City Project manager

About the Department

The City Projects Development Manager plays a critical leadership role in the planning and delivery of city projects that enhance infrastructure, community services, and long-term growth. In a small rural municipality, this position requires a hands-on, adaptable professional who can guide projects from concept to completion, often working across departments and with limited resources. The manager is responsible for ensuring projects are well-planned, aligned with local priorities, compliant with regulations, and completed efficiently within budget.

Position Duties

• Works with city leadership to identify, define, and prioritize city needs such as road improvements, facility upgrades, utility projects, and community development initiatives.
• Hands-On Project Oversight
• Leads all phases of project development—from drafting scopes and timelines to monitoring daily progress. Coordinates internal staff, contractors, and third-party consultants.
• Research and applies for local, state, and federal grants. Tracks funding deadlines, manages reimbursements, and ensures compliance with funding agency requirements.
• Prepares bid documents, solicits quotes, evaluates proposals, and oversees contractor work to ensure quality and adherence to city standards.
• Coordinates with public works, utilities, city clerks, and other departments to align project work with daily operations and community impact.
• Public Communication & Reporting
• Provides regular updates to the City Council, staff, and community members. Prepares simple, clear reports and attends meetings to explain project status and outcomes.
• Policy & Regulatory Compliance
• Ensures all projects follow relevant building codes, permitting requirements, and safety standards. Assists in drafting city policies or ordinances related to infrastructure and development.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of city operations, capital improvement planning, and public infrastructure needs—particularly in small, rural communities.
• Skilled in identifying, applying for, managing, and reporting on local, state, and federal grant programs relevant to municipal development.
• Proven ability to develop project scopes, budgets, and timelines, oversee construction and vendor work, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Familiar with construction documents, procurement procedures, permitting, building codes, and public bidding laws.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to lead meetings, coordinate cross-departmental efforts, and interact effectively with contractors, officials, and the public.
• Able to manage multiple priorities with limited resources, resolve conflicts, and adapt quickly to changing needs or conditions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and basic project management tools; ability to interpret maps, plans, and reports; familiarity with budgeting and reporting software.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Planning, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 3–5 years of experience managing city, capital improvement, military projects, or infrastructure projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in or with rural municipalities.
• Knowledge of Kansas public sector practices and agencies (e.g., KDOT, USDA).
• Familiarity with small-city budgeting, procurement, and permitting.
• Certification in project management (e.g., PMP) or grant writing (e.g., GPC).
• Military background is a plus.

Other Qualifications

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, and drive for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required (e.g., project plans, binders, small equipment).
• Regularly required to navigate uneven terrain, climb stairs, and perform visual inspections at construction or project sites.
• Must have visual acuity and manual dexterity sufficient to use a computer, read technical documents, and operate standard office and field equipment.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions when visiting job sites.