09.e2 b Brochure Scandia Administrator SearchSCANDIA, MINNESOTA
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
THE COMMUNITY
Scandia is known as an historic rural community, conveniently located on the eastern edge of the Minneapolis/
St. Paul metropolitan area in northern Washington County. The city is proud of its rich heritage and as a place
where the first Swedish immigrants to Minnesota settled. With a population of 4,159 scattered throughout the
community’s 39.7 square miles, Scandia’s residents have a scenic abundance of lakes, woodlands, and farms
along with low density residential development. The Village Center is literally and figuratively the charming
center of the community with local landmarks, cultural and civic activities including Gammelgarden, a museum
dedicated to the history of Swedish immigrants in Minnesota.
While claiming its historic roots, Scandia has also recently leveraged grants and partnerships to bring high speed
internet to approximately 70% of the community or 1,169 connections. This makes Scandia a great place for
work-from-home, remote education, and business.
Infrastructure needs will be front of mind for the next City Administrator, as there is a large sewer replacement
project in the works as well as several capital improvements. These include a joint alliance to repurpose an
historic water tower and barn into a history and heritage center and linking the Gateway Trail between the
Village Center and William O’Brien State Park.
The city prides itself on the opportunities for recreation, including seven parks, adjacency to the St. Croix
River and Big Marine Lake Park Reserve, and William O’Brien State Park. The city maintains active and passive
open space for all needs. In addition to the 18- acre Scandia Community Center site, Wind in the Pines Park
is thought to be one of the most diverse ecological areas left in Washington County by the Minnesota DNR.
With over 2,200 acres of parks and preserve, there is something for everyone. Scandia also offers numerous
community special events, such as Vinterfest in January, Immigrant for a Day in May, an active Farmers Market,
Midsommer Dag in June, and Taco Daze in September – just to name a few!
Scandia is served by two school districts, Forest Lake (ISD 831) and Chisago Lakes (ISD 2144), and The Scandia
Elementary Enrichment Foundation (SEEF) brings the resources of the community, private sector, and school
system together. The foundation manages an endowment to benefit the school, annually disbursing five percent
or more of their net assets to programs and equipment at Scandia Elementary. The Scandia-Marine Lions Club
is the oldest and one of the most active in the state of Minnesota. The community also has active engagement
with five advisory committees which are vital to the work and vibrancy of the city.
SCANDIA, MINNESOTA • CITY ADMINISTRATOR
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THE POSITION AND THE ORGANIZATION IN BRIEF
The City Administrator is accountable to the mayor and city council and in charge of day-to-day city operations
including development of a comprehensive budget, leading a staff of seven, and being a trusted representative
of the city in the community and with stakeholders. The city staff is made up of three staff who assist with
finance, city clerk, and other responsibilities; four public works staff in charge of 90 miles of city roads; and
a paid-on-call fire department with a full-time chief. Police coverage is provided through a contract with
Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The city had an all-funds budget of $2.8 M and a general fund budget of
$2.1 M for 2023.
The City Council of Scandia is comprised of one mayor and four council members. The mayor is elected at
large for a two-year term. Council Members are elected for four-year staggered terms. The City Council is the
legislative body for the city. The city administrator is appointed by the mayor and council and oversees daily
operations and implementation of adopted council priorities and plans.
EXPECTATIONS AND PROJECTS
The next city administrator will have the opportunity to be involved in the following initiatives:
• Developing a funding strategy for repair of the Big Marine Sewer Utility infrastructure project, as well as a
long-term operational strategy for the same.
• Advocating for the completion of the Gateway Trail link for which the city has received state funding.
• Partnering with the Scandia Alliance to reconstruct a water tower barn to recreate as a history/heritage
center with amphitheater.
• Playing an active role in the city’s economic development initiatives, including supporting current business
needs and judicious recruitment of businesses sought in the community.
• Develop more opportunities for community engagement and education, including the expansion of the city’s
website and social media presence.
• Be active and visible in the community, building strong partnership with the business community, community
volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Review, assess and update as necessary the city’s human resources policies and procedures, supporting
continued growth and development of the organization’s employees.
• Continue to support the city’s investment and partnership in high-speed internet expansion
• Continue to grow the city’s Sister City relationship with Melerud, Sweden.
• Review and assess the city’s long term financial plans, including identifying opportunities for new revenues.
• Continue to assist the city in ensuring updated planning and zoning codes that maintain community
standards and encourage appropriate development.
• Ensure the effective coordination and resolution of code enforcement complaints.
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CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
• A Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration,
urban studies, community development or a related field; A
master’s degree is desirable.
• A minimum of five years of progressive leadership
experience in municipal administration.
• Skilled in finance, budgeting, prioritization, and project
management.
• Knowledgeable in human resources management and labor
relations.
• Skilled in collaboration and team building with a variety of
groups and individuals.
• Experienced and knowledgeable in all aspects of municipal
operations, including zoning and code enforcement.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL BE:
• A calm, effective communicator, and active listener, open to
input, yet willing to be decisive as needed.
• An experienced and assured leader able to effectively
cultivate relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Able to identify opportunities, including technology to
improve efficiencies and service to the community.
• Anticipatory and able to communicate complicated issues
in a clear, factual, and concise manner.
• A strong leader, able to leverage the expertise and
knowledge of the team.
• Able to organize, prioritize and manage multiple projects
and provide regular updates to stakeholders, including
elected officials and community members.
• Strategic about capital investment philosophy, ensuring
the long term-financial viability of the community while
being sensitive to the impact on the taxpayer.
• Experienced with assisting the mayor and council in
planning for community and organizational growth.
• Maintain the city’s strong intergovernmental relations to
leverage resources to best meet community needs.
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COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The starting salary range is $110,000 to $130,000 DOQ. The City of Scandia
provides a comprehensive benefit package.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should apply online by January 31, 2023 with resume,
cover letter and contact information for five work-related references at www.
govHRJobs.com to the attention of Charlene Stevens, Senior Vice President,
cstevesns@govhrusa.com and/or Melanie Lee, Vice President, mlee@govhrusa.
com, GovHRUSA 630 Dundee Road, #225, Northbrook, IL 60062. Tel: (847) 380-
3240 X124. Interviews with the City of Scandia are anticipated for late February or early March of 2023.
The City of Scandia, MN is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT
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