Detailed Description (PDF) - Bob Murray & Associates

THE CITY OF
FORT LAUDERDALE,
FLORIDA
INVITES YOUR
INTEREST IN
THE POSITION OF
CITY
MANAGER

Often referred to as
the “Venice of America,”
THE COMMUNITY
Fort Lauderdale is encompassed
by the Atlantic Ocean,
The City of Fort Lauderdale is located along the New River and miles of
the Atlantic coastline in southeast Florida scenic inland waterways.
between Miami and Palm Beach. The City is
home to 185,000 residents, with a daily population
that almost doubles in size. The 7th largest city
in Florida, Fort Lauderdale is the largest of Broward County’s
31 municipalities. The City is centrally located in the largest tri-county
metropolitan region in South Florida. Often referred to as the “Venice of
America,” the City is encompassed by the Atlantic Ocean, the New River
and miles of scenic inland waterways and is known worldwide for its beautiful,
pristine sandy white beaches.
The City of Fort Lauderdale was incorporated in 1911 and is currently gearing
up for its Centennial Celebration with events and programs running throughout
2011. Rich in historical heritage, the City is named after Major William
Lauderdale who established a fortification during the Second Seminole War in
the 1830’s. Today the City of Fort Lauderdale is internationally known as a world
class destination with picturesque beaches and plenty of opportunities for recreation,
relaxation and enjoyment. Visitors and residents enjoy the City’s semi-tropical
climate, natural beauty, and an abundance of cultural, entertainment and educational
opportunities. The City has made a name for itself as a leader in fashion,
fine dining and entertainment. Local attractions include the Riverwalk which
serves as the cornerstone of the City’s arts, science, cultural and historic district.
Local museums and historic sites include the Broward Center for the Performing Arts,
Museum of Discovery and Science, Museum of Art and Old Fort Lauderdale
Village and Museum. In addition, the City is home to the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic
Complex and the International Swimming Hall of Fame; a renowned swim facility
and swim museum. Fort Lauderdale is also the home of the Annual Fort
Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest boat show in the world spread
over 300 million square feet with an economic impact of $550 million. The
downtown area is home to Broward Community College, Florida Atlantic
University, Florida International University, the award-winning Broward County
Main Library, as well as federal, county and school district offices.
In addition to providing an excellent
quality of life, Fort Lauderdale has
also become an attractive location
for businesses. The City
has established itself as an
international business center
with a businessfriendly
environment that
makes it a desirable location
for new, expanding
or relocating businesses. Once focused
primarily on tourism, the City’s economic
base has expanded to include a
variety of industries such as marine,
manufacturing, finance, insurance, real
estate, high technology, avionics/aerospace,
film and television production.
Additionally, the City of Fort Lauderdale
owns and operates the Fort Lauderdale
Executive Airport, which is consistently
ranked in the top 10 general aviation
airports in the United States and has an
annual economic impact of over $815
Million. The City is also home to the
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International
Airport, an emerging international gateway
servicing more than 23 million
passengers annually. Port Everglades, a
portion of which is located within the
City, is one of the largest container
ports in the United States and one of
the world’s busiest cruise departure
ports, serving more than 3 million cruise
passengers annually.
Cooperative efforts amongst residents,
businesses and local government entities
have ensured the continued growth
and overall strength of the City’s economic
base, thereby ensuring that the City of
Fort Lauderdale continues to be a great
place to live, work and play.
THE AGENCY
The mission of the Fort Lauderdale
City Commission is to represent the
public interest, promote quick, courteous
response to residents’ problems, provide
leadership and direction for the
City’s future, and assure the present
and future fiscal integrity of the municipal
government.
The City of Fort Lauderdale has a
Commission-Manager form of govern-

ment. Under this form of government,
the elected City Commission sets policies
for the operation of the City. The City
Commission consists of five members:
the mayor and four district commission
members. The administrative
responsibility of the City rests
with the City Manager. The four
commissioners are elected by individual
districts; the mayor is elected at large.
Each serves a three-year term.
Residents of Fort Lauderdale are very proud of
the City and desire to re-embrace its spirit of community.
Events, festivals, vibrant street life and preservation of its history, neighborhood
character and vitality are all very important to the local community.
Likewise, citizen participation and input in the governmental processes is highly
valued, as is transparency within the government.
The City of Fort Lauderdale values its businesses and wants to continue to
encourage sensible growth and economic development, while promoting equitable
investments and efforts in all areas of the City. The City has an enterprise
zone and a Community Development Agency and is the distributor of HUD funds
for the county. Professional, courteous delivery of all city services to the
community at large is a priority. As a full-service city, the City of
Fort Lauderdale provides fire and police services and has its
own water system. The City is fiscally conservative and is very
supportive of allocating resources for superior public safety.
The City recognizes the need to prepare for future challenges
and desires to be proactive in meeting those challenges.
The City operates “in the Sunshine,” with transparency and
under very broad open public records laws.
THE POSITION
The City Manager is appointed by the Mayor and Commissioners and is
responsible for executing the commission policy and operation of the City’s
16 departments which include the City Manager’s Office, Building, Business
Enterprises, Economic Development, Finance, Fire-Rescue, Human
Resources, Information Systems, Office of Professional Standards,
Parking and Fleet Services, Parks and Recreation, Planning and
Zoning, Police, Procurement Services, Public Information and
Public Works. The City has approximately 2,500 full-time staff
and a total budget of $612 million, including a General Fund of
$324 million.
The new City Manager
will strive to create a positive,
supportive work environment;
to mentor, develop, and empower
staff; and to create a culture
that recognizes and rewards
excellence.
The City Manager is responsible
for providing general leadership,
direction, guidance and management
to City departments, executing
the commission policy,
facilitating the development of
the Mission Statement and the
City’s long range goals and objectives,
coordinating the City efforts to
accomplish cost savings and increased
efficiencies, and preparing Federal and
State Legislative Programs, including
the overseeing of and participating in
active lobbying for favorable consideration
of City funding and legislative requests.
The City Manager is also responsible
for preparation of the City’s annual
operating budget.
THE IDEAL
CANDIDATE
The City Manager is responsible
for carrying out the
vision and goals as set
by the Mayor and the
Board of Commissioners
for the City
of Fort Lauderdale.
Translating the vision
and goals into clear,
visible objectives with
measurable benchmarks is
important to the overall success
of the City. Evaluating and ensuring
efficient operations and streamlined
processes throughout the agency will
be a priority for the new City Manager,
as well as building relationships and
creating dialogue with neighborhoods,
outside stakeholders and other governmental
entities. The ability to take a fresh
look at the City’s economic development

opportunities, including utilization of its many local and regional
resources, is important. Candidates should have experience in
strategic planning, performance measurements, benchmarking,
budgeting for outcomes, and union negotiations. The ability to
negotiate contracts and understand pension funds, as well as the
ability to review bond documents and understand funding sources, is
needed. The successful candidate will be respectful of others and encourage
a creative approach to solving challenges and resolving differences.
Candidates with an open, accessible management style who are responsive,
inclusive, and transparent are sought. The new City Manager will strive to
create a positive, supportive work environment; to mentor, develop, and
empower staff; and to create a culture that recognizes and rewards excellence.
The ideal candidate will be open, honest, of strong moral and ethical
character, and be a visionary leader with excellent interpersonal and communication
skills. The City Manager must be politically savvy, diplomatic, and
must keep Commissioners fully and equally informed. The ability to align the
agency to meet the challenges of the future and to look at the organizational
paradigms with a fresh perspective is desired. Requirements for the position
include a Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in public or business administration;
a Master’s degree is preferred. Candidates should have at least ten years of
experience in public administration, preferably with a municipality of similar size
and complexity, and must be well versed in budgeting practices. An added
emphasis in tourism and economic development is of interest.
THE
COMPENSATION
The salary range is open and dependent upon qualifications. The starting salary
will be based upon the knowledge and experience of the individual selected.
The City offers an excellent benefits package. For additional information on
benefits, please visit: www.fortlauderdale.gov.
The State of Florida does not have a state income tax.
TO APPLY
If interested in this outstanding opportunity,
please visit our website at
www.bobmurrayassoc.com and follow
the prompt to apply online by
creating an applicant profile.
First review of applicants will
take place on March 15, 2011;
position is open until filled.
Resumes will be screened according to
the qualifications outlined above.
Screening interviews with the most
qualified applicants will be conducted
by Bob Murray and Associates in order
to determine a select group of finalist
candidates who will be asked to provide
references; references will be contacted
only following candidate consent. Interviews
will be held in a public forum with
the City of Fort Lauderdale. Candidates
will be advised of the status of the
recruitment following the selection of
the City Manager.
Questions regarding this recruitment
may be directed to Ms. Renee Narloch,
Vice President, Bob Murray & Associates
at reneen@bobmurrayassoc.com or
call 850-391-0000.
The City of Fort Lauderdale is an equal
opportunity/ADA employer.
PURSUANT TO FLORIDA OPEN RECORDS
LAW, APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES ARE
SUBJECT TO DISCLOSURE.