HomeMy WebLinkAbout13.F.1. Recruitment and Selection Process for Next Finance DirectorCity of Shakopee
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
FROM: Kris Wilson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Recruitment & Selection Process for Next Finance Director
DATE: November 18, 2010
Introduction
The Council is asked to authorize staff to begin the recruitment and selection process for the
City's next Finance Director.
Background
Finance Director Gregg Voxland has notified us of his intent to retire in late March of 2011, after
32 years of service to the City.
The City Administrator, Mr. Voxland and I are currently working to update the position
description and plan to have a final draft to bring before the City Council for approval at your
December 7 meeting. However, we are seeking authorization to advertise the position and begin
the early stages of the recruitment process now in order to work around the holiday season and
still meet our target timeline.
While our immediate need is for the City's next Finance Director, we hope to use this process to
lay the foundation for some broader succession planning and possible reorganization of the
City's administrative functions in the coming years. There is the potential for this process to
help position the City for both future retirements in several key administrative positions as well
as some of the budget challenges on the horizon for 2012 -2014.
Therefore, the recommendation is that our posting for a Finance Director include language
indicating that the position is likely to evolve and expand over the next 2 to 4 years with the
potential to become responsible for other administrative functions of the City.
Recruitment & Selection Process
Staff proposes that tasks such as advertisement, collection and initial review of applications, and
interview set -up be handled in- house. One or more Finance Directors from comparable metro -
area cities will likely be invited to participate in the interview process to help evaluate the
candidates' specialized knowledge and management testing will likely be sought from a firm
such as PDI to evaluate the top two or three candidates. An in -depth background check will also
be conducted before bringing a recommendation forward to the City Council.
Timeline
There is room in the budget for Mr. Voxland to work side -by -side with the new Finance Director
for approximately one - month, which should be very beneficial. Therefore it is our goal to bring
a recommendation to the City Council by the first meeting in February in order to have the
selected candidate on board in early March.
Relationship to Vision
This item relates to Goal E: Deliver effective and efficient public services by a staff of well -
trained, caring and professional employees.
Requested Action
If the Council concurs, it is asked to authorize staff to advertise for the position of Finance
Director.