trustworthiness.
• Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Exercise sound judgment and professionalism when addressing sensitive personnel matters.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
• Handle multiple demands and priorities simultaneously.
• Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.
• Negotiate and resolve complex issues.
• Make effective public presentations.
• Delegate authority and responsibility.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Other Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively verbally and in a written manner; observe and interpret data, and analyze and solve problems. The employee must be able to work indoor office environments/outdoor in the field environments (depending on position). The employee may have to move up to 20 lbs. and transport up to 10 lbs. objects frequently (depending on position). Vision abilities required by this job include the ability to detect, determine, perceive, identify, estimate, and assess work related objects and/or work products based on position specific designated tasks. The employee may be required to work overtime to complete assignments. Must be able to work a flexible schedule. Use of personal vehicle during employment may also be required.

Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret data and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new skills or information; perform highly detailed work on multiple concurrent tasks; work under changing and intensive deadlines with frequent interruptions; and interact with City officials, media, citizens groups, employees and others encountered in the course of work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work assignments will require a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays and split shifts.
The employee works under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet.

COMPENSATION
The salary range for this position is $174,000 to $211,500 annually with a very attractive benefits package. Salary will depend upon the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
A City application form, cover letter, resume and supplemental questionnaire MUST be submitted and r