Deputy Town Manager/Finance Director

Town of Ipswich, MA

$150K — $175K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, finance, accounting, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
  • 7-10 years of progressively responsible municipal or public-sector management experience, including supervisory experience.
  • Expertise in municipal finance, budgeting, capital planning, debt management, procurement, and regulatory compliance.
  • Strong communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
  • MCPPO required (or ability to obtain within one year).
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment and work effectively with elected officials, staff, residents, and partner agencies.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the Finance & Operations Directorate, overseeing various departments.
  • Partner closely with the Town Manager on budget development and financial planning.
  • Provide strategic guidance to department heads on operational matters and collective bargaining.
  • Oversee procurement, financial reporting, compliance, and risk management.
  • Lead Town-wide projects and cross-department initiatives for operational efficiency.
  • Represent the Town Manager at finance meetings and community events, acting in their absence.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive involvement in municipal leadership and financial strategy.
  • Opportunity to work closely with the Town Manager on high-impact projects.
  • Potential for professional growth towards a Town Administrator/Town Manager role.
  • Engagement in community-oriented decision-making processes.
  • Collaborative work environment with multiple departments.
Full Job Description
JOB POSTING

Deputy Town Manager/Finance Director

Town of Ipswich, MA

Starting Salary Range: $150,000 - $175,000, commensurate with experience
Priority Application Deadline: Thursday, September 10th

The Town of Ipswich is seeking a highly skilled and collaborative Deputy Town Manager/Finance Director to serve as the Town's senior financial and operational executive. This newly reconfigured role represents a pivotal leadership opportunity within a well-managed community poised for continued success.

As thesecond in command to the Town Manager and a core member of the Town's executive leadership team, the Deputy Town Manager/Finance Director provides high-level strategic direction across municipal finance, operations, internal services, and policy development. This position integrates the financial backbone of local government operations with town-wide organizational leadership, cross-department coordination, and executive management responsibilities.

About the Role

The Deputy Town Manager/Finance Director:
  • Leads the Finance & Operations Directorate, overseeing Accounting, Assessing, Treasury/Collection, the Town Clerk's Office, and Information Technology.
  • Partners closely with the Town Manager on the development of Ipswich's operating and capital budgets, long-range financial forecasts, multi-year revenue and expenditure projections, and major capital and infrastructure planning.
  • Provides strategic guidance to department heads on financial, operational, and administrative matters and serves on the Town's collective bargaining team.
  • Oversees procurement and contract administration, financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, risk management, and operational audits.
  • Leads Town-wide projects and cross-department initiatives, including capital project tracking, grant management support, operational efficiency reviews, and organizational improvement efforts.
  • Represents the Town Manager at Finance Committee meetings, relevant Select Board meetings, and other community events. Serves as Acting Town Manager in the Town Manager's absence.

This position offers an exceptional opportunity for a municipal leader who is hands-on, strategic, and eager to deepen their executive management experience. It is well suited for someone seeking to advance toward a Town Administrator/Town Manager role or for a seasoned professional seeking a long-term, high-impact leadership position within a high-performing municipal organization.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, finance, accounting, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
  • 7-10 years of progressively responsible municipal or public-sector management experience, including supervisory experience.
  • Expertise in municipal finance, budgeting, capital planning, debt management, procurement, and regulatory compliance.
  • Strong communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
  • MCPPO required (or ability to obtain within one year).
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment and work effectively with elected officials, staff, residents, and partner agencies.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email a cover letter, résumé, and completed Town employment application to [redacted]. Please include "Deputy Town Manager/Finance Director" in the subject line.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Town of Ipswich, MA

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Deputy Town Manager/Finance Director jobs: