City Attorney - City of Grand Rapids

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

City Attorney City of Grand Rapids

MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE

City Attorney CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS The City of Grand Rapids is a vibrant, exciting and diverse community. It is the second largest city in the State of Michigan with a population of just under 200,000. Grand Rapids is located in west central Michigan, roughly 30 miles east of Lake Michigan, and is considered the urban center for the region. The Grand River, a major state waterway, runs through the center of downtown. The city is the county seat with a population over 600,000 and is the core city of a metropolitan area exceeding 1,000,000 in population. The city’s population increased 4.01% from 1980 to 1990 and 4.59% from 1990 to 2000 and was one of the few large midwestern cities to record such growth. The city encompasses 45 square miles. The City of Grand Rapids is seeking a proven professional for the position of City Attorney. The position requires graduation from law school and ten years of experience as a practicing attorney, five years of which must be in municipal law work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Supervisory experience is required. The salary range is $112,450 - $143,518 per year plus an excellent benefit package.

 POPULATION 192,294

 SIZE

45 SQ MI

 DEPT BUDGET

$22 MILLION

 SALARY RANGE $112,450 - $143,518

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MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE

 THE COMMUNITY Over 2,000 years ago, the Hopwell Indians known for their large burial mounds, occupied the Grand River Valley. About 300 years ago, the Ottawa Indians moved into the area and lived in several villages along the river. When the British and French arrived, the Ottawa traded fur pelts for European metal and textile goods.

Grand Rapids has 67 parks. The Grand Rapids area is popular for sports and recreation activities yearround including skiing, hunting, camping, boating, golfing, and fishing. There are over 40 public golf courses located within a 45 minute drive of downtown. Lake Michigan charter boat salmon and lake trout fishing are available only 40 minutes away at the Lake Michigan shoreline. Within the city limits, salmon weighing up to 35 pounds are caught in downtown Grand Rapids during the spring and fall migrations up the Grand River. The general public can watch these migrating fish as they use the downtown fish ladder to negotiate the Sixth Street dam.

Louis Campau, a French trader, established a trading post here in 1826. Although he was not the first per- manent non-native settler (that distinction falls to Isaac McCoy, a Baptist minister, who arrived in 1825), Campau became perhaps the most important settler when, in 1831, he bought for $90 what is now the entire downtown business district from the federal government.

A highlight of the vibrant downtown area is the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum which is located on the Grand River and was constructed in honor of President Ford, who grew up and represented the area for many years in Congress prior to his presidency. President Ford is buried next to his Museum. In addition, the city has several community-based theaters, a public historical museum, an art museum, and the John Ball Zoo. On the riverbank, a stateof-the-art Public Museum showcases the cultural history of the area and contains a 50-foot diameter planetarium, a working antique carousel, and extensive educational facilities. The carousel platform extends over the Grand River and provides interesting views for residents and visitors using the city’s river walks at the water’s edge.

After an international exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876, Grand Rapids became recognized worldwide as a leader in production of fine furniture. Even today, Grand Rapids is considered the world leader in the design and manufacturing of office systems. Grand Rapids led the nation in 1945 when it became the first city in the United States to add fluoride to its drinking water. The city was first incorporated as a village in 1838. In 1850, it was incorporated as a home rule city under a mayor-council form of government and remained that way until 1916, when the council-manager form of government was adopted. Along with public and private K-12 school systems, the Grand Rapids area is home to ten four- year colleges and universities. West- ern Michigan University, Michigan State University, Ferris State University and the Thomas M. Cooley Law Schools are located within commuting distance of the city but have recently built campuses in downtown Grand Rapids. Grand Valley State University, located several miles west of the city, opened a downtown campus in 1988 on the banks of the Grand River and continues to expand its presence in the city. In addition to the variety of four-year universities, Grand Rapids is also home to Grand Rapids Community College, a popular two-year general and technical educational institu- tion. Michigan State University has recently opened a new Medical School in Grand Rapids.

The 12,000 seat, multi-purpose Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids was opened in October 1996. The arena draws thousands of local and regional visitors to its concerts, sporting, and community events. The large numbers of visitors consistently support many downtown restaurants and entertainment facilities. The arena is home to a minor league hockey team, the Griffins and the Grand Rapids Drive, an NBA D-League team. These teams supplement the West Michigan Whitecaps, a minor league baseball team which started in 1994 and plays at Fifth Third Park ten minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. DeVos Place, the $211 million downtown convention 3

MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE

 THE COMMUNITY (CONT) center , provides meeting rooms, an updated performing arts hall, a 685-space underground parking facility, a 162,000 square foot exhibition hall, a 40,000 sq. foot ballroom/exhibition hall, and various meeting spaces. The arts are alive and well in Grand Rapids. It has an excellent array of active music and cultural organizations such as the Grand Rapids Symphony and Grand Rapids Ballet Company. The city continues to be recognized for its annual "Artprize” international event. This large scale competition is international in scope and juried by the public. Artprize draws over 400,000 people during its two week span at the end of September. Grand Rapids has received the prestigious honor of being ranked 2nd on the World Class Communities list among cities of similar size. Just east of the city is Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park which is comprised of 125 acres of natural wetlands, woodlands, meadows and botanical gardens. This integration of horticulture and sculpture flows throughout the site, uniquely blending both art and nature, setting it apart from other more traditional botanic gardens or art museum experiences. Frederik Meijer Gardens has grown to become an international destination in a short span of time.

The quilted fabric of Grand Rapids’ neighborhoods is the cornerstone of quality residential living. Grand Rapids has over 20 distinct neighborhood areas that are rich with a diversity of people, culture and urban living. The last decade has brought a renewed growth and vibrancy which serves as a draw towards these neighborhoods and active urban living. The heart of the city is crossed by two major limited access highways that connect the City with the state and federal highway network. Rail service is provided by Amtrak, CSX, Grand Rapids Eastern, and Conrail. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport, located thirteen miles southeast of the central city and easily accessible by expressway, is served daily by United, American, Southwest, Allegiant Air, and Delta Connection. Greyhound, Megabus, and the Interurban Transit Partnership provide bus service. More than $2 billion of public-private investments have transformed Grand Rapids into a medical research and healthcare hub of the region. The cornerstones of the flourishing medical industry in downtown include Spectrum Health, the city’s largest employer; the Van Andel Research Institute, a cancer and molecular research and educational facility; the Lemmon-Holton Cancer Pavilion; Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; Mercy Health Care (including Lacks Cancer Center and the Hauenstein Center); the Women’s Health Center of West Michigan; Michigan State College of Human Medicine; and Grand Valley State University School of Nursing. These new developments surrounding the expansion of the medical industry have brought an increase of educated professional workers to the City. This growing number of professionals has spurred the growth of the dining and entertainment industries that now dot this very walkable city.

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 THE ORGANIZATION The City Attorney’s work is per- formed directly under the executive direction of the City Commission and provides legal guidance to the Commission and all departments. This leadership position works in teams with other members of top management when necessary.

The City Manager is hired by the City Commission to serve as the city’s Chief Executive Officer of the City and is responsible for the coordination of all city departments and for the execution of policies and programs set by the Commission. Greg Sundstrom, the present City Manager, has been with the city since 1986 and has served in that capacity since 2009. Mr. Sundstrom implemented major strategic initiatives to counter the economic downturn of the economy. Through his leadership, the City of Grand Rapids embarked upon a comprehensive transformation plan which has positioned the city to become both operationally and fiscally sustainable. The City Manager believes it is important for a municipal organization to demonstrate competency, integrity, and a respect for its citizens.

The City Attorney serves also as a key member of the City Manager’s advisors which provides him/ her the opportunity to contribute to the broader affairs of the community. As such, the City Attorney works closely with the Mayor, City Commissioners, the Deputy City Manager, top management staff, community stakeholders, and regional partners to provide the highest quality of services and to fulfill the commitment to improve the quality of life in the community. The successful candidate will have a proven ability and track record of providing effective direction and leadership, and be communityoriented.

The City of Grand Rapids is currently seeking a proven legal professional to lead a department of employees. The department has a budget of over $2 million dollars and has staff in all areas of the community.

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 THE POSITION Duties and Responsibilities • Administers the operations and staff of the department • Plans, organizes, and directs the programs and activities of the law department • Assigns, prioritizes, and evaluates the work of employees in the department • Prepares and administers the annual budget and work plan for the department • Work with departments on legal issues rela tive to their local, state, and federal agencies which they deal work with on a regular basis • Reviews operations, makes assignments, and applies effective legal policies, practices, and procedures • Meets with civic groups and community orga nizations worth media personnel, and re sponds to media inquiries • Assures that proper legal standards are main tained and that the work of the law office is carried out properly and effectively • Prepares correspondences, reports, and sum maries related to the work • Develops and implements policies and staff development for the department • Attends a variety of meetings with the Mayor, City Manager, City Commissioners, other city staff, and the general public on matters re lated to the legal concerns or matters involvi ng the city • Represents the department in providing infor mation to the various media outlets • Performs other related duties as assigned

Necessary Skills and Abilities • Supervisory and leadership experience • Public speaking skills in settings that include the City Commission, general public, organi zations, associations, the media, and other audiences • Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations • Knowledge of city ordinances • Collaborative and cooperative style with the ability to work well with the City Manager, Deputy City Managers, Top Management and supervisors in city departments, and regional partners • Respectful and supportive of City Commis sioners • Respectful and supportive of Top Manage ment and City staff • Effective verbal and written communication skills at all levels of the organization • Exceptional problem solving skills • Creativity and the ability to innovate • A willing and effective listener • Able to work effectively under pressure and be decisive • Goal and task oriented • Meets deadlines • Ability to manage a variety of issues at the same time • Demonstrated ability to sustain both personal and team performance • Willingness and ability to work in team set tings • Effective media skills • Ability to develop staff capacity • Integrity and honesty

Minimum Training and Experience Requirements • Possession of a juris doctorate • License to practice law in the State of Michi gan • Ten years of experience as a practicing attor ney, five of which must be in municipal law • Valid Michigan driver's license

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MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE

 ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES Grand Rapids is a dynamic city, currently working on a number of new initiatives. The new City Attorney should be mindful of:

• Providing leadership that promotes the values of the department, including the high standards of behavior defined in the Oath of Office and Manual of Conduct • Supporting a collaborative relationship with the community and other city agencies as partners in a community-oriented government • Working with diverse communities of neighborhood associations, businesses, residents, city staff, and regional partners to deliver critical solutions for legal problems or issues • Providing support and leadership in all of these areas to assist the city in achieving its organiza tional goals • Provide key legal assistance and guidance to continue the valuable partnership with institutions like the higher education college and universities, the Grand Rapids Public Schools, and other re gional, state, and federal partner • Continuing the development of a talented, well-trained, and professional law department that is capable of providing internal and external leadership results with a diverse group of employees, community partners, and other organizations

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 APPLICATION PROCESS APPLY BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS MAY 17, 2016 Please submit resume, cover letter, salary history, consent form, and five professional references to: [email protected], Subject Line: Grand Rapids Search OR mail to: Michigan Municipal League, ATTN: Grand Rapids, 1675 Green Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Questions can be directed to MML Executive Recruiter Jeff Mueller at [email protected] or (248) 7893080. Candidates desiring confidentiality of their interest, as allowed for and provided by Michigan law, must indicate such in a separate subject line above the body of the cover letter. This search is conducted by an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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