LTC 173-2024 Update on City Manager Recruitment Process
1
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
LTC No.______________
LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Ricardo J. Dopico, City Attorney and Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
DATE: May 6, 2024
SUBJECT: Update on City Manager Recruitment Process
We are writing to inform you of the recent developments regarding the search for the next City
Manager. Executive Consultant Jim Dineen has met individually with each member of the City
Commission to gather preferences on background, skills, traits, and experience desired for the
position. Based on these discussions and a thorough review of the Deputy City Manager and
Assistant City Manager job descriptions, the consultant has modified the City’s 2006 City Manager
job description to reflect a balanced incorporation of the consensus desires of the City
Commission members. Please find attached the recommended job description for your review.
Additionally, the consultant has prepared a recruitment brochure, which serves as the main
source of information for prospective candidates. This draft includes details about the community,
the City organization, priority challenges and opportunities, as well as key professional and
leadership characteristics based on the input received from the City Commission. It also outlines
information on compensation, the recruitment process, the anticipated schedule, and other
pertinent details captured during the Commission interviews.
Furthermore, we have included a Summary of the Recommended Process, outlining an updated,
ambitious yet achievable schedule leading to the selection of the next City Manager on July 24,
2024.
City Attorney Ricardo J. Dopico and City Clerk Rafael E. Granado have reviewed and updated
these materials as necessary. We kindly request that you review these documents at your earliest
convenience and contact us with any requested changes.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your feedback and collaboration
as we proceed with the recruitment process for the next City Manager.
F:\CLER\$ALL\REG\CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT 3\LTCS\LTC - Job Description; Recruitment Brochure; Budget; Schedule.docx
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City of Miami Beach, FL
City Manager Recruitment, May 2024
Summary of Recommended Process
Job Description Update and Draft Recruitment Brochure Text
Executive Consultant Jim Dineen met individually with each member of the City Commission to
discuss preferences on background, skills, traits, and experience preferred for its next City
Manager.
Using the information obtained in the discussions, as well as a review of the City’s Deputy City
Manager and Assistant City Manager job descriptions, the consultants are recommending
modifications to the minimum qualifications currently in the 2006 version of the City Manager
job description. The attached document shows the recommended job description.
Also attached is the recommended text for a full-color electronic recruitment brochure that will
be the main source of information for prospective candidates. The draft includes information
about the community and the city organization and provides details regarding the priority
challenges and opportunities and key professional and leadership characteristics that reflect
the input of the City Commission. The text also provides information on compensation, process
and anticipated schedule, and other details as captured in the Commission interviews.
Advertising the Job
GovHR / MGT has developed an advertising budget based on our evaluation of the best
advertising venues for Miami Beach (included as an attachment). Advertising costs up to $2,500
are included in the cost of GovHR’s executive search contract.
Process Schedule
The City Commission has expressed a desire to move through the recruitment process
expeditiously. The following schedule can be achieved, provided each milestone is met as
specified. Any delays in the identified milestones will result in an extension to the process.
• May 3 – Consultants submit proposed job description update, recruitment brochure
text, recommended job advertising sources, and process schedule.
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Miami Beach City Manager Recruitment
Summary of Recommended Process
Page 2
• May 15 – The City Commission reviews, discusses, and approves the revised job
description, recruitment brochure text, job advertising sources, and general process.
• May 20 - June 14 – Once approved, brochure text is converted to a full-color
recruitment brochure as part of the job posting. Position announcements are placed on
selected job advertising sources and the GovHR / MGT website and social media.
Personal outreach to qualified candidates (based on the job description) is conducted by
consultants.
• June 15 - 27 – Consultants conduct candidate reviews, due diligence, and remote
interviews. Consultants will narrow candidates down to the top six to eight.
• June 28 – Consultants submit electronic recruitment portfolio to the City Clerk with
information on the top six to eight candidates.
• June 29 - July 9 – City Commission members exercise personal choice in meeting
individually (remotely) with candidates before the City Commission meeting, as
coordinated through their staff.
• July 10 – The City Commission receives a candidate briefing from the consultant during
its public meeting. The Commission votes on the top two to four candidates to invite to
the in-person interviews.
• July 23 – Day reserved for Commission one-on-one in-person interviews.
• July 24 – The City Commission conducts public interviews of each finalist. The
Commission then selects the final candidate.
Following the selection of the final candidate, the City and the candidate will enter into contract
negotiations for an employment agreement. GovHR / MGT advises the City Commission to act
on a final agreement as soon as possible. Candidates will not submit final notice to their
current employer or finalize moving/housing arrangements until a contract is approved, which
could delay a candidate’s start date.
GovHR / MGT Executive Consultant Jim Dineen will participate at the May 15 City Commission
meeting to review the content of all documents submitted and answer any questions.
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MIAMIBEACH
City Manager
Salary Grade: UNC
Job Code: 1001
NATURE OF WORK
Highly responsible administrative and managerial work in the operation of a full-service City government. This
position serves a dual purpose – as public administrator and chief executive officer of Miami Beach.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Directs and coordinates work of the staff and operating departments
• Hires and fires staff
• Administers the personnel system and deals with employees
• Monitors and controls the financial affairs of the City
• Prepares and implements budget
• Relates to neighboring jurisdictions; the county, state, and federal government; other governmental agencies;
and local citizens, interest groups, vendors, and contractors
• Conducts press relations and public relations
• Carries out directives from the City Commission
• Responds to, and solves citizen problems
• Devises policy recommendations
• Solves problems
• Advises City Commission of recommendations
• Directs the development of policies and procedures relative to collective bargaining negotiations and
interpretation, Human Resources administration, and special projects assigned by the City Commission
• Directs the City's collective bargaining negotiations, contract agreements, impasse proceedings, grievances,
and related employee-relations activities
• Serves on the Board and Executive Committee of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and such
other local, state and national boards and committees as required
• Performs related tasks as required
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Extensive knowledge of public management and organization theories, principles, practices, and techniques at
the local level
• Thorough knowledge of the organization, function, and methods of operation of the City's legislative and
executive staff and departments
• Extensive knowledge of the basic laws, ordinances, and regulations underlying the municipal corporation
• Thorough knowledge of municipal finances and administration
• Ability to analyze a variety of complex administrative problems, to make sound recommendations for their
solutions, and to prepare working procedures
• Ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City officials, employees, and the
general public
• Ability to plan, supervise, and coordinate the work of subordinates
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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university; master’s degree preferred
• At least fifteen (15) years of executive-level management experience, with at least seven (7) years as a
CAO/CEO or Deputy CAO/CEO in a complex, dynamic, and diverse government or private sector organization
• Demonstrated professional management and leadership skills, including oral and written communication skills,
financial management, human resources, labor relations, public/private joint ventures, tourism, planning and
community development, economic development, public safety, and general municipal services and operations
• Experience in dealing effectively with diverse cultures
• City of Miami Beach residency is highly preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Must have the use of sensory skills to communicate and interact effectively with other employees and the
public through the use of the telephone and personal contact
• Physical capability to use and operate effectively various items of office-related equipment, such as, but not
limited to, personal computers, calculators, and copiers
• No significant standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, handling,
sitting, standing, pushing, and pulling
• Strong stamina for complex work and able to work long hours
• Ability to read extensively and quickly
• Ability to retain the substance of reading materials
• Ability to maintain good relationships with others, delegate responsibility, energize subordinates, and seek to
reconcile divergent points of view
• Work is performed with substantial latitude for independent judgment subject to review by the City Commission
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
• Plans, organizes, and directs City departments
Created/Revised: 05/15/24
Dept./Division: City Manager
Job Code: 1001
EEO Class Code: Official / Administrator
Union Status: Unclassified
FLSA Code: Exempt
Salary Grade: UNC
Pension: General
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
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City of Miami Beach City Manager
Recommended Recruitment Brochure Text
GovHR USA, part of MGT Consultfng, is excited to announce its partnership with the City of
Miami Beach, FL (pop. 80,000) in a natfonwide search for a highly professional, creatfve, and
dynamic City Manager with a proven track record of success. This individual will be entrusted to
collaborate with a newly seated City Commission to oversee municipal operatfons and engage in
transformatfonal change that will redefine the future of one of the most unique, beautfful, and
high-profile communitfes in America.
About the Community
With white, sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and an iconic cultural scene, Miami Beach has a
rich history stemming back from the turn of the 20th century, evolving over the years into a
major conventfon destfnatfon and internatfonal resort area. With a populatfon of 80,000 and an
average daily populatfon closer to 200,000, Miami Beach remains a destfnatfon for millions of
visitors to its world-famous shores each year. Its evolutfon from a retfrement community to a
diverse, multf-cultural community where the average age is 40 reflects its transformatfon to a
younger, higher income, working community.
Miami Beach is a cosmopolitan, tropical island city whose residents are as diverse as its visitors.
The City boasts over seven miles of beaches and an uninterrupted Beachwalk from one end of
the City to the other, two public golf courses, 44 parks, 2 tennis centers, art and culture, dining
and nightlife, world-class shopping, and even an ice rink, all within approximately 7 square miles
of land. The City is also committed to preserving its historic buildings and culture.
As a trend-setting arts and entertainment mecca, and a shopping and cultural wonder situated
between Biscayne Bay and the blue waters of the Atlantfc Ocean, Miami Beach is enjoyed by
visitors, world travelers, celebritfes, and locals alike. The City is home to museums and art
galleries, as well as the New World Symphony Orchestra and the Miami City Ballet. Walking the
streets and esplanades of Miami Beach provides a world of artfstfc treasures. Internatfonal art,
boat and car shows, and wine and food festfvals make their home here every year while streets
such as Lincoln Road, Española Way, Ocean Drive, and Collins Avenue provide a wide variety of
boutfques, popular retailers, and restaurants.
The City benefits from being part of a global transportatfon gateway with connectfons to world-
class infrastructure, such as two nearby internatfonal airports, and PortMiami, known
worldwide as the Cruise Capital of the World, and welcoming more cruise passengers to its
terminals than any other port in the world.
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Pop-out box or features:
Snapshot: Miami Beach Demographics
- Hispanic – 60.3%
- Black – 22.4%
- White – 16.3%
- Asian – 0.8%
- Other – 0.1%
- Natfve American – 0.1%
Interestfng facts about Miami Beach
- Approximately 80,000 residents (about half are foreign-born)
- Welcomes 10.9 million overnight visitors annually
- Approximately 60 miles of waterways
City Government
Incorporated in 1915, the City of Miami Beach operates under a Commission/City Manager form
of government. The City Commission consists of the Mayor and six Commissioners who serve as
the policy-making body of the City. The Mayor and Commission are elected on a citywide,
nonpartfsan basis, and they appoint the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, and Inspector
General. All other department heads are appointed by the City Manager with the consent of the
City Commission. The City Manager is responsible for implementfng Commission policies and
decisions, providing executfve-level leadership, vision, and guidance to the organizatfon, and for
the daily operatfons of the City.
The City of Miami Beach is a full-service government providing a broad range of services to its
residents and annual visitors. Its FY 2024 annual budget is $829 million, with a General Fund
operatfng budget of $428 million. The City exhibits a strong financial standing, highlighted by
substantfal reserves, a prestfgious AA+ General Obligatfon Bond credit ratfng, and an FY 24
Budget that has grown by close to 12% from the prior year fueled by contfnuing increases in
property values and enhanced tax and revenue collectfons. In 2018 and 2022, Miami Beach
voters overwhelmingly approved General Obligatfon Bond programs totaling nearly $600 million
in infrastructure investments that are transforming this iconic City into a resilient, arts and
culture destfnatfon unlike any other.
With a talented and dedicated leadership team (City organizatfon chart), the City has extensive
services, programs, propertfes, and facilitfes that provide both amenitfes and opportunitfes
benefitfng residents, businesses, and visitors alike. The City owns and operates the Miami Beach
Conventfon Center campus, which recently underwent an award-winning $649 million
renovatfon and expansion and welcomes more than 600,000 visitors annually. Two
redevelopment agencies (Miami Beach Redevelopment Agency and North Beach Community
Redevelopment Agency) are helping to revitalize the community. Significant efforts are
underway to enhance community public safety, improve transportatfon and pedestrian
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corridors, support workforce housing initfatfves, and improve services for its year-round
residents. The 2040 Miami Beach Comprehensive Plan guides the directfon of the City in a broad
range of categories, from land use and development issues to historic preservatfon and capital
investments. Miami Beach residents are highly engaged and connected with their City
government, with over 40 separate boards and committees providing input to departments and
the elected body.
Pop-out box:
FY 24 Budget Highlights
- General Fund Reserves of $95.7 million
- Resort Tax Fund Reserves of $37.9 million
- 2,276 Authorized FTEs
- Top revenue source: property taxes (52%)
- Total assessed valuatfon of $51.5 billion
The Position
The City Commission seeks a capable and talented City Manager who can serve as a unifying
force in implementfng the vision of the newly seated Commission. The successful candidate
must be an ethical and innovatfve leader who is not afraid to think outside the box. They must
have both courage and wisdom and be capable of managing extensive programs and projects
while ensuring top-tfer resident services.
The Commission is committed to enhancing residents’ quality of life in tandem with boostfng
commercial opportunitfes. In additfon to overseeing major capital investments, the new City
Manager must excel at managing daily operatfons like street repairs, park upkeep, and waste
management. They must be a team builder and mentor that inspires respect and loyalty while
promotfng a work environment that empowers employees to reach their full potentfal.
This role offers a unique opportunity to embrace challenges while engaging in world-class
opportunitfes to interact daily with a vibrant and diverse mix of residents, businesses,
community groups, and various high-profile global influencers. The ideal candidate will be open
to diverse perspectfves and new ideas of City leaders while exercising professional fortftude to
provide insightiul guidance to the elected body, even when unpopular.
Priority Opportunities and Challenges
- New City direction and focus – The City Commission has intentfonally moved away from
a “spring break image” to one that embraces an elevated focus on effective community
policing. The Commission is committed to rebalancing City initfatfves with a focus on
upgrading public safety and positfvely impactfng its citfzen’s quality of life.
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- Extensive Capital Program – The City has an ambitfous capital investment strategy that
has and will contfnue to result in excitfng world-class infrastructure improvements within
the community. Combined with ongoing private capital investments, effectfve oversight
and coordinatfon is a top priority for the City Commission.
- Workforce Challenges – Similar to other coastal regions in Florida, Miami Beach faces
challenges in attractfng and retaining employees. While the local housing market may
pose obstacles for potentfal recruits, fostering an environment where team members
feel appreciated, integrated into the team, and entrusted with meaningful
responsibilitfes serves as compelling retentfon strategies.
- Leading the Way in Climate Resilience - Miami Beach is at the forefront of climate
resilience planning and actfon for both public infrastructure and private property. The
City is tackling challenges head-on with an integrated approach to improve the quality of
life today for the community. However, as a low-lying barrier island with a porous
limestone geology and a high water table, the City is partfcularly vulnerable to the
impacts of sea level rise, storms, and high tfdes. The City has been recognized by ratfng
agencies, insurers, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for having a
robust program to reduce risk. While there is much transitfon ahead, the City has
committed to invest in aging infrastructure, incrementally adaptfng to sea level rise, and
using the best available science and engineering.
- Work on a collegial team in a world-famous location – Located in a breathtaking
tropical setting, you'll be working in a vibrant locale alongside a team of 2,700 dedicated
colleagues. City Hall is conveniently positfoned in the heart of the City, merely four
blocks away from the beach, and centrally located near the cultural and commercial hub
of Miami Beach.
- Global networking opportunities abound in Miami Beach where virtually nowhere else
can offer such an electrifying, world-class opportunity to engage daily with a diverse
array of community groups and respected global influencers.
Key Leadership and Professional Characteristics
- An open, honest, inquisitive, and transparent leader who possesses a high level of
emotfonal intelligence coupled with the ability to effectfvely engage others with diverse
backgrounds, cultures, and ideas in a tactiul, mature, calming, and flexible manner to
build trust, transparency, and productfve relatfonships. Open to and actfvely seeks new
ideas and ways of getting to ‘Yes’ in any given situatfon.
- A leader receptive to diverse viewpoints and fresh concepts from City leaders while
demonstratfng the professional courage to counsel the City Commission when
necessary, offering alternatfve solutfons and serving as an internal advisor.
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- Someone who possesses creativity and innovation in evaluating existing processes and
procedures with expertise in identifying and implementing best practices for enhancing
efficiency and effectiveness.
- A skilled mentor with a team focus that inspires respect, loyalty, and trust. One who
promotes a work environment that empowers employees to reach their full potential.
- A champion of change who removes performance barriers and dismantles silos that
contribute to citizen concerns about a declining quality of life.
- A leader comfortable working in a fast-paced environment capable of successfully
addressing and resolving complex municipal issues on multfple high-level projects and
situatfons and who is nimble in changing course or directfon when the need arises.
- A polished and diplomatic representative capable of engaging with high-profile
individuals, who can effectfvely represent the City’s interests, and foster beneficial
connectfons for its growth and development.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, master’s
degree preferred. In additfon, applicants must have at least fifteen (15) years of executfve-level
management experience, with at least seven (7) years as a CEO or Deputy CEO in a complex,
dynamic, and diverse government or private sector organizatfon combined with experience
dealing effectfvely with diverse cultures. Demonstrated professional management and
leadership skills in:
• Public safety
• Community and economic development
• Tourism
• Municipal services and operatfons
• Communicatfon skills
• Financial management
• Human resources and labor relatfons
• Public/private joint ventures
For the full job descriptfon, go to ____________ (will add after Commission approval and
placement on the City website).
Total Compensation
Acknowledging the reality that the best talent requires compensatfon in direct relatfonship to
skills a job demands, the City Commission is prepared to offer a salary package commensurate
with its challenges. Depending on the qualificatfons of the successful candidate, the
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Commission will start base salary negotfatfon at $360,000 plus generous executfve benefits. In
additfon, the Commission unanimously believes that to effectfvely manage in this unique and
dynamic environment, the City Manager should reside in and experience the “Miami Beach
lifestyle.” In keeping with this philosophical belief, the Commission desires that the next
manager will take up residence in the City after the appointment. To facilitate this, the
Commission may consider some form of housing support in the total compensatfon package,
subject to negotfatfon. Relocation assistance is available to the selected candidate.
The City of Miami Beach will provide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance;
health savings and flexible spending accounts; paid time off; wellness incentives; paid parental
leave; 457 retirement plan and more. Employees do not pay Social Security taxes.
The City also has its own defined benefit pension plan with a 4% annual multiplier and 4-year
vesting schedule for the City Manager. The plan offers a maximum benefit of up to 80% of your
highest five-year average salary, depending on your total tenure with the City, up to the
limitations set forth in Section 401 (a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code and regulations
promulgated thereunder.
Application Process and Anticipated Schedule
Candidates must apply electronically with a resume, cover letter, and contact information for
five professional references at www.GovHRJobs.com by June 14, 2024. Candidates are advised
that the City Commission expects to receive a briefing on the top six to eight candidates from
the consultant on July 10, when they expect to choose three to four finalists. Individual
Commissioners may choose to have one-on-one discussions with initial candidates beginning
June 29. Final in-person interviews are expected to be conducted in public with the City
Commission on July 24.
For questions or more information contact MGT’s GovHR Executive Consultant Jim Dineen at
386.846.2612 or Senior Vice President Joan Walko at 410.499.9586.
Government in the Sunshine
Information contained in the Florida Sunshine Law assists the public and governmental agencies
in understanding the requirements and exemptions to Florida's open government laws. The
Attorney General's Office compiles a comprehensive guide known as the Government-in-the-
Sunshine manual. Candidates are advised to be aware that all aspects of this recruitment are
open to public records requests throughout the process.
The City of Miami Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Client Miami Beach, FL
Job Title City Manager
Consultant Jim Dinneen & Joan Walko
Prepared by Kathy Faulkner
Source Name Post Fee
NATIONAL
LinkedIn $399.00
International City/County Management
Association (ICMA)$450.00
National Forum for Black Public
Administrators (NFBPA)$400.00
Careers in Government
(Featured job w/Diversity Boost)$399.00
National Association of Counties (NACO)$399.00
Local Government Hispanic Network $250.00
League of Women in Government $175.00
GovernmentJobs.com / NeoGov
Miami Beach will post $0.00
Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL)
Under GovHR/MGT membership $0.00
STATE
Florida Association of Counties $150.00
Florida League of Cities (FLC)$0.00
Florida City/County Management Association
(FCCMA)$0.00
TOTAL:$2,622.00
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