Borough Manager

Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, BOROUGH OF PHOENIXVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA Seeking Its Next Borough Manager A community rooted in history, driven by momentum and filled with promise for the future. Population: 20,356 | ˜ 4 Square Miles | Chester County, Pennsylvania Lead the next chapter of one of southeastern Pennsylvania's most distinctive communities From its origins along the Schuylkill River and French Creek, through its transformation from a nationally significant iron-making center to a vibrant, walkable, reinvigorated borough, Phoenixville has repeatedly demonstrated an unusual capacity to reinvent itself without losing its identity. Today, a population of more than 20,000 lives in a compact ˜4-square-mile community that combines historic neighborhoods, an energetic downtown, established residential areas, public amenities, growing development activity and a robust sense of civic identity. The Borough now seeks its next Borough Manager , a seasoned municipal executive who can translate community ambition into disciplined execution, build trust across a highly engaged community, and help Phoenixville manage growth while protecting the qualities that make the borough special. This is an opportunity for a manager to influence the future of a community experiencing real growth and who enjoys being deeply connected to the work: working with Council on policy, coaching department leaders, engaging residents, navigating development proposals, managing consultants, protecting the Borough's financial position, advancing capital projects and finding practical solutions to complicated municipal challenges. Strategic and visionary leadership with the ability to translate Borough Council priorities into measurable operational plans and long-term outcomes • Strong working knowledge of the Pennsylvania borough operations, municipal codes, public-sector regulations and applicable state and federal requirements, with the ability to work with the Borough Solicitor to develop creative, lawful solutions to complex problems • Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including the ability to interpret complex information, assess risk, and recommend practical solutions • Thorough knowledge of public finance, budgeting and applicable laws, rules and regulations • Demonstrated success negotiating complex, multi-party agreements among stakeholders with competing interests, including developers, labor, businesses, nonprofits and other levels of government • Thorough knowledge of crisis management; planning for, responding to and recovering from emergencies affecting the community • Track record of launching first-of-their-kind initiatives and leading effectively through ambiguity, balanced with sound risk evaluation and fiscal responsibility • Experience advancing environmental sustainability, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, electrification or green infrastructure projects • Demonstrated record of identifying, mentoring and developing staff and building organizational bench strength • Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage elected officials, employees, residents, businesses, community organizations, media representatives, and government partners with professionalism and credibility • Proficient in using data and technology, including standard office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Powerpoint; working knowledge of Graphic Information System (GIS) and government financial and budgeting software • Proven social media literacy with skills to evaluate digital content, responsibly manage communication channels, and monitor for misinformation • High degree of discretion, diplomacy, ethical conduct, and sound judgment when managing sensitive, confidential, or politically complex matters • Provide executive leadership and administrative oversight for Borough operations, ensuring municipal services are delivered effectively, efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with Borough Council’s goals • Lead strategic planning efforts related to Borough facilities, infrastructure, downtown vitality, utilities, land use, sustainability, and long-term capital investments • Serve as principal advisor to Borough Council by preparing recommendations, presenting operational and financial analyses, and supporting informed policy and decision-making • Advance community priorities: -Environmental stewardship; lead implementation of Council’s clean energy commitment (100% clean electricity by 2035 and 100% renewable energy for heat and transportation by 2050), reduce, reuse, recycle, and advance the Borough’s Sustainable Pennsylvania certification -Social inclusion; ensure residents have access to services and opportunities -Economic resilience; support shop local initiatives, promote economic growth -Strategic land use; facilitate walkability and optimize green space • Promote public trust through transparent communication, proactive problem-solving, and timely responses to resident inquiries, complaints, grievances and community concerns • Serve as Borough Secretary; attend Council meetings and ensure accurate, complete and timely records and minutes of proceedings • Attend committee meetings; provide professional analysis, operational insight and recommendations to prepare matters for Council’s consideration • Represent the Borough at public meetings, community events, media engagements, intergovernmental discussions and professional forums • Develop, recommend, and implement policies, procedures, and operational improvements that strengthen service delivery, compliance, fiscal stewardship, and organizational effectiveness, including modernizing Borough codes and ordinances to achieve Council’s goals • Directly and indirectly lead non-police personnel, providing organizational guidance, performance accountability, and support for a productive, value-driven workplace culture • Identifies, mentors and develops high-potential staff; builds succession plans and leadership capacity across all departments • Collaborate closely with the Mayor, Solicitor, Engineer, Auditor, Actuary, Tax Collector and Chief of Police, department heads and other municipal partners to support coordinated operations • Negotiates complex agreements on behalf of the Borough, including development agreements, public-private partnerships and intergovernmental agreements; builds coalitions among residents, businesses and community organizations • Prepare and present the annual budget in coordination with the Finance Director and department heads; monitor financial performance and support responsible resource allocation • Negotiate and administer collective bargaining agreements as the primary liaison between Borough Council and the bargaining team • Coordinate compensation and salary administration in partnership with the Human Resources Director and ensure adherence to applicable personnel policies and procedures • Review and approve purchase requisitions and serve as an authorized check signer • Identify grant opportunities and oversee the preparation, submission, implementation and administration of grant funded initiatives, including county, state and federal funding for infrastructure, sustainability and community development • Partner with the Public Works Director to develop and maintain a Capital Improvement Plan that supports current and future infrastructure needs • Serves as Borough Right-to-Know Officer by receiving, tracking, and responding to public records requests in accordance with applicable law • Participate in professional associations, meetings and conferences to maintain knowledge of best practices, emerging trends, and regulatory developments affecting municipal government • Perform other related duties as assigned or required to support the effective operation of the BoroughBachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, political science, planning, finance or a closely related field; master’s degree preferred • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible administrative experience in local government, municipal operations, public administration, or a related public agency, including at least 3 years in management or executive leadership capacity • An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered • Ability to be bonded and maintain a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license throughout employment Qualified candidates, please submit cover letter and resume to HR@phoenixville.org. The first review of resumes will be October 19, 2026 . Position remains open until filled. EEO For full job description, please visit Phoenixville.org Borough Manager