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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-08-31 Select Board Packet 1 | P a g e REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS EXECUTIVE RECRUITING CONSULTANT For the Town of Reading Town Manager 2 | P a g e INTRODUCTION & PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Town of Reading Select Board is seeking quotes from qualified executive search consultants to work with the Board and the Town in the recruitment and selection of an exceptional candidate for the position of Town Manager for the Town of Reading. SCHEDULE AND TIME LINE The Select Board will award the executive search consultant contract by September 21, 2021 and prefers to execute a contract with a new Town Manager by January 15, 2022. The following information is specifically required: 1. Name and address of applicant, telephone/fax numbers and e-mail address. 2. Brief résumé of principals and of the staff to be assigned to the Project. 3. List of completed projects that would best illustrate qualifications for the Project. 4. Three references for projects of a similar or larger scope, size and complexity, with contact name, title and telephone number of the person who can speak to the quality of SCOPE OF WORK The consultant shall: 1. Meet with the Select Board approximately five times and the Screening Committee approximately five times, with additional meetings as may be necessary, during the course of the contract; 2. Prepare, in consultation with and approval by the Select Board, a plan for the search, recruitment, and selection of a qualified candidate for the position of Town Manager; 3. Meet with community stakeholders and facilitate a community listening session as outlined in the timeline (providing a virtual option), soliciting community input in advance of finalizing an ideal candidate profile to inform that profile and to inform the Select Board and Screening Committee on the qualities, strengths, and characteristics of candidates they envision for the Town Manager; 4. Review the Town Charter, the Town’s General Bylaws, and the Select Board’s policies governing the selection, appointment, and duties of the Town Manager; 5. Assist in establishing a profile of the desired candidate, reflecting the qualities and attributes the Select Board believes the Town Manager should possess; 6. Create a profile for the Town of Reading that encompasses the uniqueness of the community, demographics, financial stability, commitment to sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion, strong sense of volunteerism, and form of government; 3 | P a g e 7. Develop a plan to advertise the position using regional and national means and prepare advertisements for publication, including but not limited to utilizing the consultant’s network of local government professionals to recruit qualified individuals that match the established candidate profile of this position, designed to attract a diverse and qualified applicant pool; 8. Directly receive all applications and resumes; 9. Assist the Screening Committee in reviewing applications, including providing guidance in areas of human resources best practices and legal requirements; 10. Assist the Screening Committee in vetting and interviewing candidates, including development of questions, essays, and scenarios, as determined by the Screening Committee, and selecting a few candidates to move forward for interviews before the full Select Board; 11. Assist the Select Board, collectively and individually, in preparing for and conducting interviews of candidates; 12. Conduct a full reference and background check of the finalists prior to any interview by the full Select Board; 13. Potentially schedule and coordinate site visits to an applicants’ current community; 14. Assist the Select Board and Town Counsel in negotiating and drafting of employment agreement and terms and conditions with the finalist, up to and including acceptance of an Employment Agreement by the selected candidate; 15. Provide sufficient notification to all candidates who applied but were not selected for initial interviews and for those interviewed but not offered the position; 16. Make every effort to successfully complete the requirements of this Contract by January 15, 2022; 17. At all times in an attentive, ethical, and responsible manner so as to represent the Town of Reading with the utmost concern for its interests, goals and image with candidates, other communities, and members of the general public; and 18. Conduct other related tasks as may be requested by the Select Board. The Select Board reserves the right to not hire any of the candidates provided by the consultant. The Select Board reserves the right to hire a candidate not recommended or provided by the consultant. 4 | P a g e TIMELINE: Potential Timeline • September 14, 2021: Consultant meets with Select Board and discuss process and timeline. • By October 7, 2021: Consultant meets individually with Select Board Members, Screening Committee, Town Manager, Department Heads, and employees, and facilitates a community listening session. • October 12, 2021: Consultant meets with Select Board to review profile of ideal candidate. • October 2021: Consultant advertises position and begins recruitment. • November and December 2021: Consultant meets with Steering Committee to review potential applicants and conduct interviews. • December 2021: Consultant meets with Select Board to review applicants and conduct interviews. • December 2021 and January 2022: Consultant assists Select Board and Town Counsel in negotiating Employment Agreement with finalist. • January 15, 2022: New Town Manager begins work. The Town desires that the Consultant make every effort to bring this process to completion by January 15, 2021. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS Consultants shall have been in the business of providing recruitment services for a minimum of (3) three years. The Lead consultant shall have successfully completed a similar process for the selection of at least (3) three similar positions such as Town Manager or Town Administrator.