The City of Hawthorne, Florida, is a quaint city of 1,500 residents that supports a business population of about 20,000. The City is located in Alachua County, about 16 miles from Gainesville, which is home to the University of Florida. The City is in close proximity to 3 community colleges, and major hospitals. Hawthorne has excellent recreational opportunities with 400 lakes in the area and multiple sites for hunting, fishing, and biking.
The City Commission is made up of a Mayor, elected annually from the City Commission and four Commission members with three-year staggered terms. They are seeking a City Manager that is comfortable working in a small community and a good ambassador that treats others with dignity and respect. The Manager should have the leadership skills to motivate a City staff that consists of 11 full-time employees that include finance, public works, utility billing, City Clerk, and Parks and Recreation. The City Manager also supervises the Community Redevelopment Agency and serves as the staff member to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Police and Fire services are contracted to Alachua County and the water and sewer plants are maintained daily by staff and operated by outside contractors.
The City Manager serves at the pleasure of the City Commission for an indefinite term. However, this does not prevent the Commission from entering into a written contract for a fixed period of time with the Manager. The Compensation and benefits of the Manager are fixed by the Commission. The salary range is $95,000-$110,000. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Course work in Public Administration, Business Administration, or City Planning is preferred. Candidate must show success in professional management, which must include strong budgeting, supervising and communication skills. Five years of work experience in Public Administration is required. However, an equal amount of work experience in the private sector in management with a company of similar size and complexity to Hawthorne may be considered a functional equivalent.
The City Manager is appointed as the Chief Administrative Officer of the City. The Manager is responsible to the City Commission for the administration of all City Affairs. The Manager directs and supervises the administration of all departments and is responsible for the hiring, supervision and removal of all City employees. The Manager ensures that all laws and acts of the Commission are carried out and submits the annual budget to the Commission for adoption. He/she also presents the comprehensive annual financial report to the Commission and keeps them advised of the financial condition and future needs of the City.
The successful candidate must build a sense of trust with the community and find ways to include residents in the important decisions that affect the City. He/she must treat others with respect and build a team with City employees. The Manager must be inclusive with all Commissioners and keep them informed of City activities on a regular basis. He/she must be able to balance the needs of the Commission, office staff and parks and maintenance personnel.
Major challenges the new City Manager will face include administering and keeping track of numerous grants, a waste treatment plant, implementing elements of the City’s strategic plan, and growth management issues which includes residential and commercial opportunities. Keeping water and sewer lines maintained and able to meet the demands placed on utilities and city facilities created by new growth will be crucial.
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume with at least 3-5 work-related references to LaKesha H. McGruder, City Clerk, City of Hawthorne, ATTN: City Manager Candidate, 6875 SE 221 Street, Hawthorne, FL 32640, or e-mail to , ATTN: City Manager Candidate. Applications must be received by Friday, November 22, 2022, or any extension thereof. Additional contact for information on position: Audrie Hoehn, Esq., City Attorney, at (352) 443-0594.
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