ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER/SENIOR MANAGEMENT ANALYST

ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER/SENIOR MANAGEMENT ANALYST

Salary

$120,509.72 - $153,804.41 Annually

Location

City Hall - 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, CA

Job Type

Full-Time (Exempt)

Job Number

2026-0003

Department

Administration

Opening Date

08/04/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER

$120,509 - $153,804 annually

SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYST

$98,621 - $125,868 annually

First Review of applications will take place on August 25, 2026, or when the first 25 qualified applications are received.

Our City

The City of Signal Hill is a desirable place to live and work because of its safe neighborhoods, abundant business opportunities, inclusive culture, and beautiful green spaces. With its central location, the community takes great pride in its recreational amenities which include 11 City parks and open space area covering over 29 acres, an extensive walking trail system, abundant recreation and library programs, and an array of annual events.

The City of Signal Hill, with a population of approximately 11,800 and covering 2.2 square miles, is located in Los Angeles County within four miles of the Pacific Ocean. Signal Hill was incorporated on April 14, 1924, roughly three years after the discovery of a vast oil field. Known for its beautiful setting, Signal Hill claims the only accessible high ground for miles around with an impressive hilltop park which provides spectacular panoramic views.

The Position

The Assistant to the City Manager is a member of the City's Executive Management Team. This position provides complex, administrative and executive level support to the City Manager and the City Managers Office regarding the internal control and coordination of existing City programs.

The position works closely with the City Manager and Deputy City Manager to implement various programs and performs duties related to the administration of the City which may change depending on organizational needs. The Assistant to the City Manager monitors the budget and prepares the Administration Department mid-year budget and biennial budget. This position also performs highly responsible and technical administrative and analytical work; conducts research projects on behalf of the City Manager, manages department contracts, and processes department invoices. The Assistant to the City Manager also works closely with the City Clerk to produce City Council agenda packets, including reviewing agenda reports and related documents for compliance with the City's writing standards, reviewing technical information and producing physical agenda packets for the City Council. The Assistant to the City Manager also administers and implements the City's Strategic Plan and the Communication Plan. This position manages one full-time staff member responsible for the City's communication duties which are described in detail below. The Assistant to the City Manager may also represent the City in ongoing negotiations involving real property and assists the Community Development Department with the implementation of certain economic development functions, programs, and marketing/communication efforts.

Example of Duties

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to the following characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• The position performs highly responsible research, analyses and studies on a wide range of management, administrative, financial, policy and other organization issues in support of the planning and execution of City goals and objectives.
• Demonstrates an excellent level of writing agenda reports and complex policy documents.
• Participates in establishing operational plans and initiatives to meet goals and objectives of the Administrative Services Department; implements work programs, processes, procedures, and policies required to achieve overall Office performance results; participates in development of the City Council Agenda, provides general administrative support to the City Council and Administration Department, prepares the Departments budget and budget process, coordinates the Citys legislative advocacy efforts;
• Provides support to the City Clerk's Division with duties related to public records requests and agenda management;
• Oversees and manages the Communications Division activities and functions; works with other departments on communication and marketing efforts related to special projects, including developing a marketing program and strategy for the Opportunity Study Area (OSA) to include implementation of a microsite and digital marketing packets targeting current and future development partners.
• Supports the City's communication efforts, supervising the activities of the Communications Specialist/Officer including posting on social media, preparing the City Views newsletters, producing the Mayor's Minute Video, and showcasing local business through the Business Spotlight program.
• Provides support to other City Departments, working on special assignments, as directed by the City Manager.
• Serves as the staff liaison to the Diversity Coalition Committee and City Council appointed ad hoc committees.
• Prepares and publishes public meeting agendas for City Council and Diversity Coalition Committee; prepares and edits agenda reports; prepares meeting minutes.
• Plans, coordinates, organizes and conducts complex and highly responsible administrative and management analysis relating to assigned issues and/or programs; identifies problems, determines analytical techniques, and statistical and information-gathering processes and obtains necessary information and data for analysis; analyzes alternatives and makes recommendations; prepares revenue and cost analyses; develops and presents reports making conclusions and recommendations; develops implementation plans and assists to implement policies and procedures; prepares agenda reports, staff memos, and presentation materials for the City Manager and Deputy City Manager.
• As assigned, represents the City and works closely with appointed boards and committees and public and private officials to implement planned programs and recommendations and provide technical assistance in resolving problems.
• Attends City Council meetings and work sessions as assigned; researches, responds to and prepares correspondence; performs necessary follow up and communicates with City management on sensitive and confidential issues.
• Represents the City in meetings with civic, community, and industry groups and with representatives of other governmental agencies as assigned.
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates professional, para-professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
• Develop, evaluate and review applications for State and Federal funding.
• Prepare required reporting documents to the State and other agencies.
• Professionally prepare and deliver oral and written presentations to internal and external audiences in a variety of public and private settings.
• Administer the departments budget.
• Conducts special studies and projects as assigned by the City Manager regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of various City operations and activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

EXPERIENCE:

At least three (3) years of full-time increasingly responsible professional experience in administrative, management or operations capacity in a municipal government setting including administrative analysis, budget preparation and control, and project and program administration; or any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities.

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

Equivalent to a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Urban Planning, Urban Studies or a closely related field.

A Masters Degree in Public Administration or other closely related field is desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License with acceptable driving record.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Knowledge of:

Modern public administration and management principles, practices, procedures, program management, and organizational development; applicable federal, state, and local laws regulations; research techniques and statistical analysis; principles, practices, and methods of municipal budgeting; record keeping principles and practices; effective techniques and methods of leadership and supervision; methods of report preparation and presentation; principles of community and public relations and effective public speaking techniques; operation of personal computers and software applications..

Ability to:

Independently perform a wide variety of administrative duties; analyze complex and sensitive administrative, operational, economic and organizational issues and evaluate alternatives in order to reach sound conclusions; collect, evaluate and interpret varied information and data; interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures; coordinate a variety of complex assignments simultaneously and meet critical deadlines; prepare concise and effective reports and other written documents; evaluate and develop effective procedures, policies, methods, and operations; effectively administer assigned program responsibilities; supervise, train and evaluate personnel; communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; operate appropriate office and computer equipment and applications; effectively represent the City Managers Office demonstrating excellent customer service; exercise sound judgment, initiative and creativity in making difficult decisions; maintain and exhibit discretion and integrity when handling sensitive situations; learn and work with political sensitivities of outside agencies, internal committees and commissions; exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful and effective service attitude with the public, co-workers and others who are contacted in the course of work.

Plan, organize and manage a variety of projects, programs and activities; successfully adhere to multiple deadlines and handle multiple projects concurrently; organize and conduct independent research and analysis with minimal supervision; prepare clear, concise, and informative correspondence and reports, including City Council reports, technical reports, and contract documents; work in a team with the City Manager, City Attorney and City staff; make oral presentations on programs, activities and budgets to the City Council; communicate professionally and effectively to internal and external customers in a variety of settings, both orally and in writing; outreach to development community, understand community needs and proactively work to address these needs in conjunction with the strategic plans goals; establish, maintain and enhance effective working relationships with those encountered in the performance of required duties, including staff, clients, contractors, property owners, and elected and appointed officials

Physical Requirements:

Ability to operate a variety of automated office machines, including a calculator, copier, personal computer and applicable software programs; coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing slightly skilled movements, such as data entry; exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, typically involving lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling, sitting, and/or walking; maneuver and steer equipment and machinery requiring simple, but continuous adjustments, such as the operation of an automobile.

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability:

Ability to exercise independent judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving directions, control and planning of an entire program or multiple programs; ability to decide time, place and sequence of operations within an organizational framework, as well as the ability to oversee their execution; ability to analyze and categorize data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives.

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication:

Ability to utilize consulting data and information, such as legal briefs, economic analysis; ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, businesses, residents, elected and appointed officials, and the general public, both verbally and in writing; ability to effectively make presentations; ability to prepare development agreements and reports; ability to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, operations, state and federal laws as they pertain to City operations and activities; ability to advise and provide interpretation to others how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.

Environmental Adaptability:

Ability to work in an office environment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Selection Procedure:

All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification. Falsifying ones education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City of Signal Hill. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City application and supplemental questionnaire. Admission to competitive examination may be limited to those whose applications show the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position. Any part of the examination process may be qualifying only.

Competition for the Position:

Applications will be reviewed. Admission to the competitive examination may be limited to those whose applications show the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position. Any part of the examination process may be qualifying only.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The City of Signal Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, age, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS), military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.

Americans with Disabilities:

Qualified individuals with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are encouraged to apply for City employment. Those who require a reasonable accommodation to take a test as part of the selection process must make such a request to the Personnel Department, in writing, at least three working days prior to the date of the testing procedure. Individuals requesting accommodation in the testing process will be required to provide documentation of such need.

Fingerprinting:

Applicants who are selected for hire are fingerprinted during the pre-placement processing period. All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice to verify criminal records or absence thereof.

Physical Examination:

Employment offers are conditional based, upon the successful completion of a medical examination which includes drug and alcohol screening. Physicals are performed by the Citys designated physician at the Citys expense. Candidates are cautioned not to quit their jobs or give notice to their current employers until they are determined to be medically qualified.

Retirement - Provided through the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The City offers "Classic" members 2% @ 60. Classic members will contribute 7% for the 2% @ 60 formula. The City offers PEPRA members 2% @ 62. PEPRA members contribute 7.75%.

Medical - The City participates in the PERS health benefit program and contributes up to $1,200 per month toward medical premiums. An additional $800 is available for individuals with health, dental and/or vision premiums not fully covered with the $1,200. 75% of any monies remaining (of the $1,200) after medical premiums are paid may be applied toward optional benefits including: vision, dental, or deferred compensation plan.

Dental - The City provides $70 per month for dental insurance which is offered through Delta Dental.

Vision - The employee-only premium is paid by the City.

Insurance - The City provides life insurance equal to three times an employees annual salary, to a maximum of $300,000. Short and Long Term Disability are also provided.

Deferred Compensation - Employees may participate in a deferred compensation program. The City will contribute up to 4% of a department heads salary upon the employees contribution of 8% of salary. The City will contribute up to 3% of a managers salary upon the employees contribution of 6%.

Flexible Spending Account - Employees may elect to participate in a "pre-tax dollar" flexible spending account for dependent care and/or unreimbursed medical costs.

Executive Leave - Sixty-three (63) hours per year and must be used by the last pay period in the calendar year or be forfeited.

Personal Holiday Leave - Thirty-six (36) hours of Personal Holiday Leave and must be used by the last pay period in the calendar year or be forfeited. All new employees receive 3.0 hours of personal leave for each month remaining in the year, including the month they are hired.

Vacation - 96 to 176 vacation hours per year, depending on length of service.

Holidays - 88 paid holiday hours and 36 hours personal holiday leave annually.

Sick Leave - 96 hours of sick leave annually with buyback program in June.

Wellness Reimbursement - Annual reimbursement for health club membership, formal wellness programs and medical/dental co-pays and deductibles. $500 for department heads and $250 for managers.

Social Security - The City participates in Social Security.

Retiree Health Benefits - Based on years of service with the City, a contribution may be made toward the monthly health premium for qualified retirees. Employees contribute 1% of their salary towards their future retiree health benefit.

City of Signal Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws.

AN EEO/ADA/VET Employer.

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Coursework beyond Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree

02

Which of the following best describes your years of progressively professional and responsible experience in an administrative, management or operations capacity in a municipal government setting including administrative analysis, budget preparation and control, and project and program administration?

• Less than 1 year
• 2 to 3 years experience
• 3 to 4 years experience
• 4 to 5 years experience
• 5 or more years experience

03

Please indicate what areas of Public Sector (Local/State Government) you have experience in. Check all that apply.

• Preparing Staff Reports
• Budget Preparation
• Policy Compliance
• Financial Analysis
• Contract Administration
• Economic Development

04

The City has a very high standard when it comes to its published written agenda reports and related materials. Please describe your experience drafting agenda reports for City Council, including experience reviewing agenda reports from other City Departments for accuracy and completeness. Please also describe your experience making presentations to the City Council at a public meeting. If you do not have experience, please indicate "N/A" below.

05

Please describe your management-level experience implementing department budgets and contracts. Please include the total budget amount you are responsible for in your description. If you do not have experience, please indicate "N/A" below.

06

Please describe your experience managing a communication program for a City. If you do not have experience, please indicate "N/A" below.

07

Please describe your experience working on economic development-related efforts. Examples can include implementing a shop-local program, conducting business retention efforts, managing real property including negotiating/reviewing ground leases, supporting the development of exclusive negotiation agreements, negotiating development agreements, and negotiating disposition and development agreements. If you do not have experience in this area, please describe your understanding of the City's current economic development efforts.

08

Please indicate the job(s) in which you received the three (3) years of experience that qualifies you for this position. Do not write "see resume". List the organization and dates of employment (month/year) below. Make sure that you have also listed these jobs, including the job details, in the work experience section of this application.

Required Question

Employer City of Signal Hill

Address 2175 Cherry Avenue

Signal Hill, California, 90755

Phone (562) 989-7304

(562) 989-7310

Website http://www.cityofsignalhill.org