Assistant Town Manager /Finance

Jupiter Island, FL

Background

Jupiter Island is not so much a place as a way of life – a community determined to preserve its character and beauty.  It began as a small winter colony more than seventy years ago and is very conscious of its traditions, fond of its uniqueness and unwilling to believe that anything in Palm Beach or anywhere else is remotely comparable.  In 1944, the population of Jupiter Island was exactly 75 residents.  During the next nine years it jumped to 140.  Facing this growth, the residents decided that they needed three things to protect themselves and their properties:  local powers of zoning and taxation, more police and a way to curb beach erosion.  As a result, the area became the Town of Jupiter Island in 1953.  Although years have intervened, the community and its issues are largely the same. 

The Island is a unique and very special barrier island community located in southeastern Martin County.  It is very high end and divided into 705 land parcels on which 500 homes have been built.  The total assessed value is $1.98 billion.  The official population is 620 but dips to about 200 in the summer while climbing to approximately 2,500 in the winter).  Public safety remains important but even more important now is preserving the character and beauty of the community.  Historically, a typical home might have been 3000 to 5000 square feet.  After a few with as many 26,000 square feet were constructed, the Town revised its land development regulations to limit new homes (and tear-down/rebuilds) to 10,000 square feet.  Landscaping is also very important. 

Jupiter Island’s residents are involved and highly educated.  They care about their fellow residents, their life style and the delivery of first class, personalized service.  Until about three years ago, for example, all the electrical lines within the Town’s boundaries were overhead.  Power outages were relatively frequent, particularly in storm events.  The Town Council decided the situation was unsatisfactory and an $8.45 million project was undertaken to place all the electrical lines underground.  That project is now virtually completed, electrical outages are almost non-existent and, just as importantly, even in the event of a major storm, the power will likely continue to the Island and its residents.

The Government

The Town is governed by a Commission composed of five elected officials, one of whom is chosen from the body to serve as mayor and another as vice mayor.  In the words of a former Commissioner, “Although the Commission is diverse and each member has their own ‘pet projects’, temperament and personality, they get along well and don’t waste time on political nonsense.”  Residents, staff and elected officials treat each other with dignity, civility and respect.  The Town currently has a staff of approximately 44 and a projected general fund budget of $6.47 million.  The Town also owns and operates the South Martin Regional Utility (SMRU) which serves the Island as well as nearby Hobe Sound.  In all SMRU have approximately 8,700 customers, an operating budget of $10.95 million and 32 employees.  The other significant part of the Town’s budget is the Beach Protection District (typically $1.45 million annually).

The Issues

With the completion of the undergrounding project mentioned previously, most of the major issues have been addressed.  Given the Town is located on a narrow island, beach renourishment is always a consideration.  Further, for the moment at least, finances are a bit of a concern as Jupiter Island, along with the rest of the country, weathers this recession.  Policies, procedures and enhanced oversight are needed in this area.

The Ideal Candidate

Although the population and total land area (2.7 square miles) are small, the selected candidate should plan to be very busy and accessible, not only to the Town Manager but to the Town Commission and residents.  The next Assistant Town Manager will have a very strong background in finance.  He/she will be creative with a “can do” attitude, someone who is service-oriented and who has at least a Bachelor’s degree in management or related area.  The individual should have seven years of progressively more responsible experience in government, the private sector or with non-profits.  The ideal applicant will also be someone who possesses outstanding communications skills, who understands the importance of service, civility and gentility to this community, who responds quickly and appropriately to resident concerns and who will be comfortable as a key member of not only the government, but the community.  Supervisory experience and a CPA are not necessary but would be a plus.  Salary will depend on qualifications but will fall between $90,000 and $120,000 with a generous benefits package.  The Town is not opposed to paying at the top of the range for the right person. 

Application Deadline

The closing date for applications is January 7, 2010. 

How to Apply

Forward your resume to RecruitTwo@cb-asso.com by January 7, 2010.  Questions should be addressed to Colin Baenziger at (561) 707-3537.   You also will be required to complete the Town’s employment application and accompanying Fair Credit Reporting Act form.”

Other Important Information

Equal Opportunity Employer and minorities are encouraged to apply.  Under Florida law, all applications are a public record upon receipt and subject to disclosure upon request.  Veteran’s preference will be awarded if applicable and according to Florida Law.