Job Details

Assistant to the City Administrator

Administration Department

$153,083- $210,260 Annually, Plus Excellent Benefits

The salary range listed above reflects the full compensation potential for this position. Initial placement in the salary range is typically within the first half of the range; however, in certain circumstances (i.e. an experienced lateral candidate) placement at or above the midpoint may be considered. The last 3% of the salary range requires five years of City of Gilroy service and strong work performance - see MOU for specific requirements.

This position is eligible for a 9/80 work schedule, providing every other Friday off, subject to operational needs. This is a fully in-person position. Remote or hybrid work is not available.

The City of Gilroy is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Join our team!

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Assistant to the City Administrator serves as a key member of the City Administrator's Office and Senior Executive Team, providing high-level administrative, analytical, and program oversight support on complex and sensitive citywide matters. Under the direction of the City Administrator, this position manages assigned programs and initiatives, leads cross-departmental projects, and represents the City Administrator's Office with internal and external stakeholders, including elected officials and community partners. The role requires a strong working knowledge of municipal operations, public administration, budgeting, contracts, grants, and labor relations, as well as the ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and operate independently. This confidential, exempt position is responsible for delivering well-supported recommendations, managing competing priorities, and supporting objectives, including participation in emergency response efforts as assigned.

THE TEAM

The City Administration team is a small close-knit group with a strong sense of camaraderie. We leverage our individual experience and expertise for collaborative problem solving and we enjoy discussing, learning, and planning new programs and how they can be strategically implemented.

FIRST YEAR PROJECTS:

• Lead the development of a comprehensive and prioritized multi-departmental workplan to attain strategic goals.
• Develop familiarity with the GilroyConnect program, and analyze and recommend improvements, in consultation with other departments, to the City's responses to service requests across all departments.
• Manage a consultant-based assessment project for the Recreation Division and implement process and operational improvements as determined through the assessment process.
• Review emergency management protocols, Emergency Operations Center readiness, and interdepartmental coordination to ensure the City is positioned to respond effectively to emergencies and critical incidents.
• Support the newly appointed City Administrator with special projects and manage assigned divisions within Administration.

IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL:

• Demonstrate sound judgment in complex, sensitive, and politically aware environments, with the ability to assess risk and determine appropriate action.
• Have experience handling confidential and sensitive matters, including executive, labor, or personnel-related issues, with professionalism and restraint.
• Possesses a solid working understanding of local government operations, governance structures, and public administration practices.
• Operate effectively with minimal supervision, takes ownership of work, and bring forward well-reasoned recommendations rather than issues alone.
• Has successfully led or managed complex projects involving multiple departments, stakeholders, or external partners.
• Demonstrate experience preparing, monitoring, or analyzing budgets and financial data in support of executive or organizational decision-making.
• Has direct experience with contracts, grants, RFPs, and compliance requirements, including coordination with legal, finance, or external agencies.
• Communicate complex information clearly in both written and verbal formats, including staff reports, executive correspondence, and public presentations.
• Has experience representing senior leadership or an executive office in meetings with elected officials, boards, commissions, or community partners.
• Understand labor relations processes and the organizational impact of workforce-related decisions, with experience supporting analysis or negotiations.
• Demonstrate reliability, follow-through, and ethical conduct, while modeling professionalism and respect in all interactions.
• Has excellent writing and proofreading skills with a keen attention to detail.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, or a closely related field. Master's degree from an accredited college or university is highly desirable.
• Seven years of progressively responsible analytical and administrative experience in a local government agency, three years of which is at the advanced-journey level, and which included formal supervisory responsibilities.
• Advanced experience in utilization of computers including Microsoft Office Suite and other specialized software related to the work.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License and a safe driving record necessary to operate assigned vehicle(s).
• Willingness to continue education and training by learning new skills as changes occur. Expand skills by taking additional courses and attending seminars, workshops, and individual study.
• Pass a Department of Justice criminal record check and background check for employment.
• Pass any required pos-offer medical evaluation and/or drug screen.
• Prefer non-tobacco user.
• English/Spanish bilingual skills desired, but not required.

APPLICATION PROCESS

If you are interested in pursuing this exciting career opportunity please attach and submit the following required items with your NEOGOV application:

• A completed City of Gilroy online application including supplemental responses.
• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position with the City of Gilroy is required.
• A detailed resume focusing on relevant work experience and education is required.

City Application Form - Candidates must complete the NEOGOV City of Gilroy application form for this position and submit online. Please prepare attachments prior to completion of the NEOGOV application as incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Apply Online: Go to https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofgilroy. You can apply online by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link. After viewing the Job Description, click the 'Apply' tab. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can import your resume from LinkedIn, upload it from a saved document on your computer, or manually enter your personal information. This application will be saved and used to apply for future job openings.

Recruitment Schedule - Key Dates*

• Application Closing Date: February 17, 2026
• Oral Board: March 4, 2026
• Final Interviews: TBD
• Target Hire Date: April 1, 2026

(*Note: The examination process/schedule may be changed as needed by the City.)

Only complete application packets will be reviewed. Only the most qualified applicants with the most relevant experience and education will be invited to continue in the selection process. In addition, final candidates for the position are required to pass an employment background check, State of California Department of Justice criminal records check, medical evaluation, and drug screen, given at the City's expense, prior to appointment. If special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department right away 408-846-0228.

Attention: Communication regarding your status in this recruitment process will be conducted via e-mail. Be sure to include an e-mail address on the employment application. Applicants are responsible for notifying Human Resources of any changes to an e-mail address and/or other contact information.

THE CITY OF GILROY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND SUPPORTS WORKFORCE DIVERSITY.