Wanted: Town Operations Director

The “help wanted” sign is out at Town Hall. Westport is looking for its 1st-ever operations manager.

A press release says the new guy (or gal) will report directly to the 1st selectman. He (or she) “will work with all Town departments to achieve operational efficiency, improve government effectiveness, enhance and expand communications, develop strategies to accomplish disaster recovery objectives, and seek out and develop economic development opportunities.”

Candidates must have “considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal administration; knowledge of public personnel and finance methods and procedures; ability to perform research and prepare technical reports on all aspects of municipal government operations; and knowledge of Emergency Management methods and procedures.”

An MBA, masters in public administration or a closely related field, and 5 years of “progressively responsible municipal experience, or any equivalent combination of education and experience,”  is preferred.  Candidates should also have a “strong knowledge of Westport and town government operations.”

A 5-person committee will interview candidates, and make a recommendation to 1st selectman Jim Marpe. The chair is Pete Wolgast, former 1st selectman executive assistant. Other members include Westport personnel director Ralph Chetcuti, communications specialist Karen Hess, former Board of Education chair Don O’Day, and senior corporate executive Steve Parrish.

Marpe calls the operations director “an extremely important member of my team, whose work will directly benefit the town of Westport and its residents.”

For more information or to apply, email personnel@westportct.gov, or go to Room 208 of Town Hall. The application deadline is May 20.