The next City Manager will serve as a steady and collaborative leader, responsible for managing daily operations, aligning departmental work with City Council policy, and supporting initiatives in infrastructure, development, and city services. Success in this role will require strong interpersonal skills, clear communication, and a commitment to open and accountable governance that fosters trust among staff, elected officials, and community members.

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The City Manager oversees a staff of 23 including five (5) department heads. DPW is the only department operating under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Fire and Emergency Medical Response is provided by the White Lake Area Fire Authority, which is made up of the City of Whitehall, Whitehall Township, and Fruitland Township. The Authority is funded by a millage levied on the three communities.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as Chief Administrative Officer under the authority of the City Charter, carrying out the City Council’s policies and ensuring legal compliance.

• Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and supervision of all non-elected delivery and alignment with strategic priorities.city personnel, including department heads, ensuring effective service.

• Ensure compliance with all labor laws and regulations, developing and implementing HR policies and procedures, managing  employee compensation, benefits, and payroll, overseeing workplace health and safety programs, and maintaining accurate employee records and documentation.

• Administer, enforce, and ensure compliance with all laws, city ordinances, resolutions, and policies adopted by the City Council, including ADA regulations.

• Develop, implement, and manage the annual operating and capital improvement budgets; provide regular financial forecasts and updates to the Council.

• Serves as the City’s Economic Development Coordinator, proactively fostering business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts; collaborates with local, regional, and state partners to stimulate sustainable economic growth, support workforce development initiatives, and enhance the City's overall economic vitality.

• Provides support to the Tax Increment Finance Authority, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, and Local Development Finance Authority aligning their activities with city-wide goals.

• Advise the City Council on policy decisions, strategic planning, and operational issues, and serve as a non-voting participant in all Council meetings.

• Foster relationships with regional, county, state, and federal partners, advocating for resources and legislative support.

• Identify, apply for, and manage grants and alternative funding opportunities.

• Lead emergency response coordination and serve as the City’s communications officer during crises, in collaboration with appropriate agencies.

• Promote community engagement and facilitate communication between the city, residents, and businesses to enhance trust, responsiveness, and service excellence.

• Deliver presentations to community groups and governing bodies to share plans, gather input, and report on progress

• Perform other duties as assigned by the City Council.