City of Evanston City Manager Recruitment Public Survey

To ensure the recruitment for the next City Manager is a success, the City Council is seeking your feedback. This short survey is designed to collect information to help identify the unique and important characteristics necessary for this position. Collected information will be used in designing interview questions and assessment activities that will assist in determining whether candidates possess the attributes being sought. This survey will be open until Friday, November 12, 2021.

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* 1. What are the three most significant challenges/opportunities facing the City that will require the next City Manager's immediate attention?

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* 2. What are the five most important skills/abilities essential to the success of the new City Manager (check five boxes):

A proven commitment and track record of action regarding diversity, equity and inclusion

Ability to set a clear vision and strategic discipline and help staff understand their role in achieving the vision

Background in economic and/or community development

Be a good listener who knows when to listen, when to add perspective and when to tell the Council, ‘no’.

Be an open, honest communicator willing to be available to the Council, community, and city stakeholders.

Collaborative leadership experience and success; team builder

Comprehensive large budget experience

Develop, maintain, and understand the importance of strong relationships with city partners.

Independent thought and ability to challenge staff to think creatively for the future

Management abilities that include making hard decisions, holding self and others accountable

Political skills, acumen, and ability to withstand political heat and serve multiple leaders

The ability to deliver complex information in an understandable way to any audience

The ability to devise innovative strategies to provide an array of municipal services while dealing with the realities of municipal budget constraints

Other (please specify)

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* 3. What are the five most important personal attributes that the new City Manager should possess to be successful in the City of Evanston? (check five boxes)?

Calm and respectful in challenging situations

Collaborative

Commitment to job and the staff

Empathetic/understanding/compassionate

Enjoys interaction with staff at all levels

Flexibility and ability to deal with ambiguity

Follows through, consistent, dependable

Humility

Innovative

Inspiring, motivating

Managed risk taker, not afraid to make mistakes

Open/inclusive/welcoming/approachable

Passion/enthusiasm for providing the best in public service

Professionalism

Resilient/thick skinned/able to manage sometimes challenging political terrain

Respect and gratitude for staff

Sense of humor, good natured

Transparent

Trustworthy/integrity

Other (please specify)

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* 4. What are five characteristics that, if exhibited by the next City Manager, would be most challenging to his or her success in the position (check five boxes)?

Does not possess the ability to say 'no' when necessary

Does not understand the history of Evanston and its strategic priorities

Doesn't understand community dynamics

Inability to bring together diverse perspectives toward a common goal

Inflexibility

Lack of economic and/or community development experience

Lack of experience managing an organization with budgetary constraints

Lack of understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion

Lack of vision and strategic priorities

Micromanager

Unable to make difficult decisions

Uncomfortable with outreach and engagement

Underestimates the full scope of the job and commitment required

Other (please specify)

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* 5. Other Comments

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* 6. I am a:

Resident

Staff Member