City Manager | City of Ashland, Kentucky

The City of Ashland, Kentucky is currently accepting applications for a City Manager.  Ashland is situated on the Ohio River and provides progressive and central leadership to the Tri-State region of Northeastern Kentucky.  Ashland’s economic and community development opportunities are reflected in its proud past, and bright future, while representing a heritage initiated by the coal, iron, and railroad industries.  State of the art public safety amenities and expertise, provided by the City’s Fire and Police Departments, ensure resident’s safety and security.  A variety of educational options ranging from exceptional public school systems, as well as private schools, and trade-school opportunities are readily available.  A number of four-year university program opportunities exist in the area.  Ashland Community Technical College (part of the Kentucky Community Technical College system), Ohio University Southern campus, Marshall University, and Morehead University classes on ACTC’s campus.  Ashland’s extensive parks and recreation system and numerous festivals emphasize and help maintain a high quality of life along with an excellent YMCA & Paramount Performing Arts Center.

Ashland is a home rule-class city, the largest City in Boyd County, and fifth largest metropolitan area in Kentucky. Ashland is part of the Huntington-Ashland-Ironton metropolitan area which has a population of approximately 360,000.  Ashland serves the community and region with 300 full-time employees, and provides full-city services with a $23.3 million dollar general fund budget and a $51.6 million dollar overall.  The City maintains a balanced budget.  The City is a Community Development Block Grant entitlement city.  Ashland also provides services to many of Boyd County’s 48,325 residents outside the City.  Ashland is a member of FIVCO Regional Development District with excellent interactions with the local county governments and a close association with the Ashland Alliance, a local economic development agency.

Ashland is governed by an elected body consisting of a Mayor and four (4) Commissioners.  The City Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer of the City.  The position is appointed by the elected body for an indefinite time period, and is responsible for implementing the policies enacted by the elected body.  Preparation, presentation, and oversight of the annual budget is a priority.  The City Manager oversees daily operations by directing all department heads including: Police Chief, Fire Chief, Finance Director, Public Works Director, Engineering and Utilities Director, Human Resources Director, Planning and Community Development Director, Economic Development Director, Legal Counsel, and Parks and Recreation Director.  In addition, the City provides area mass transit and county-wide housing assistance.

The minimum requirements for this opportunity include: Bachelor’s Degree, MPA or closely related field preferred.  An engineering background with knowledge and/or experience in utilities (water/sewer systems) would be of value.  Five (5) years of progressive municipal administration experience desirable.  Being an ICMA Credentialed Manager is a bonus.  The individual sought must be an excellent communicator and collaborative leader with significant financial and budgeting skills.  The applicant must possess an established record of effective and adaptive staff management and interpersonal skills.  In addition, the applicant must be skilled at media relations, collective-bargaining, and even-handed relations with the elected body.  The application process will close January 31st, 2017.  Applications may be downloaded at the City Website: www.ashlandky.gov, or picked up at the Ashland City Building, Office of Human Resources, Room 301, 1700 Greenup Avenue.

Salary Range: $120,000 - $140,000

A letter of interest, resume, and completed application including at least five (5) work-related references, should be sent to the Office of Human Resources, P. O. Box 1839, Ashland, KY  41105-1839, (606) 327-2024.  Applications must be received by January 31st, 2017.  

The City of Ashland is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, or non-job-related medical condition or disability.