BROOKVILLE — Council has begun its search for a new city manager.

Council began the search after Sonja Keaton recently announced she is retiring from the position in February of 2024.

In a job description provided by council, the city manager is “the chief executive, administrative, and law enforcement officer of the City of Brookville and is responsible for the city’s overall management and administration.”

The job description also states “the city manager exercises supervision over the city’s general affairs and all employees, contractors, and agents.”

The job description further notes “the city manager plans, organizes, and directs the overall city government, monitors the city’s activities, and ensures that council policies and directives are properly implemented and monitored.”

The ideal candidate for the position will possess:

• strong management skills and ability to develop, lead, and nurture high performance and a professional atmosphere.

• ability to lead and manage employees and select, supervise, train, and evaluate personnel according to the city’s personnel policies and procedures.

• be highly collaborative, organized, and efficient; have strong work ethic and demonstrated conflict resolution skills.

• excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills. Ability to prepare clear and concise reports; prepare and administer budgets; and research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques. Ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies.

• strategic thinker and planner, problem solver, and ability to lead the Council and staff in ongoing strategic planning and implementation efforts.

• ability to plan, organize, and direct municipal operations, services, and activities. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives, and procedures.

• ability to identify and respond to community and Council concerns and needs. Ability to establish and maintain effective and important community partnerships.

• Experience in grant writing.

The successful candidate should have:

• a bachelor’s degree (e.g., public administration, business administration, accounting, finance, public policy, or related field) or combination of skills, training, and five years public or municipal administration experience. A Master’s degree or equivalent experience in public or municipal administration is preferred.

• leadership experience in public or municipal administration; knowledge and significant experience in municipal operations, services, and finance, including budget development and implementation.

• knowledge and general understanding of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances governing Ohio municipalities.

• managerial and personnel administration experience in the public and/or private sectors.

• excellent communication skills, experience working closely with elected officials

• experience facilitating conflict management and resolution.

the ability to collaborate and develop effective community partnerships

The salary range for the city manager position is $115,000-$130,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume via [email protected] by Oct. 31, 2023

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

For more information on the city manager position, go to www.brookvilleohio.com, click on the “government” link at the top of the page and then click on “job opportunities” at the bottom of the page.

Keaton, who has been employed in various positions in the city of Brookville for 31 years, was named interim city manager in 2019 after Gary Burkhold resigned from the position.

Keaton was appointed to the city manager position in July of 2019.

Keaton began her career with the city of Brookville in September of 1993 as a deputy clerk.

Keaton became the city’s director of finance in 2000, a position she held for more than 19 years.

While serving as the finance director, Keaton was named assistant city manager in 2010.

Reach Terry Baver at [email protected].