Minnetonka, MN (pop. 53,777) is seeking an experienced municipal attorney, with a passion for public service, who is collaborative, approachable, and a skilled communicator to serve as its next city attorney. This is an exceptional opportunity to work with a community that is strategic, inclusive, committed to its employee-developed shared values and to a culture of innovation.
The ideal candidate is a proactive, forward-thinking legal leader who embraces change and promotes continuous improvement within the legal and governmental framework. They are a positive force for progress, navigating the evolving legal landscape and ensuring the legal department remains a dynamic and adaptable partner in shaping Minnetonka’s future.
The City of Minnetonka is a fully developed suburban community of more than 53,000 residents located eight miles west of Minneapolis. The city has an economically robust business community, including the headquarters of Cargill and UnitedHealth Group. It is also a key location for retailing, including Ridgedale Center, a 1.4 million square foot regional shopping center.
Minnetonka’s abundant natural surroundings and amenities give the community its unique character. More than 20 percent of the city’s land is wetlands and lakes, with more than 400 acres of maintained parkland in 50 parks; 105 miles of trails and sidewalks; and 1000 acres of natural public open spaces. The community includes regional recreation facilities, such as Lone Lake Park and the combined 27-mile Lake Minnetonka and Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Trails. The city also owns and operates the Williston Fitness Center.
Minnetonka is a home-rule charter city governed by the council-manager form of government. The mayor and six-member city council appoint the city manager, who oversees eight departments: administration, community development, finance, fire, legal, police, public works, and recreation. The city has three collective bargaining units.
The city maintains a strong financial position with a 2024 expenditure budget of $51.2 million. The city has 316 full time and regular part-time employees, 71 paid on call firefighters and over 500 seasonal, temp, flex and on-call employees. The legal department has a staff of 7 FTEs, including an associate attorney and an assistant attorney, with a total of $1.1 million in operating expenditures for 2024.
Reporting directly to the city manager, the city attorney is responsible for all legal matters involving the city and directing the day-to-day operations of the legal department. The city attorney provides legal advice and representation on civil matters to the city’s staff, elected, and appointed officials, and ensures that legal services are provided in a timely, cost-effective, competent and ethical manner.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong breadth of civil municipal law, with experience representing cities, and lead with integrity, fostering a supportive team environment. They should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to build a foundation of trust with staff and city council. Additionally, they must demonstrate sound judgment and both critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities to tackle complex legal issues.
Candidate Qualifications:
- A commitment to and belief in the organization’s shared values.
- Juris Doctorate and over six (6) years’ experience practicing municipal law or a related field.
- Candidates must be licensed or able to be licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
- Sound knowledge of United States and Minnesota constitutional law, Minnesota rules of court and rules on lawyer’s professional responsibility.
- Sound knowledge of data practices law.
- Experience in local government operations.
- A public service orientation.
- Meets high ethical standards.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience supervising other lawyers in a public sector environment.
- Some knowledge of Minnesota law in employment and criminal fields.
The 2024 salary range is $168,048 to $200,658, with an expected hiring range of $168,048 to +/-$173,089, DOQ. Additional annual compensation could include up to $500 plus 2.5% of salary for organizational and departmental performance. The city council will be approving the 2025 salary structure in December.
Apply by December 1, 2024, with résumé, cover letter, and contact information for five (5) professional references. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Pam Dmytrenko, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter, at Tel: 612-747-7714 or Charlene Stevens, MGT Senior Vice President, at Tel: 320-262-0303. Interviews with the City of Minnetonka are expected to take place in early-January 2025.
The City of Minnetonka is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024
Posted: 2024-10-30