CUMRU TOWNSHIP
POSITION PROFILE
TOWNSHIP MANAGER

 

REPORTS TO: Board of Commissioners

BACKGROUND:

Cumru Township, founded in 1737, is a first class township located in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The township is south of the city of Reading and contiguous to the boroughs of Kenhorst, Shillington and Mohnton. It is governed by a Board of Commissioners who are elected at large by the qualified voters of the Township. The Township has about 14,000 residents, revenues of approximately 12 million dollars, 61 full time and 21 part time employees and 2 unions. It is composed of the following departments: Administration, Police, Fire, Public Works, Finance/Human Resources, Zoning and Park and Recreation and has numerous commissions and boards reporting to the Board of Commissioners as well. The Police Department has a dotted line of supervision to the Township Manager.

The Township Manager has recently decided to accept another position within the Township, leaving the Manager position open. The Township has had good growth until recently. Growth is slowing and expenses are increasing. There is little land left to be developed. The next Township Manager should help position the Township to move to the next level of economic development and community planning while effectively and efficiently managing the township personnel and resources.

POSITION SCOPE:

The Township Manager administers the day to day operations of the Cumru Township government according to the First Class Township Code, as well as planning and implementing tactical and strategic short and long term plans directed and agreed to by the Township Board of Commissioners.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Revenue Generation

  • Research, recommend and implement revenue generating programs
    • Increase grant revenues
    • Explore and create plans for resource sharing with other government municipalities
    • Research mergers/regionalization with other entities

Economic Development/Community Planning

  • Proactively develop plans and promote appropriate uses for remaining commercial, institutional and retail land in the township through creative development, redevelopment and redeployment strategies approved by the Board of Commissioners

Leadership

  • Provide the Cumru Township staff with a future vision of the Township
  • Work with the Board of Commissioners to create a short and long term strategic plan
    • Research, plan, present and implement tactical objectives and strategic goals approved by the Board of Commissioners
  • Communicate

Human Resources

  • Manage all Township employees either directly or through supervisors/managers
    • Supervise/conduct sourcing, recruiting, hiring, disciplining and firing of employees, subject to Board of Commissioners approval
    • Review, revise and document management's position responsibilities
    • Oversee/create policy development and implementation
    • Be lead/point person for labor agreement negotiations
    • Ensure employees develop and are held accountable for achieving their goals and objectives through an effective performance management system
    • Coach supervisors/managers on managing employees
    • Create a positive, cooperative team-oriented work environment in the township union/non-union, staff/management and across functions
    • Serve as chief administrative officer of the pension fund

Public/Community Relations

  • Network with counterpart in other government entities to gather ideas, share equipment and resources
  • Be primary point of contact for public presentation of township issues

Financial

  • Oversee annual budget development and implementation
  • Coordinate investment portfolio
  • Research, plan, present and coordinate capital outlay projects
  • Plan, coordinate and administer the risk and insurance programs
  • Perform duties of a purchasing agent
    • Negotiates contracts
    • Approves purchases of up to $2000

Administration

  • Oversee Information Technology
  • Complete/Oversee regulatory reports
  • Coordinate emergency management for Cumru Township

 POSITION CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Education
    • A four year college degree in Public Administration or related major is preferred *
  • Experience
    • At least 5-10 years of experience managing a government entity of comparable size (12 million dollars) and number of employees (82 employees) with multiple unions is required; prior township management experience of a comparable size is preferred; prior management experience of a first class township of comparable size is a plus*
    • Prior Suburban planning/development/redevelopment experience is required
    • Previous proven experience in generating new sources of revenue is required
    • Prior successful grant writing experience is required *
    • Previous successful strategic planning and execution experience is required *
    • Prior labor agreement negotiation experience required *
    • Previous proven change management experience preferred
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Traits:
    • Knowledge of budget and general understanding and exposure to fund accounting is required *
    • Strong proven leadership skills required