• Support and maintain
an optimistic attitude
and demeanor
• Build and support
collaboration and a
sense of community
The new City Manager
will facilitate longrange and current capital improvement projects, (e.g., Moonridge Corridor
project, park improvements and linking
trails, improving roads and addressing
traffic, etc.) in addition to collaborating
on significant Valley-wide projects
(e.g., “Replenish Big Bear” water reuse
project); property negotiations; land use
and development; resident, business and
visitor matters; economic development
opportunities; 20-year visioning
process; complex community issues
of affordable housing and short-term
rentals matters; budget and finances;
disaster preparedness and response, and
inter-governmental relations with a focus
on building relationships, community
engagement and applying best
management practices. To accomplish
this, the City Council desires a proactive,
innovative, forward-thinking, and
open minded City Manager to lead the
organization.
Business Improvement District (TBID)
that is funded by an assessment on
overnight visitors and mountain resort
ticket sales. Renewed in 2021 for a 10
year period, the TBID assessments are
collected by the City of behalf of Visit
Big Bear, the City’s hospitality agency.
These pass-through assessments provide
a specific benefit (e.g., marketing) to the
assessed businesses and are utilized by
Visit Big Bear for destination marketing
and to enhance guest experiences.
for working with diverse communities,
stakeholders and interest groups.
The ideal candidate would be looking
toward achieving the City's mission,
vision and values established in April 2021
“To become a world-class mountain resort
community, while preserving our small-town
atmosphere and charm, where the appearance
and quality of the built environment matches
the exceptional appearance and quality of our
natural environment,”.
To best accomplish the City’s goals and
objectives, the most suited candidate
is described as an individual with a
combination of excellent judgement;
management skills and technical
knowledge; resiliency, confidence and
humility; communication expertise;
emotional intelligence and political savvy;
ethics and honesty; and interpersonal
skills to:
• Achieve the City Council’s goals and
infrastructure projects
• Recognize and embraces diverse
opinions and interests
• Effectively and intelligently prioritize
and balance interests
• Communicate effectively
• Inform and educate others for
attaining progress and to achieve
desired ends
• Empower, mentor, support focus, and
back the staff team for success
• Serve as a trusted, respected and
apolitical resource
• Understand how and what to do for
moving an organization forward
• See and embrace opportunities for
improvement and efficiencies
• Effectively handle adversity
• Instill and maintain a sense continuity,
balance, stability and trust in the
delivery of city services
The Position
This exciting opportunity provides an
opportunity for an up-and-coming
star, mid-career public executive, or
even a retired annuitant coming from
a CalPERS to serve in a long legacy of
excellent past City Managers and work
with a dedicated and caring team of
individuals. In turn, the ideal candidate
is a confident and seasoned leader
with a passion for public service. An
experienced executive or department
head with exceptional management
and personnel skills would thrive in
this dynamic environment. The City
of Big Bear Lake is looking for a
visionary that can identify and address
future opportunities, a resource for
new ideas and creativity, a collaborator
and facilitator for resolving complex
management, interpersonal, and project
related issues, and a relationship builder
The Recruitment
Process
To apply for this exciting career
opportunity, please submit your cover
letter and resume (including month/year
of employment) via our website:
Peckham & McKenney
www.peckhamandmckenney.com
Resumes are acknowledged within two
business days. Contact Anton “Tony”
Dahlerbruch at 310.567.1554 or tollfree at 866.912.1919, if you have any questions regarding this position or the
recruitment process.
Proven local government executive
management experience equivalent
to a Department Head, Assistant
City Manager or City Manager,
and a Bachelor’s degree in public
administration, business administration,
or a closely related field are required.
Also, excellent communication skills
are essential. Tourism-related or resort
community experience and a Master’s
degree are desired. Recognizing the
importance of the City Manager’s
availability during emergencies and
disasters, the City’s role in providing
emergency services and maintaining
business continuity, and the limitations
of physical access and to communication
as a result of floods, fires, earthquakes
and serious winter storms, it is strongly
desired that the City Manager resides
within the Big Bear Valley.
The Compensation
The City Council is prepared to offer an
attractive and competitive salary that will
be determined based on the experience
and qualifications you bring to the City
of Big Bear Lake. The current annual
salary is $258,000. In addition, the
City offers an excellent benefits package
including the following.
www.peckhamandmckenney.com
Retirement – The City is a member of
the San Bernardino County Employees
Retirement Association (SBCERA),
a well-funded system that offers
reciprocity, if desired, to other plans
including CalPERS. The City currently
offers a formula of 2% @ 55 with prior
qualifying public service, or a formula of
2.5% @ 67 for new participants.
Insurance – Excellent insurance plans
for employees including paid family
HMO health and dental coverage. PPO
coverage is also available. Additionally,
life insurance and family vision coverage
are provided.
Leave – The selected candidate will
receive negotiated amounts of vacation
leave, in addition to administrative leave,
personal days, sick leave and twelve (12)
paid holidays.
Deferred Compensation – The
City will contribute a matching 457
Deferred Compensation benefit up to 3%
of the selected candidate’s base salary.
Longevity Benefit – The selected
candidate will be eligible for the
City’s longevity benefit after 5 years of
continuous employment.
Relocation Benefit – The selected
candidate will receive a negotiated
relocation benefit.
Allowances – The selected candidate
will receive negotiated allowances for
automobile, technology and business
expenses.
Search Schedule
Filing Deadline:...............................................................June 24, 2022 Preliminary Telephone Interviews: .......................June 27 – July 8, 2022 Recommendation of Candidates:.......................................July 18, 2022 In-Person Finalist Interview Process: ..............July 28 and July 29, 2022 These dates have been confirmed, and it is recommended
that you plan your calendar accordingly.
5800 Stanford Ranch Road
Suite 410
Rocklin, California 95765
916.630.4900
www.ralphandersen.com
October 18, 2023
Mayor McArthur Wright
and Members of the City Council
City of Twentynine Palms
6136 Adobe Road
Twentynine Palms, California 92277
Via Email: [email protected]
Dear Mayor Wright and Members of the City Council:
Ralph Andersen & Associates is pleased to submit our proposal to conduct an executive search for the position of City Manager for the City of Twentynine Palms.
The executive recruitment techniques used by Ralph Andersen & Associates have been developed and used successfully with hundreds of clients for more than half of a century. With the reputation of Ralph Andersen & Associates you will have the opportunity to consider candidates located throughout California.
If selected to conduct this search, Mr. Fred Wilson, Senior Consultant with Ralph Andersen & Associates will be the Project Director.
Our proposal outlines the firm’s experience in conducting City Manager recruitments, the methodology/work plan and timeline to accomplish the search tasks, as well as the cost to conduct a comprehensive search.
We are proud of how we market and represent our clients; all of the design and graphics of our marketing material is done in-house so we can control the quality and production timing. To see samples of our recruitment brochures, as well as the way in which we market our clients digitally, please visit the Career Opportunities page of our website at www.ralphandersen.com.
As a principal in the firm, I am legally able to bind the firm and enter into a contractual agreement to provide these services.
Should you need any clarification, please feel free to contact me directly at (916) 630-4900 or more directly on my cell (916) 804-2885. Thank you very much for your consideration of this proposal.
Respectfully Submitted,
Heather Renschler
President/CEO
5800 Stanford Ranch Road
Suite 410
Rocklin, California 95765
916.630.4900
www.ralphandersen.com
Executive Summary
Attracting top talent has never been more complex and Ralph Andersen & Associates is highly qualified to assist the City of Twentynine Palms with recruiting its new City Manager. We have conducted more successful executive recruitments than any other recruitment firm in California since 1972. From helping the City Council to create a competency-based interviewing framework for the new City Manager to assessing candidates and attracting top human capital, our search professionals offer an unparalleled depth of experience, national reach, and knowledge.
The City Council has requested our proposal to assist in the identification and recruitment of a highly qualified group of candidates for the new City Manager. In particular, the City of Twentynine Palms is seeking a firm with a strong national presence and the professional experience to clearly assess the City’s needs and formulate a strategy to deliver results.
At Ralph Andersen & Associates, we believe that gaining a complete understanding of our client’s specific objectives and priorities is essential prior to launching any search assignment. This process includes the identification and incorporation of a variety of important details such as the candidate’s desired skills and experience as well as the critical “soft skills” related to temperament, personality, management philosophy, and other factors that will ultimately determine the candidate’s “fit” with the organization.
We begin each search by working closely with the City’s leadership, stakeholders, staff, and, if desired, the community to ensure a complete picture of the desired candidate pool is developed. Our team-oriented approach, matched with this 360-degree perspective, means we ensure that a complete understanding of the organization’s mission and culture translates into those specific traits and characteristics necessary to ensure the selected candidate is successful in the position.
We understand that the City Council expects aggressive, personalized outreach to identify a diverse and highly qualified applicant pool and a selection process that includes comprehensive candidate reports based on thorough reference and background checks. We will begin with the desired characteristics and build a recruitment strategy that is tailored to meet the City of Twentynine Palms’s specific needs. The resulting outreach and advertising campaign will incorporate the extensive use of personal outreach to recruit a highly qualified group of candidates.
Ralph Andersen & Associates serves a nationwide clientele through its Corporate Office in the Sacramento area. The Corporate Office is located at 5800 Stanford Ranch Road, Suite 410, Rocklin, California 95765; phone number (916) 630-4900. The firm currently has 17 employees.
Our national staff of professionals and support staff include acknowledged leaders in their respective fields. Supplementing their extensive consulting backgrounds, all senior staff have personal, handson executive experience in the operation of public agencies and private businesses.
The principals of the firm are Heather Renschler, President/CEO, and Robert Burg, Executive Vice President. Both Ms. Renschler and Mr. Burg are legally able to bind the firm.
Qualifications
Why Choose Ralph Andersen & Associates?
Ralph Andersen & Associates, a California Corporation, has been providing executive search and management consulting services since 1972. As such, the executive recruitment techniques used by Ralph Andersen & Associates have been developed and used successfully with hundreds of clients for more than 51 years.
With Ralph Andersen & Associates, there is an entire team behind every recruitment. Our firm takes a multi-disciplined, team approach to executive search. Successful outreach relies heavily on person-to-person contact to identify outstanding potential candidates and, in the evaluation phase, to gain a complete understanding of the background, experience, and management style of the top candidates. By drawing on the combined expertise of our associates and our network of professional contacts, we address outreach from a wide variety of perspectives and find unique ways to identify and recruit the best and brightest.
Relevant Search Experience
Ralph Andersen & Associates conducts a wide array of searches in the public sector specializing in the top executive in local government – the City Manager. Our experience spans populations of all sizes, from the largest in the country to small and mid-size municipalities.
Ralph Andersen & Associates’ significant experience in city management searches is supported by a successful track record of highly regarded managers.
Expansive network of City Manager Searches (In-State and Nationally) – We have one of the strongest track records of conducting City Manager searches. The following listing represents contracts that were awarded to Ralph Andersen & Associates and staffed by a member of our search team. The first listing included here is for recruitments conducted in California in the last 5 years (2018 to Present), followed by our out-of-state engagements:
California Recruitments:
• Apple Valley, CA – Town Manager (2018)
• Artesia, CA – City Manager (2022)
• Barstow, CA – City Administrator (2021)
• Beverly Hills, CA – Deputy City Manager (2019)
• Bishop, CA – City Administrator (2018 & 2020)
• Buellton, CA – City Manager (2019)
• Calabasas, CA – City Manager (2018 & 2021)
• California City, CA – City Manager (2022)
• Carpinteria, CA – City Manager (Current Search)
• Citrus Heights, CA – City Manager (2022)
• Colma, CA – City Manager (2023)
• Compton, CA – City Manager (2022)
• Corona, CA – City Manager (2019)
• Coronado, CA
Assistant City Manager (2022)
City Manager (2021)
• Costa Mesa, CA – City Manager (2019)
• Cupertino, CA – City Manager (2019)
• Eastvale, CA – City Manager (2022)
• El Segundo, CA – City Manager (2022)
• Emeryville, CA – City Manager (2022)
• Encinitas, CA – City Manager (2020)
• Fairfax, CA – Town Manager (2021)
• Foster City, CA – City Manager (2022)
• Goleta, CA
City Manager (2022)
Deputy City Manager (2019)
• Grand Terrace, CA – City Manager (2021)
• Gustine, CA – City Manager (2022)
• Huntington Beach, CA – City Manager (2022)
• Indio, CA – City Manager (2021)
• Irvine, CA – City Manager (2018)
• La Palma, CA – City Manager (2020)
• La Quinta, CA – City Manager (2019)
• La Verne, CA – City Manager (2022)
• Lincoln, CA – City Manager (2022)
• Los Altos, CA – City Manager (2021)
• Mill Valley, CA – City Manager (2020 & 2022)
• Modesto, CA
Deputy City Manager (2022 & 2023)
Deputy City Manager for Operations (2018)
Deputy City Manager for Support (2018)
• Montebello, CA – City Manager (Current Search)
• Monterey, CA – City Manager (2018)
• Moorpark, CA – City Manager (2018)
• Nevada City, CA – City Manager (2022)
• Norco, CA – City Manager (2022)
• Oakland, CA – City Administrator (2020 & 2023)
• Ojai, CA – City Manager (Current Search)
• Orange, CA – City Manager (2022)
• Palm Desert, CA
Assistant City Manager (2019)
City Manager (2021)
• Palm Springs, CA – Assistant City Manager (2021)
• Palos Verdes Estates, CA – City Manager (2023)
• Paso Robles, CA – Assistant City Manager (2019)
• Pismo Beach, CA – City Manager (2023)
• Pomona, CA – City Manager (2019)
• Redlands, CA – City Manager (2019)
• Rialto, CA – City Administrator (2019)
• Riverside, CA – City Manager (2022)
• Sacramento, CA
Assistant City Manager – Public Safety (2018)
Assistant City Manager – Municipal Services (2019)
• San Bruno, CA – City Manager (2018)
• Santa Monica, CA – City Manager (2021)
• Sierra Madre, CA – City Manager (2021)
• Solvang, CA – City Manager (2023)
• Stockton, CA – Deputy City Manager II (Two Placements) (2020) • Suisun City, CA – City Manager (2019)
• Upland, CA – City Manager (2021)
• Westlake Village, CA – City Manager (2019)
National Recruitments:
• Alexandria, VA – Deputy City Manager (2022 & Recently Awarded) • Allen, TX – City Manager (2019)
• Austin, TX
Assistant City Manager for Economic Opportunity & Affordability (2018) Assistant City Manager for Health & Environment / Culture & Lifelong Learning (2018 & 2021)
Assistant City Manager for Mobility (2019)
Assistant City Manager for Safety (2019)
Deputy City Manager (2019)
• Avondale, AZ – City Manager (2022)
• Brownsville, TX – City Manager (2018)
• Burleson, TX – Deputy City Manager (2021)
• Charlotte, NC – Deputy City Manager Background (2023) • Cottonwood, AZ – City Manager (2023)
• Delray Beach, FL – City Manager (2019)
• Denton, TX – Assistant City Manager (2019)
• Goodyear, AZ – Deputy City Manager (2022)
• Lawrence, KS – City Manager (2019)
• Lewisville, TX – City Manager (2021)
• Miami Beach, FL – City Manager (2021)
• Naples, FL – City Manager (2022)
• Oro Valley, AZ – Town Manager (2023)
• Powell, OH – City Manager (2020)
• Queen Creek, AZ – Assistant Town Manager (2023)
• Scottsdale, AZ – Assistant City Manager (Current Search) • South Padre Island, TX – City Manager (2019)
• Sugar Land, TX – City Manager (2019)
• Sun City West, AZ – General Manager (2019)
• The Woodlands Township, TX – President and General Manager (2020) • Upper Arlington, OH – City Manager (2019)
• Vancouver, WA
Deputy City Manager – Community and Economic Development (2021) Deputy City Manager for Enterprise Services (2021)
Project Staffing
The reputation of the search firm and personal commitment of the recruiters define the difference between the success and failure of any given recruitment. Ralph Andersen & Associates’ search professionals are acknowledged leaders in the field and possess a broad range of skills and experience in the areas of local government management, executive search, and related disciplines.
Only senior members of Ralph Andersen & Associates are assigned to lead search assignments, ensuring that their broad experience and knowledge of the industry is brought to bear on our clients’ behalf.
The City of Twentynine Palms will have Mr. Fred Wilson, Senior Consultant of Ralph Andersen & Associates, as the Project Director on this engagement. Mr. Wilson will have all the resources and full support of our firm fully dedicated to ensuring the highest quality outcome during this important recruitment process.
Mr. Fred Wilson, Project Director
Mr. Wilson, Senior Consultant with Ralph Andersen & Associates, brings more than 35 years of experience as a local government executive, including 21 years serving as City Manager in two California cities. Working in full-service cities, he brings a strong background in identifying and recruiting top quality executive staff. His skills in identifying, recruiting, and retaining high quality employees and talent management, coupled with succession planning, have contributed significantly to the successes of those organizations. This experience gives Mr. Wilson a unique perspective to identifying high quality candidates that “fit” the organization.
Since joining Ralph Andersen & Associates, Mr. Wilson has completed many successful recruitments and brings a vast network of contacts throughout the region. He has successfully completed searches for executives and professionals for local government organizations including City Managers, Community Development Directors, Public Works Directors, Finance Directors, and other General Managers.
Mr. Wilson’s clients have found his knowledge of city management, experience working with City Council members, and expertise in recruitment and selection an asset.
As a long-tenured local government executive, Mr. Wilson has extensive experience in all aspects of governance including organizational development, succession planning, municipal finance, community development, and general management. His experience includes serving in multiple leadership roles in various organizations including the League of California Cities and has been active on various advisory boards throughout his career.
Mr. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Planning from Cal Poly Pomona, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge.
Mr. Wilson may be reached at (916) 630-4900 or directly on his cell at (714) 421-3258 or via email at [email protected].
Paraprofessional and Support Staff
Paraprofessional, graphics, and support staff will provide administrative support to the consultant team on recruitment assignments. These may include Ms. Diana Haussmann, Ms. Christen Sanchez, Ms. Hannah Jones, Ms. Karen AllGood, Ms. Tina Keller, and Ms. Teresa Heple.
Work Plan
Summary of Our Search Process
The successful search process relies heavily on person-to-person contact to identify outstanding potential candidates and, in the evaluation phase, to gain a complete understanding of the background, experience, and management style of the top candidates. The executive recruitment techniques used by Ralph Andersen & Associates have been developed and used successfully with hundreds of clients for more than 51 years.
We feel that the key elements of the search process, which can be tailored to fit the specific needs of the City of Twentynine Palms, should include:
• Developing a comprehensive position profile based upon information obtained in video meetings with the City Council, key staff members, and others as directed (i.e., key stakeholder groups).
• Extensive personal outreach, via telephone and through internet technology, to qualified candidates throughout California. Out-of-state candidates may apply although the focus will be on in-state experience.
• A marketing strategy that uses selected advertising to supplement the extensive candidate identification process, uses the Internet and social media, and also uses our already established professional contacts in the field of city management. • A screening and assessment process that narrows the field of candidates to those that most closely match the needs of the City and is based on extensive reference checks and telephone interviews with the top candidates.
• Delivering a product in the form of a search report that recommends the top group of candidates and provides the decision-makers with detailed information about their backgrounds and experience.
• Assistance during the interview and selection process and in the negotiation of a compensation package.
Search Work Plan
This section describes the usual steps in the search for a new City Manager for the City of Twentynine Palms. This recruitment will be under the direction of Mr. Fred Wilson, Project Director/Search Consultant.
Task 1 – Review Project Management Approach
The Project Director, Mr. Wilson, will begin work on this project within 10 days (or sooner) after the City provides a contract or, alternatively, an official notice to proceed. The first task will include established individual and/or group meetings with the City Council, and others, as appropriate, to finalize the recruiting and selection process (preference to be done using Zoom Video Technologies application). This will include discussion of the project management for this search, review of the work plan, confirmation of timing, and communication methods. Working collaboratively with the City Council, and key City staff, this task will result in a more definitive timetable.
As part of our overall approach to this project, the Project Director will deliver regular updates (typically done orally) throughout each stage of the search. In addition, Mr. Wilson will be highly accessible and responsive to client requests and inquiries.
Task 2 – Develop Position Profile
The position profile for the City Manager is the guide for the entire search process. The development of the profile includes the collection of technical information and recruitment criteria.
Technical Information
Mr. Wilson will conduct video meetings with the City Council (if desired), key staff members, and key stakeholders as directed by the City to gain an understanding of the experience and professional background requirements desired in the City Manager. These meetings will also help the Project Director gain an understanding of the work environment and the issues facing the City of Twentynine Palms. In-person meetings can be arranged with sufficient advance notice.
Recruitment Criteria
The recruitment criteria are those personal and professional characteristics and experiences desired in the City Manager. The criteria should reflect the goals and priorities of the City of Twentynine Palms.
Subsequent to the development and adoption of the candidate profile, the technical information and recruitment criteria will be documented in an information brochure prepared by Ralph Andersen & Associates. The brochure will be reviewed by the City in draft format, revised as appropriate, and published for use throughout the search.
Optional Service (Community Survey) – The City Council may desire obtaining input from the Community on the qualities they would like to see in the new City Manager. To facilitate Community input, the Project Director can conduct an on-line survey. Additionally, our process can allow for email comments to Ralph Andersen & Associates relative to the desired qualities in the next City Manager. See Cost Section for more details on pricing.
Task 3 – Outreach and Recruiting
This task is among the most important of the entire search. It is the focus of the activities of the Project Director and includes specific outreach and recruiting activities briefly described below.
Outreach
An accelerated outreach and advertising campaign will be developed. It will include the placement of ads in publications such as Western City Magazine, International City/County Management Association (ICMA), and other professional publications. Specific Internet sites related to government will be used as a method of extending the specific outreach in a short period of time.
Additionally, the advertisement and the full text of the position profile (the recruitment brochure) will be placed on Ralph Andersen & Associates’ website, which is accessed by a large number of qualified candidates. This method of outreach to potential applicants provides a confidential source that is monitored by many key level executives on an ongoing basis.
Candidate Identification
Ralph Andersen & Associates will use their extensive contacts to focus the recruiting effort.
In making these contacts, the Project Director will target those individuals who meet the criteria set by the City. Each of the candidates identified through the recruiting efforts will
be sent an information brochure. Candidates will also be contacted directly to discuss the position and to solicit their interest in being considered.
Both the outreach and recruiting activities will result in applications and resumes from interested candidates. As they are received, resumes will be acknowledged and candidates will be advised of the general timing of the search process. The following tasks involve the actual selection process, once all resumes have been received.
Task 4 – Candidate Evaluation
This task will be conducted following the application closing date. It includes the following specific activities:
Screening
All of the applications will be carefully reviewed. Those that meet the recruitment criteria and minimum qualifications will be identified and subject to a more detailed evaluation. This evaluation will include consideration of such factors as professional experience, and size and complexity of the candidate’s current organization as compared to the candidate profile.
Preliminary Research and Internet Review
The research staff of Ralph Andersen & Associates, under the direction of the Project Director, will conduct preliminary research and internet review for those candidates identified as the most qualified as a result of the screening process. This level of research will be done on a limited number of candidates to learn more about each candidate’s public profile and related information that is available on the internet.
Preliminary Interviews via Video Technology
The Project Director will conduct preliminary interviews with the top group of candidates identified through the screening and preliminary research and Internet review processes.
The interviews are extensive and designed to gain additional information about the candidates’ experience, management style, and “fit” with the recruitment criteria. Interviews will be conducted using video technology.
The screening portion of the candidate evaluation process typically reduces a field of applicants to approximately four (4) to six (6) individuals. Those individuals will be reviewed with the Finance/Personnel Subcommittee prior to proceeding with the individual interviews.
Task 5 – Search Report
After completing Task 4, all documentation will be supplied to the City electronically. No hard copies will be supplied to the City for any phase of this search engagement. Mr. Wilson will prepare detailed information for review including resumes uploaded to a file sharing system (i.e., DropBox or ShareFile). Mr. Wilson will conduct a video conference call or in-person meeting with the Finance/Personnel Subcommittee or other designated representative to review the search report on the top candidates. The report divides all of the candidates into four groups including 1) the top group of candidates that are recommended to be interviewed via video by the City Council; 2) a backup group to the first group; 3) no further consideration group; and 4) lacks minimum qualifications. The search report will include candidate resumes and cover letters. The results of preliminary media research will be included. This meeting will result in a confirmed group of top candidates for the City to further consider.
Important to note, we typically do not conduct references on all of the finalist candidates. The more standard process is to do a partial background on the top 2-3 candidates with various verifications, internet search, and limited references (outside of current employer). References for current employers are often not released by candidates until the final stage of the search process when they are assured of being the candidate of choice. Verifications such as credit check, DMV Report, and
civil/criminal are typically conducted once a contingent offer is made to the selected candidate unless the finalist candidate(s) give explicit approval and sign a release to proceed. Education checks are conducted before the slate of candidates interviews with the City Council.
The results of the Search Report will be a confirmed group of finalist candidates that the City Council will interview.
Task 6 – Selection
The final selection process will vary depending upon the desires of the City Council. The typical services provided by Ralph Andersen & Associates in the selection process are described briefly below:
• Mr. Wilson will coordinate the selection process for the finalist group of candidates. This includes handling the logistical matters with candidates and with the City. • Ralph Andersen & Associates will prepare an electronic interview booklet (uploaded to a file sharing program such as DropBox or ShareFile) that includes the resume, cover letter, and preliminary media research for each candidate. In addition, this electronic information will contain suggested questions and areas for discussion based upon the recruitment criteria. Electronic copies of the interview booklet will be provided in advance of the candidate interviews. No hard copies of material will be provided. Should the City desire hard copies, that will be the responsibility of the City to produce and distribute. • Mr. Wilson will facilitate the Interviews to assist the City through the selection process. This assistance will include an initial orientation, candidate introductions, and facilitation of discussion of candidates after all interviews have been completed. • Additionally, verifications will be made on the top 2-3 candidates and will include education verifications, Department of Motor Vehicle check, and credit check. Due to legislation, criminal checks (“Ban the Box”) are only permissible when a contingent offer of employment is made. The results of these verifications will be discussed with the City at the appropriate time.
• Informal (limited) reference checks will be conducted on the top 2-3 candidates. A more detailed reference report will be done on the top candidate. The results of these reference checks will be discussed with the City Council at the appropriate time during a closed session.
• As needed, the Project Director is available to provide assistance to the City Council in the final selection as may be desired. This assistance may include providing or obtaining any additional information desired to assist in making the final selection decision.
Task 7 – Negotiation
The Project Director is available to assist the City Council in negotiating a compensation package with the selected candidate. This includes recommendations on setting compensation levels.
Additionally, if desired by the City Council, Ralph Andersen & Associates will coordinate with the City Attorney to prepare a draft employment agreement and work with the City Council on the finalization of this document. As required by the Brown Act, the employment agreement for the new City Manager will be required to be approved and voted on in a public meeting at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
Task 8 – Close Out
After the City has reached agreement with the individual selected for the position, the Project Director will close out the search. These activities will include advising all of the finalist candidates of the status of the search by telephone.
Schedule
We anticipate approximately a 90-120-day time frame for this entire recruitment process. Importantly, there is the ability to begin this process effectively with the use of video technology and file sharing methods that support a very strategic approach under Mr. Wilson’s direction, although most if not all meetings will be done in person, if possible.
A sample timeline is provided below.
Task Estimated Week
of Completion
Task 1 – Review Project Management Approach Week One
Task 2 – Develop Position Profile and Recruitment Brochure Week One – Week Two Task 3 – Outreach and Recruiting Week Two – Seven
Task 4 – Candidate Evaluation
Ongoing Throughout Process
(typically more focused during Week
Six and Week Seven)
Task 5 – Search Report Week Eight – Week Nine
Task 6 – Selection Week Nine - Week Ten
Task 7 – Negotiation Week Ten – Week Eleven
Task 8 – Close Out Week Twelve
Project Cost
The recruitment effort for a new City Manager for the City of Twentynine Palms will be a comprehensive search process with a focus on California. The review of resumes and qualifications will be conducted on all candidates that submit giving the City the ability to select from a broad field of qualified candidates. The professional services fee to perform this search will be a fixed fee of $27,500* for recruitment services and all related expenses. *Note – Expenses included in this fixed fee include such items as advertising, consultant interaction (anticipated to be done primarily through videoconferencing except for finalist interviews), clerical, graphic design, research, and long-distance telephone charges. On top candidates, Internet and Lexis/Nexis searches will be conducted. Additionally, education verifications, DMV check, wants and warrants, civil and criminal litigation search, and credit check will be conducted on the top two candidates. Detailed reference checks will be conducted on the top candidate. Should the City desire to conduct detailed reference calls on more than one candidate, a background fee of $1,800 per candidate will be billed in addition to the above stated fees. Limited references (outside of current employer) are included in this quote.
Invoicing for Services – Ralph Andersen & Associates will bill the fixed fee to the City in four installments as follows:
• Following kick-off and finalization of recruitment brochure – $8,250 • After the closing date – $8,250
• After finalist interviews – $8,250
• Upon placement – $2,750
Progress payments will be due upon receipt.
Brochure – A full color electronic brochure will be developed for the City Manager recruitment. All pictures will be the responsibility of the City. The City will also be responsible for ensuring that there are no copyright restrictions on the photographs supplied to Ralph Andersen & Associates and that the City will agree to pay any and all related charges or fines if a copyright violation is incurred either during the search itself or subsequently.
Optional Service (Community Survey) – Should the City choose to conduct a Community Survey with summarized results, this would be conducted for an additional $3,500.
Exception – Any candidate travel is the full responsibility of the City.
Guarantee
Ralph Andersen & Associates offers the industry-standard guarantee on our full search services. If within a one-year period after appointment, the City Manager resigns or is dismissed for cause, we will conduct another search free of all charges for professional services. The City of Twentynine Palms would be expected to pay for the reimbursement of all incurred expenses.
If a placement is not made in the first outreach effort, the Consultant will conduct a second outreach effort with no charge for Professional Services. The City would be expected to pay for all incurred expenses.