Deputy Town Manager

Town of Needham
United States, Massachusetts, Needham
Jun 04, 2025
The Town of Needham is seeking highly-skilled, forward-thinking, and dynamic candidates to fulfill the exciting leadership opportunity of Deputy Town Manager. Under the Direction of the Town Manager, the Deputy Town Manager serves as a member of the senior management team, providing leadership, strategic planning and direction, management of operations, and other initiatives requiring independent judgment. The Deputy Town Manager is responsible for the administrative direction and control over multiple departments, as assigned by the Town Manager. This position plans, organizes, develops, and implements municipal operations and policies, budgets, capital projects, special projects, community relations, and other administrative activities in cooperation with the Town Manager, the Select Board, and other Board and Committees, and department managers within the Town. This is an essential position and is expected to respond to emergencies when needed. The Deputy Town Manager also serves as Acting Town Manager during the Town Manager’s absence. CON # 26001 About Needham: Needham, MA (pop. 32,091), incorporated in 1711, is a primarily residential suburban community with a highly regarded school system, a well-managed town, and a strong sense of community. A desirable suburb of Boston, Needham is an ideal location for anyone working in the city or along the I-95/Route 128 corridor as there are three exits providing access to the town. Needham borders Dover, Westwood, Dedham, Wellesley, Newton, and the West Roxbury section of Boston. Needham is 10 miles southwest of Boston, 29 miles east of Worcester, and about 208 miles from New York City. Needham is situated in the greater Boston area, which has excellent rail, air, and highway facilities. Principal highways are State Routes 128 (the inner belt around Boston) and 135, and Interstate Route 95, which shares the same roadway as State Route 128. Commuter rail service is available via four stations to Back Bay Station and South Station in Boston. Needham is a member of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), which provides fixed bus route service between Needham Junction and Watertown Square. Needham has a thriving downtown and is home to global high-technology firms, life science companies, world-class healthcare facilities, and the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering. Multi-modal transportation is very important to the residents and climate resiliency efforts are in the forefront. Housing is a challenging issue as home prices have risen substantially, and zoning requirements and changes will impact future residential development. The town has a strong and dedicated management team, and its departments are provided with the tools, resources and support to promote efficient operations. The Deputy Town Manager and Deputy Town Manager/Director of Finance serve with the Town Manager as the Town’s senior management team. There are six general government collective bargaining groups. These duties are a general summary and not all inclusive: Provides high-level administrative, supervisory and technical work in all areas of municipal management to assist the Town Manager to discharge the duties of the office. Assists the Town Manager in formulating and implementing policies and priorities of the Select Board, Town-wide planning, ongoing issues and other special projects as assigned. Participates in the development of long-range plans, strategic initiatives, and the annual budget. Supervises several departments, as assigned by the Town Manager; establishes performance standards with department managers, evaluates performance, provides oversight over personnel actions and ensures that operational objectives are met. Serves on the negotiating team, at times as principal negotiator, for the Town in collective bargaining with all municipal unions. Supports newly created committees, commissions, boards or programs of permanent or temporary charge by the Select Board or the Town Manager, attending meetings, providing information and guidance, maintaining progress toward objectives, communicating results and consequences and assuring compliance with state and local statutes and regulations. Interacts with multiple stakeholders, internal and external. Attends meetings of professional and civic groups, representing the Town. Is frequently required to attend evening meetings and to work outside of normal business hours on a regular basis. In addition, may be required to work on weekends and may be contacted at home any time to respond to important situations and emergencies. Prepares reports, position papers, and recommendations for the Town Manager and the Select Board. Suggests innovative and efficient approaches to providing town services. Helps facilitate consistent communication and community engagement strategies across departments. The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job: Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field; Over ten (10) years of progressively responsible public sector administrative and supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination; Master’s degree in public administration, business administration, or related field, preferred. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following skills: Working knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations affecting municipal government. Executive/Senior-level management and supervisory experience. Strong written, verbal, public presentation, facilitation, and consensus-building skills. Have strong command presence and demonstrated leadership, management and analytical skills. Ability to develop and negotiate contracts services, including identification and provision of necessary deliverables. Ability to organize and use time effectively and handle several significant responsibilities simultaneously. Ability to listen to and accept criticism. Strong analytical and communication abilities. Ability to interpret complex legal and technical information and manage multiple priorities effectively. Excellent time management, presentation, and organizational skills. Knowledge of computers and computerized accounting, communications, and other applications. Valid State-issued Driver’s License. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook). How to Apply: Applications will be accepted until June 27, 2025 by 11:59 PM. The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone. The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at tswanson@needhamma.gov. Please see job description PI272538103 Please see job description