Lodi’s search for deputy city manager underway

The search for Lodi’s next deputy city manager has begun with the first round of interviews for the position scheduled for Thursday, according to Lodi Human Resource Director Adele Post.

Six candidates have been selected for the first round of interviews which will be conducted by two panels made up of three to four people. Once the interviews have been conducted, recommendations will be handed to the city manager, who will conduct a second round of interviews.

Post said the city expects to have a decision sometime in February.

The position was left vacant after the departure of Jordan Ayers, who retired in early December. The city posted for the position on Oct. 27 and the application deadline was Nov. 28.

According to Post, the deputy city manager plans, coordinates and organizes the overall administrative functions of the city under the direction of the city manager. The deputy also provides direction, management and coordination of activities for the human resources, budget/revenue/treasury, financial services, and information systems divisions, and represents the city in employee relations. The deputy city manager fosters cooperative working relationships with community groups, inter-governmental agencies and staff and provides staff assistance to the city manager and city council.

Post said the position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major course work in public administration, finance or a closely related field. A master’s degree in public administration, or a closely related field, is highly desirable. The position also requires 10 years of management experience with four of those years in financial management and human resources, preferably in a public agency or governmental setting.